Fishing for halibut around SC/Capitola

I'm pretty new to halibut fishing and the 2 that I've caught in the past were undersized and accidental catches while rockfishing and drifting into sandy bottoms.

Planning on launching from SC harbor this Saturday and was hoping to target some butt and RF.  This will be on a boat btw.

Never fished for butts in this area so any tips or advice would be appreciated.   Thanks!

easy

Step 1 - Change Name to DC
Step 2 - there's no step 2

easy

Step 1 - Change Name to DC
Step 2 - there's no step 2

   If changing name will help, I'll do it in a heart beat 

drift the bottom with whole squid or baitfish. I like a leader about 2ft to either a sliding trap hook rig or a single treble hook.
when kayaking and trying to cover ground I try a slow paddle with a 3-way swivel rig and 6-8oz of weight depending on current. Bounceball setup but with less weight.
Or just bounce swimbaits on the bottom.

easy

Step 1 - Change Name to DC
Step 2 - there's no step 2

easy

Step 1 - Change Name to DC
Step 2 - there's no step 2

I figured Step 1 was mandatory.   

What depths should I be fishing around this time of the year?

Also, any general areas you guys might suggest trying?  How's that area by the cement ship?  That's one area on my list for that day.

Halibut are late in ariving this year. Maybe cool water?

go deep, 60-70fow.  Just paddle out to the mile buoy and keep goig for a while.  My best luck comes to the East of the mile buoy, but halibut can be anywhere out there.  right next to the buoy 9to the east) and inside towards blacks point, theres a bunch of little reefs with a bunch of rockfish on them right now.  Smae rig can be used for the rockfish, or switch to small shrimp fly jigs (white).

that's all I got.


Allen