I think the reason there's no fish checker is there's nothing to check! I've launched my boat at Redondo and haven't seen a checker there either. Tacoma seems to be the only place they're checking.
I saw a FB post this morning for Pete ( if you launch at W sea you know who I'm talking about) that said the fisheries test boat is struggling to find fish. There's some really good fisherman on that boat and they spend a lot of time I the water.

I think you're probably doing things right, it's just a tad slow at the moment. I'm new to the area as well and just trying to learn a little so that I'm ready when the fish start showing up in decent numbers. I'll post results when I get out this week.