Welcome aboard Jason,
Well I guess the first tip it to lighten your drag a bit so you don't have to go running after your equipment...
I have been fishing that area for years now one thing you might want to try is getting your bait up off the sand. Either pick up some small corks or the clear small floats called bubbles. It will keep the bait our of the skates mouth at least, not so much the doggies.
What size hooks are you using? This time of year at night the smallest I will use are the 8/0's on average either 9's or 10/0's.
I am just coming off a sort of vacation and will be getting out there soon myself. I have a maroon Expedition with kayak racks on top and a cooler rack up front. If you see me coming try to get my attention as when I am out there I usually have tunnel vision a lot of the time.
Again Welcome Aboard
Happy Catching
Paul