Yeah I know what you mean about dogfish, i probably have a good 100 under my belt (along with flounder). I would stay away from mooching herring personally that should keep ALOT of them doggies off, but not all. Do you have downriggers, I would try trolling or maybe a deep six. We used deep sixes at buoy 10 and outside and did great with them, but i haven't seen too many people use them in the sound, but it might be worth a try. just my .02