Skipper's bang on, when they are feeding an active presentation is usually successful but when they turn a bit negative due to many factors dead baiting can be the way to go.
I have had luck deadbaiting pike in the winter with artificial lures like large Berkley salamanders, tubes and the wildeye swimbaits made by Storm in the 4" 6" sizes.
I haven't tried it yet but for really big pike the 9'' size would work.
This time of year presenting large artificials under a large slip float and tipping the hook with a chunk of smelt or other oily fish for added scent can't hurt.
The combination of sight, smell and jigging of the slip float in the waves should trigger some pike.
Good luck with them.