Make your own sand spikes, I do mine.
Take a length of metal pipe( 3/4” or so) and attach a couple feet of pvc to it with a couple of stainless fasteners)
The metal pipe goes into the sand a lot easier than the pvc ones.
I like the heavier pipe for mine.

And yes, fish bites( or gulp baits) will save your day many times.

Like have been said, get a 7-8’ spinning outfit with 10-20# braid and use it to cast the goofy jigs while waiting for the bait rods to produce. You’ll catch a lot of variety on those goofy jigs. I opt for 1/8 and 1/4 oz ones.