Bottom fishing in the sound

Now that salmon season is over, I'm going to be bottom fishing in the sound when I go out.  Not necessarily because I like bottom fish, but because it's basically the only kind of fishing in saltwater where I regularly get fish.  I have some questions about saltwater fishing in general, but I hope people will chime in if they have advice or suggestions.

-In shallower water (-100 feet), I use 3/4 - 1oz painted jigs with 3 in gulp minnows, or plastic grubs with scent.  I bounce them gently on the bottom and twitch until I get bites.  Usually flounder..

-If the current is strong, or I'm in deeper water (100-150ft), i'll use 2/4/6 oz jigs with a chunk of brined herring.  I'll let it hit bottom, bounce it once or twice, then let it sit for a minute or 2 until I get a bite.  Or, if no bite, bounce it one or 2 more times, then let it sit again.  This seems to be dynamite for dogfish.  Dogfish are fun to fight, but since I'm not eating them, it seems like I could be spending my time and bait more wisely.

-I've tried casting jigs with plastic grubs around docks and pilings, but all I seem to get are snags and weeds.

Does anyone have any suggestions to expand my repertoire?  I'd like to fish for rockfish, but I need to find a marine area that is open for them that I can get to in a reasonable driving distance from the Tacoma area (1-1/ 1/2 hour drive one way).  I have no idea where to go to target them other than just driving to an open area, finding a launch, and going for it.

What about ideas for different fish species from Seattle down to Olympia?  I routinely paddle up 7 or 8 miles round trip for salmon, if that helps with an idea of capability.  What other fish can I target, and how do I do it?

I hope this isn't too broad of a topic, and I look forward to seeing your suggestions.

Flounder is your only legal option, and maybe cabezon the majority of the year. There is no legal retaining of rockfish anywhere near Tacoma and its illegal to fish depths greater than 120 feet. Lingcod is open on the spring for 45 or 60 days.

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And devil doc, you're prior service? Keep your eyes open for South sounders going on trips, also, check HOW Nwest on Facebook.

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