From shore, fishing slip floats will allow you to fish a variety of depths with your baits plus allow you a way to find out how deep the water is. (if the float doesn't stand up, you're set too deep)
Swimming jigs is good option too. Casting out and letting the jig fall (about 1 ft per second w/1/16 oz jig) say for 4 seconds (or 4' deep), start slow retrieve, try casting several directions. Next try a 7 count (or 7' deep) Give that a few tries in several directions, then maybe a 10 count. If your jig stops falling you'll then know the depth of the water and you can fish just above that depth. Not only will this check the water column for fish but it will help to you learn the waters you fish.
Jig and cork is also a good method to fish from shore. Set cork at a variety of depths and slowly twitch the bait or slowly pull the bait in. Use different speeds and pauses to see what the fish want.
Use smaller floats when/if you use them, they're simply more responsive to light hits.
The learning is half the fun in fishing.
If you want to use live bait, try minnows on slip floats fishing variety of depths and locations until you start getting some action.