I rarely use bait anymore but I mainly target flathead. I seem to do better than the bait guys fishing around me. I've caught enough bycatch on the softies to keep me satisfied as well. Not too many fish in estuaries that you can't catch on them. Plus it's much more interesting and educational when you actively hunt for your fish instead of hoping one swims past your bait (if you just soak them like most bait fishos I know)
I do use live baits (pike, herring etc) occasionally when chasing something bigger just to mix it up.
Surf fishing is mostly bait for me.
Cheers
Gurn