There are fish all over. Personally I usually get to at least cheanuh but your plan could work out great. I think the fishing is a lot better then gets reported anyone asking how the fishing is needs to get out there and see what's going on out of 50 boats maybe 1 will report here.
Good luck when you go no matter where you launch from you'll have a shot at (releasing) a beauty.
Yea I hear ya. Tight lipped bunch around here though.
Edit: besides a select few.
I think the fishing is a lot better then gets reported
this halibut season i converted to only circle hooks. i hooked 8 halibut and lost not a single one. the circle hooks were fully engaged and they were all lip hooked. the trick is to leave your rod in the holder and wait for the pull down, give the reel a crank and see if the fish is there, then go to work. my hooks of choice are owner 10/0 5178s. the wire is just the right size and they are razor sharp right out of the package. give'um a try and get those J and octupus hooks out of your kit bag.