Pilchards are usually spotted by sight in the water, on the surface, or deeper in the water column using a sounder. Once located, you can either use a sabiki or cast net.
Pinfish are usually found over grass flats 2-6 feet deep or deeper. Anchor or slow drift, and chum. I use "hair hooks" (extra small long shank hooks) tipped with tiny pieces of shrimp. You may want to use a small split-shot weight to keep your bait near the bottom.
Have you ever tried chumming for them. If not you should try Baitmaker its awesome at attracting bait-fish. You can either throw it out like you are feeding the fish and then cast of them or ball it up drop it down and sabiki on top of it.
