Dogfish are actually pretty interesting critters and like most shark species have experienced significant population declines.

They can be long lived often living for 50 or more years (the oldest fish are older than most anglers catching them) and late maturing (typically teenagers). In that respect like sturgeon.

The females give birth to live "pups"; usually 4 to 6 per pregnancy. The gestation period for the pregnant female is 20 or more months. As with most long lived species with low reproductive rates dogfish can be vulnerable to over exploitation.

The dogfish here in Puget Sound are part of the larger north Pacific population which is depressed. Puget Sound is a major birthing grounds of the species which accounts for the relatively high abundance we encounter here (lucky us -lol) in spite of the over all population numbers being down.

After learning more about this species it is clear they deserve some respect when we encounter them. When I hook one I use the pliers to remove the hook is it is easily accessible otherwise I just cut the leader without bring the fish into the boat.

Curt