Where are you on the east coast, and what kind of fish are you reliably catching? I surf fish too in the Boston area. Reliably catch schoolie striped bass that are too short to legally keep, but it’s still quite fun nonetheless.
I am on the east central Florida coast. I follow the following schedule and adjust rigs/baits accordingly. A small network of surf fishing buddies is the best resource.
Late Sept/Oct.. Spanish Mackerel, Whiting (once in a while just for fun sharks, ladyfish, tarpon)
November...Schoolie Bluefish (for the smoker)
December/Jan/Feb/March/April...Mostly Pompano, Whiting, Southern Flounder, Bluefish
May/June....Leaping Spanish Mackerel !, Whiting
Summer....Rarely....Huge Kingfish (king mackerel) from my kayak.
I used to fish the inshore brackish waters for seatrout, snapper and sheepshead but I don't like the looks of it anymore. :(