I've done it with some success. I used 4 and 5 inch Big Hammers on 1/2 or 3/4 oz heads (usually 3/4 oz.). Use a reel/stop/hit bottom, reel/stop/hit bottom retrieve like I describe in my "Hammering Inshore Halibut" article (http://www.swimbait.com/halibut-wolf.htm) but on the pier lean over the rail and hold the rod down. Yeah, I know, it's not the perfect hook setting position but trust me on this one. The closer you can get the rod tip to the water the better (even a few feet helps). When you get bit slowly reel keeping very light pressure on the fish while bringing the rod tip slowly up. Once you get just past horizontal (and the fish is still there) swing.

You can fish regularly (holding the more horizontally) and it'll work. I just found this method to work a little better.

As for colors check out the "Inshore Halibut Kits" here:
http://www.swimbait.com/kits.htm