Obviously all of those baits will get bit. The biggest problem for most guys is that they don't have confidense from the beach unless they can bomb out atleast 1/2 their spool. The Miki's flat out LAUNCH and stay on target (if the cast can aim). The Pencil Poppers are almost as good for both distance and accuracy, but they have the advantages of attracting a bigger grade of fish and the awe inspiring Top-water strikes they get.:7 The others don't cast quite so well and hence don't land quite so many. Of course I'm sure you've both figured these things out.
As for your misses on the PP, the times I've seen them work best was when they were walked down the face of waves and pulled when they weren't in the face. If that's to much of a hassle, just slow your cadence a little and keep it steady. Too many people get too excited and end up ripping them away from the fish. Hope this helps.
Tight lines,
Wade