As I said either somewhere in this forum
or in another, I just decide to go fishin' in the spring, then make sure I drive past some sections of beach. If I see "wakes" or fish breaking where I can cast, or seagulls wheeling and diving to grab a quick meal, I fish the surf.
If not, then I continue on my way to my "backup" - a stream where the last of the steelie runs and dropbacks are still in stream.
That way, I get to fish for available fish, and at "peak" times. It's a "here today, gone tomorrow" situation, depending on temp., spawning runs of forage fish, offshore wind direction, etc. BUT, and that's a big BUT, it's mostly surface and shallow-water action. In fact, I think a SINKING line or tip would be a detriment in the spring.
And don't think that the best fishing occurs around trib outlets, either - you fish for 'em where the action is! And it MAY NOT BE around the trib outlets!!!
Flies that resemble alewives, smelt (and even shad in a pinch) usually will draw some strikes - and don't be afraid to try a white popper with a little flash added to "spice it up"! Now THAT'S exciting, when they hit on the surface! Tube "convertible" flies resembling minnows are a good option, too!
No, it's not rocket science - more like plain, old, ordinary "common sense". Yeah, Juro, use your eyes and "beach sense" like when striper fishing.... but just have a backup plan available in case they aren't inshore.
But even with all this planning and scheming, you are still liable to get skunked, unfortunately. And that's why it's called "fishing", and not "catching"! But it STILL beats working!
BobK