I would suggest using some sort of chum bag. If you start tossing chum all around, you may just feed the fish to the point where they won't be hungry enough to hit your line.
Yes it will increase your hits. Make sure you are fishing IN THE CHUM .Watch where it drifts and where it is going with the tide and current. Too many guys chum up a spot at their feet and then cast way out while the fish are feeding in close WHERE THE CHUM IS.