Can anybody give me some bait ideas for fishing in the ocean. what kind of bait should i use when standing on shore (are there even big enough fish to catch from the shoreline on the beach) and what kind of bait to use while fishing off a pier. and just any other tips about fishing in the ocean/shoreline would be great. Thanks guys.

I ususally just use cut bait when surf fishing on a heavy bottom rig with two hooks and a one ounce wieght.  I saw a fellow catch this huge African Permit (maybe 20 pounds) on such a rig.

spoons, x-raps, top water depending on the weather. cut bait is very good too.