Aywhere in the aft 1/3 of the boat should be fine. Keep in mind that you'll want to be able to stand aft of your wires. This will avoid tangles with the release and you having to lean out further over the side. Additionally, visualize where you would think your wires would be at a 45 degreee turn if you had to turn. Not only does this keep the wires out of the prop, but keep you out of the way of all them knuckleheads [at Pt Defiance..]. Not to mention you may want to work a bait ball. Turning sharper than normal will put you back in the area a lot quicker.

Lastly....as far as rod holder placement. The further forward you can get them, the better. By putting the rods forward of the downrigger, you will be creating less bow in the mono and a shorther distance in slack line once the fish comes off the release...

Strong tides and rips... Avoid them period...
You're setting yourself up for failure from the get go. Not only are these spot generally void of Blackmouth, but if you hang up on the bottom in a strong tide, there big trouble brewing for you and the folks onboard...