Does anyone ever fish live shrimp in the surf? And if you do,how is the best way? Or should I just stick to the piers and he tried? Thank you all again.

You can also freeline them, or put a small sinker about 2 feet above the hook to keep them down far enough so the birds don't try to get it.

North winds help both.. but good info above. Yes by all means get off the pier. Fishing the beach isn't easy as there is tons of very similar structure all along it. The fish will follow the food and also utilize currents as much as possible.