Zac,
You can get your permit at
http://www.nmfspermits.com/ IIRC its $26. Success rates vary all over the lot. Some days its constant action other days all you catch is a buzz and some rays. You are only allowed to keep one fish a day, on the bluefins. A 19 footer is marginal on most days, if I were you I wouldn't go unless it was a really peachy forecast. You're probably better off hooking up with someone who has a bigger boat.