I wouldn't say im a pro fisho and i certainly don't bag out, but I always come home with a feed so i'll try to help.
I generally decide upon a specific fish that im trying to target and do all of my research well in advance of the actual fishing trip. Once i've chosen my target, I look into what they prefer to bite on, the best possible rigs, and where they are. If possible I try a couple of days in advance to make a jetty trip to acquire fresh bait, usually squid or herrings. Ive found this to be the most successful way of catching fish, and if i dont get EXACTLY the target species im af