Fireguy,
If you keep reading this website plus check out salmonuniversity.com you will really improve your technique fast.

In response to your question I prefer fresh bait, but can't readily get it so frozen is what I used 90% of the time. The problem with frozen is it turns mushy after it thaws. To toughen it up I take a package of frozen herring (the night before fishing), put it in a zip lock bag, mini cooler or tupperware container, add a splash of water then generously cover with rock or pickling salt and let it thaw. The salty water sucks the moisture out of the skin and makes it tough. I suppose borax would do the same, but I have never tried. After fishing for the day I put it back in the freezer and use it again and again until its gone or the quality suffers.

My basic setup for coho is flasher (smeared with herring smelly jelly), 32" leader, hootchy with twinkle skirt and a small herring strip. I usually filet the herring and get approx 6 small strips from each side. My two top producing hootchies are white glow and green/white glow with blue splatters on the back. One day one works, the next day the other works. I also work different depths until I find fish. Once I find the depth and the best lure/bait combo I dial all my rods in. Remember to check your gear every 15/20 minutes for schmeg, shakers and bait.