Always anchovies .In past years I would go down to the North Jetty and jig for bait . Caught herring, smelt ,and sardines .and used them all .Wife and I had a double on once with fresh plug cut herring so yes herring works and I really like plug cut since its more forgiving than anchovies, just have to get a really tight spin on it . Have even caught some on a hoochie instead of a spinner bait . So who knows, Gold beach is a tough one to learn . The day I fished most of the guides were using straight bait .