Bait on Donegal bay

For my shore angling, I use mackeral for bait most of the time (when not spinning)- mainly because:
1. I can catch it in the Summer and keep it frozen for winter use.
2. I do not have time to dig for bait
3. Local supplies of other bait are difficult to get.
Am I missing out? Will other baits really make a difference? Or are technique/location/timing more important than bait type?

''are you missing out?'', most definitley! fish are opportunistic by nature but at certain times of year and during certain conditions they only look for one or two foods, for example when crabs are peeling in spring chances are thats what the fish are looking for in certain areas and nothing else.try and catch a flounder on katts strand on mack.also mackerel can be a bit clumsy on the hook when compared to a small blow lug or sandeel. fish like dabs can pick away at the soft flesh and most of the time not get hooked while a small lugworm will often get engulfed. its important to remember that every fish has its favorite bait. good luck.