Trying to yak fish!

[yakfishin]

Hey all just introducing my self, salutations. I bought a new to me Ocean Kayak 15' prowler(see pic) about a month ago. I'm fishing with some buddies out of O'side in the harbor, and needless to say haven't hooked into a big one yet. We're using mostly chovies and frozen squid. Trying to catch own bait but that doesn't seem to pan out either.
We're going to try and make it down to La Jolla or the SD bay when we get a chance, but we're googans so those trips are bigens to us. Any advice on bait, or tips much appriciated. I'm reading a lot but the only way to really figure it out is to get out there and do it. Last thing, where in NC is a good place to pump ghost shrimp. I know I know, nobody want's to give up there spots. Take care and look forward to meeting some of you.