Those drake pucks are a nice idea. I believe they deter seals. I've hooped the same area and have not had issues w/ seals. I've seen them in the water but they did not mess w/ the nets.
here is a thread on drake's bait pucks.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ht=drake+pucks
Thought about whether you'd make it out. I saw the fog roll in in around 3:30 and it got cold!