Renting a boat is one way to get out BTB. However, it is important to find a boat that is suitably equipped. Here are rental agencies that offer BTB-capable boats:

San Diego Area

Seaforth Boat Rentals (Mission Bay, San Diego) (website:http://www.seaforthboatrental.com)
Seaforth Sportfishing not only runs party boats, they also offer rentals boats (of all types, not just fishing boats). They are one of the few rental agencies which offer boats capable of going BTB.

Buying-in to a boat time-share is another way to get out BTB. Because time-shares typically involve larger boats, they're probably not a good bet for a rank beginner. However, if you have some experience with larger boats, they offer a good way to get access to a truly BTB-capable boat, without the cost of owning. Here are the time-share operations that we know about:

San Diego Area

Outer Banks Boat Club (Mission Bay) (website:http://www.outerbanksboatclub.com)
The Outer Banks Boat club offers a fleet of power catamarans, 22 feet or longer. All are outfitted with identical electronics to easy the pain of moving between boats.

Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 (San Diego North County) (website:http://www.goldenstateflycasters.org/)
San Diego Fly Fishers (San Diego Central & South) (website:http://www.sandiegoflyfishers.com/)

San Diego Fly Shop (Solana Beach) (website:http://www.sandiegoflyshop.com/)

SoCal Fly Fishing Outfitters (Point Loma) (phone: (619) 224-4000, website:http://www.socalflyfishing.net/)
Click HERE for a video tour...

Stroud Tackle (Mission Bay area) (website:http://www.stroudtackle.com/)

For a current list of ramp conditions, fees, and exact locations, see: The FishingNetwork.Net's list of SoCal Private Boater Launch Ramps. Following are some comments about which ramps to use when...

All public marine launch ramps in the San Diego area are free, with free parking, except for the ramp at Oceanside. Oceanside charges a parking fee if you want to park near the ramp.

In general, all ramps are in good condition, and most, but not all, have ample parking. The only ramp with washdown facilities is Oceanside.

None of the public ramps have associated campgrounds, but most have hotels / motels nearby, and most allow self-contained RVs to park overnight. In Mission Bay, Campland-on-the-Bay is a large private campground with its own ramp. It is on the northeast side of Mission Bay, which puts it a few miles away from the other Mission Beach ramps, and about a 15 minute drive from the Shelter Island launch ramp in San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay

General
San Diego Bay is the closest launch area to Mexican waters. Its entrance faces almost due south, so it offers the safest departure/entry when there are big swells from the west or northwest. It also does not have restricted speed areas in much of the bay, allowing for speedier exit and entry than Mission Bay to the north, which is restricted to 5 mph speeds throughout much of the bay.

• Shelter Island Ramp - Near Lindbergh Field
  Shelter Island is the closest launch ramp to the Mexican Border, and as a results, gets hit heavily during the prime fishing months. The ramp, although wide and in great condition, is enclosed by a verrrryyy small turning basin, making launching and retrieving your boat in crowded conditions at low tide a white-knuckle experience. Because of the long lines during peak season, you may be better off going to one of the other SD Bay ramps, such as J Street in Chula Vista, or the Glorietta Bay launch ramp near the Hotel Del Coronado, and making the longer run to the ocean. Another possibility is to launch in Mission Bay and make the run from there
  
  
• Glorietta Bay Ramp - Coronado Island
  A 2-lane ramp located next to the Coronado Aquatic center and the fabled Hotel Del Coronado, this ramp is usually uncrowded. Parking is limited to about 12 vehicles with trailers. This is the next closest ramp in San Diego Bay to the harbor mouth, but because of it's size, many people pass it by. Also a good access point for people fishing San Diego Bay itself. Adjacent to the Glorietta Bay Marina, which is a full service facility with rental skiffs.
  
  
• Bayside Park Ramp - National City
  This is a nice ramp, but it has restricted hours of operation (sunrise to sunset, locked gate). Not a popular ramp with fishermen unless they are taking a short daytime trip.
  
  
• J Street - Chula Vista
  This is a nice wide ramp, located next to the Chula Vista Marina, which is a full service facility with fuel and rental slips. It is also the furthest away from the harbor mouth, requiring about a 15-minute run to get to Shelter Island.
  
  

Mission Bay

General
Mission Bay is man-made - if consists mostly of dredged marshland - but it was built with marine recreation and vacationers in mind. It has a multitude of launch ramps, separate areas for water skiing and PWCs versus sailing and fishing, a campground, lots of hotels and motels, Sea World, and is in close proximity to the San Diego Zoo.

It is only about 8 miles further north than San Diego Bay, so during peak season it is often faster to launch at Mission Bay and run south, than it is to fight the crowds at Shelter Island. There are two major drawbacks for fishermen: speeds are restricted to 5mph in the areas not set aside for waterskiing / PWCs, and the harbor entrance faces due west, making it a bit more risky exit/entrance when there's a big west swell.

• South Shores - Near Fiesta Island
  South Shores is an outstanding ramp - brand new, wide, large mooring docks, well lit, lots of parking. It's only drawback is that is about another 15 minutes (at the harbor speed limit of 5 mph) east of Dana Landing, which is the closest Mission Bay ramp to the harbor entrance
  
  
• Dana Landing Ramp - Just past Sea World
  The closest ramp to the ocean, Dana Landing is the most popular ramp with fishermen. It is not that wide, but it has lots of parking, a deli/market next door, and a West marine Express a few stores down. It is also the meeting point for several guide companies, including Bowman Bluewater Guides and Outfitters, Paradigm Shift Charters, and Stock Charters
  
  
• Santa Clara Point Aquatic Center - on Santa Clara Point in Pacific Beach
  The Aquatic Center launch ramp is tiny - really suitable for just one boat - and the parking is nonexistent if you get there too late in the day. But if you're deperate for a launch point, it's worth checking out.
  
  
• Ski Beach - Across the channel from Dana Landing
  This ramp is a sleeper. Width with easy access, it is nearly as accessible as Dana Landing. However, it is popular with water skiers and PWCs, so you will have to fight them in order to launch. But if the line's long at Dana Landing, it's a viable alternative. Not many water skiers out at 4:00am.
  
  
• MB Visitor's Center - Clairemont Blvd offramp, visible from I-5
  Similar to situation to Ski Beach, The Visitor Center ramp is easily accessed fromt he freeway, but is also the furthest ramp from the ocean. However, there is no speed limit on the bay between this ramp and the channel connecting South Shores and Dana Landing, so the actual added trip time is not that bad.

La Jolla Shores Boat Launch Beach

General
Located at the end of Avenida del La Playa, near the La Jolla Beach and Racket club, this beach is a popular launching point for kayaks and cartop skiffs.

Some of the biggest white seabass and yellowtail in the San Diego area are caught from 'yaks and skiffs launched from this beach, which is on the southern edge of the La Jolla Canyon Marine Preserve, and a moderate-length paddle from the fabled kelp beds of La Jolla Point. This is also a very popular dive spot.

Oceanside Harbor

General
Oceanside Harbor's ramp is an anomaly. Unlike other San Diego ramps, parking adjacent to the ramp requires a fee ($10.00 / day), but it also is the only ramp in San Diego with a freshwater washdown area for boaters. Popular with PWC users, however, the washdown area can be hard to get to late in the day.

El Indio **** (San Diego) (website:http://www.el-indio.com/)
El Indio is a San Diego institution. Family owned and operated since 1940, it's the place to go for Mexican food if you're near the port area or Mission Bay. You order and pick up "fast food" style, but all meals are cooked to order. Dining is in a casual setting. They make their own tortillas, which can be purchased to take home. Reasonable prices, moderately large portion sizes.

A Little More Cafe *** (Leucadia) 1030 N Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia, CA 92024 (760) 753-8228
A Little More has been around a while. We started eating there in the mid-80's when we lived down the street. Great breakfasts, you need to try their "Everything Omelet". Only OK for lunch.

Bay Park Fish Company *** (Mission Bay area) 4121 Ashton Street, San Diego, CA 92110 619) 276-3474
Bay Park Fish Company serves the freshest fish dishes, prepared to perfection. Be sure to check out the new Children's Gallery dedicated to displaying young angler's fishing pictures and art!

Bully's East *** (Fashion Valley area) 2401 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA, 92108. Phone:(619)291-2665
A San Diego tradition for over 30 years, Bully’s is known for its award-winning prime rib, but also has a great selection of fresh seafood, steaks, ribs, and sandwiches

Old Town Mexican Cafe *** (Old Town area) 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110. Phone: (619) 297-4330
The Old Town Mexican Cafe is another San Diego institution. It has won San Diego Magazine's Reader's Choice Award as one of the Best Mexican Restaurants, and also the San Diego Restaurant Association's Gold Medallion Award for Finest Mexican Restaurant five years in a row.

McGregor's Grill and Ale House *** (Mission Valley area) 10475 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 282-9797
McGregor's Grill and Ale House is a casual, comfortable neighborhood saloon in the heart of Mission Valley. They serve beer from several custom microbreweries, have a great set of bar room games, twelve large-screen HD TVs, and a great menu to boot!

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The following are highly recommend by Bowman Bluewater Guides & Outfitters

The Dana Inn - website:http://www.thedana.net/ phone: (619) 222-6440
The Paradise Point Resort - website:http://www.paradisepoint.com/ phone: (858) 274-4630
The Hilton on Mission Bay - website:http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SANHIHF phone: (619) 276-4010

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Campland on the Bay (Mission Bay) (http://www.campland.com)

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Fly Fishers Club of Orange County (Santa Ana) (website: http://www.ffcoc.org/)

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Arroyo Fly Fisher (El Monte) (e-mail - arroyoflyfishers@yahoo.com)
Downey Fly Fishers (Downey) (website: http://www.downeyflyfishers.org/)
Long Beach Casting Club (Long Beach) (website: http://www.longbeachcastingclub.org/)
Pasadena Casting Club (Pasadena) (website: http://www.pasadenacastingclub.org/)
Salt Water Flyrodders - Pacific 1 (Montrose) (Phone: (818) 798-5788)
San Gabriel Valley Fly Fishers (Hacienda Heights) (Phone: (714)586-0946)
Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers (Van Nuys) (website: http://www.spff.org/)
South Bay Fly Fishers (Redondo Beach) (e-mail:threemiddos@aol.com)
Wilderness Fly Fishers (Santa Monica) (website: http://www.wildernessflyfishers.org/)

Bob Marriott's Fly Fishing (Fullerton area) (website:http://www.bobmarriotts.com/)

His and Hers Fly Fishing (Newport Beach) (website:http://www.hisherflyfishing.com/)

The Fisherman's Spot (Van Nuys) (website:http://www.fsflyfishing.com/)

Harbor House Cafe *** (Dana Point, Huntington Harbor) (website:http://www.harborhousecafe.com/)
The Harbor House Cafes have been around for a while. We started going there in the early 80s. Always a good meal, both the Dana Point and Huntington Harbor restaurants are conveniently located near the local launch ramps. Moderate prices, casual dining setting.

For a current list of ramp conditions, fees, and exact locations, see: The FishingNetwork.Net's list of SoCal Private Boater Launch Ramps. Following are some comments about which ramps to use when...

Information for this section provided by Randy Norris. Thanks!

Orange County has major launch ramps in Alamitos Bay, Huntington Harbor, Newport Bay and Dana Point Harbor. All facilities charge a fee to launch, with fees ranging between $10.00 and $15.00.

The northernmost ramps are close to the Horseshoe Kelp, which hosts many migratory species such as yellowtail, bonita and barracuda during the Spring through Fall, and is a consistent producer of calico bass and sand bass in the summer. Another popular area is the Huntington Flats, which has a large spawning run of sand bass in the Spring. Catalina Island, which has good fishing for inshore and seasonal pelagic species, is a 30 mile run from these ramps. The route to Catalina takes you close to the Horseshoe Kelp, providing an opportunity to check out the local fishing before making the cross-channel trip.

Dana Point Harbor, the southernmost launch point in this group, is the closest Orange County ramp to the northern edge of SoCal’s offshore banks, which hold yellowtail, tuna, dorado and marlin during the Summer and Fall. It is also a popular take-off point for Catalina because the crossing is partially protected from the prevailing northwest swell by the Island itself. This makes for a longer, but nicer trip. For people in south Orange County, or coming north from San Diego, it is sometimes quicker to launch in Dana Point and make the longer run to Catalina, than fight traffic on the freeways all the way up into the Long Beach area.

The relatively small number of launch ramps in Orange County requires boaters to schedule their trips carefully to avoid the crowds.

• Dana Point Harbor - Dana Point
  
  
  Dana Point Ramp
  (Click for larger image)
  For fishermen, the ramp at Dana Point Harbor is more luxurious than its northern Orange County counterparts. The $10.00 launch fee includes numerous fresh water wash-down spigots, the ramp is well maintained, and security is provided for the parking lot. There are fewer problems with capacity with this ramp, and you can usually access it, even on summer days and holidays. The bait receiver is close to the ramp, and is now open early during fishing season. The run to open water is the shortest of all the Orange County ramps, and the harbor entrance is well protected. Good restaurants are within walking distance of the ramp.

  As mentioned previously, the run to and from Catalina is often the easiest from Dana Point, as it passes through the swell shadow of the Island. This provides a smooth ride home in the afternoon, as you are running with the swell towards the harbor. Some boats also make the run to San Clemente Island, which is one of the most prolific fishing destinations in Southern California, but is almost 60 miles offshore. And as the furthest south of the Orange County launch ramps, there is an increased access to the offshore banks which harbor migratory pelagic species such as yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, dorado and marlin. In some years even the albacore can be found in these areas. Closer to shore, there are popular sites just down the coast, including the water outlets from the San Onofre Nuclear power plant, and the kelp beds and boiler rocks off Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar to the north.

• Newport Dunes - Newport Harbor
  This is one of the prettiest launch areas in Southern California, and is the only place to launch on Newport Bay. As a result, the fee is also the highest at $15.00. The two ramps at this facility are well maintained, and mooring along the ramps provides easy access once you are launched. The parking for this ramp is often full and access is difficult during popular summer days and holidays. The line for the available wash-down can be long. On the other hand, this ramp can be a good choice when including family in your plans, as they have a wonderful swimming beach, and there are many attractions (including a major shopping mall) and restaurants close by.

  The ramp is located in the back portion of Newport Bay, and because of a 5 mph speed limit inside the Bay, 20 to 30 minutes are required to access the open water. The fishing access is similar to Huntington Harbor, with the Huntington Flats and Catalina being popular destination. There is also good calico bass fishing in the kelp beds and rocks just outside the surfline between Newport Bay and Dana Point, but because of the speed limits inside the Bay, it can be faster to launch at Dana Point, and run north. There is a seasonal bait receiver just before the harbor exit.

  There are free launch beaches scattered around the harbor that are popular with kayak and kick-boat fishermen fishing in the bay. However, there is no easy launch point for kayaks that give access to waters outside the Bay.

• Sunset Aquatic Park - Huntington Harbor
  This launch ramp has less glitz than the other Orange County launch ramps, and as a result is popular mainly with hardcore fishermen. The $10.00 fee does not include freshwater wash-down, although a coin-operated system is sometimes operational. There is ample mooring space, making for easy launches and take outs. Parking is mostly on a hard packed dirt lot, but it is well maintained. There is plenty of space, even on a holiday weekend.

  It is about a mile through the harbor, under the PCH Bridge, and through the Naval Weapons Depot to the harbor entrance. Speed is closely monitored as there is increased security around the Naval operations areas. Don’t be surprised to see Navy Swift boats escorting you past moored vessels. There is a no stopping and no fishing regulation as you pass through the last part of the bay.

  The bait barges are the same ones accessed by people using Davies, and this ramp's proximity to the fishing spots is just about equal, since it is just a mile or so south of Alamitos Bay.

• Huntington Harbor Yacht Club - South end of Huntington Harbor
  This tiny, one lane ramp is located next to the fire station at the end of Warner Blvd on Pacific Coast Highway. It has limited parking, no washdown facilties, and is a long way from the harbor entrance, so it is rarely used by fishermen.

The Artful Angler (Carpinteria) (website: www.artfulangler.com) 3817 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013; (805) 566-5900

Eric’s Tackle (Ventura) 2127 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001; (805) 648-5665

Malibu Fish'n Tackle (Thousand Oaks) (website:http://www.malibufishntackle.com/)

Captain Robert Cooper of Sky's the Limit Guide Service recommends the following:

• Milanos is a good place for food and drink in Ventura Harbor
• The Scotch & Sirlion is right near the launch ramp
• The Hi Cees is a cool Jazz bar right in the harbor.

For a current list of ramp conditions, fees, and exact locations, see: The FishingNetwork.Net's list of SoCal Private Boater Launch Ramps. Following are some comments about which ramps to use when...

All public marine launch ramps or hoists in the Los Angeles area charge launch fees, which include parking. Make sure you have small bills ($1, $5 are best). In general, all facilities are in good condition, and most, but not all, have ample parking. Many have washdown facilities.

None of these facilities have associated campgrounds, but most have hotels / motels nearby. Most do NOT allow overnight RV parking.

Ramps located in the San Pedro and Long Beach areas are well positioned for accessing the south side of Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Long Beach Breakwall ("The Wall" ), the Horseshoe Kelp, San Clemente and Catalina Islands. Ramps and hoists further north are better choices for accessing the north side of the Palos Verdes peninsula, Santa Monica Bay, and the coastline north to Oxnard.

• Davies Launch Ramp - Alamitos Bay / Belmont Shore area
  
  
  Davies Launch Ramp
  (Click for larger image)
  This is a popular launch ramp for both power boaters and fishermen. The ramp has numerous lanes, and is fairly steep, making it popular with people launching long power boats. For fishermen, there is a short run to the Horseshoe Kelp and the Long Beach Breakwater (often called "The Wall"). There are some great restaurants available that have slips should you wish to dine on your way back or during a lunch break. Davies charges a $10.00 daily use fee, and there is a fresh water wash-down available. However, it is often crowded on summer days.

  Because of the popularity of this ramp, there is limited docking space, which can result in a wait to moor your boat while parking your vehicle, or when returning to take out. On summer weekends, parking can also be an issue, despite a large parking lot. There is another launch ramp across the bay that is used mainly by water skiers that is an option during these times. This can be a good choice for fishermen who leave early and avoid the ski boat crowds.

  The exit from Alamitos Bay is one of the safest around, although a big south swell can make exiting the bay difficult. Under these conditions, yuou should look at launching at Golden Shores or San Pedro. The bait receivers, which are open 24 hours/day most of the year, are a short distance outside.

• Golden Shores Launch Ramp - Long Beach Convention Center area
  Golden Shores can be a tough launch on minus low tides, due to muck and algae on the lower section of the ramp. The exit to the main harbor is well protected from any prevailing swells.
  
  
• San Pedro Launch Ramp - San Pedro
  This small ramp is well protected from swells, and is one of the closest ramp to the west end of the Breakwall, the south side of the Palos Verde Pininsula, the Horseshoe Kelp, and Catalina. It suffers from a small parking area.
  
  
• King Harbor Boat Hoist - Redondo Beach
  If you've never used a hoist before, it can be a bit disconcerting. You pull up, they clip hoist lines to your transom eyes, put a strap under the bow, and lift your baby off your trailer and lower it gently into the water. The mouth of the harbor faces almost due south, but is blocked from south swells by the Palos Verde peninisula. However, the harbor mouth is narrow enough that exiting under a big west swell can be a bit hairy. Fishing inside the harbor for mackerel, bonito, and barracuda can be good at times.
  
  
• Marina Del Rey Launch Ramp - Marina Del Rey
  Coming soon!
  
  

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The following are recommend by Capt. Robert Cooper of Skys the Limit Guide Service

Country Inn & Suites - website:http://www.countryinns.com/ phone: (805) 653-1434 : A good motel not to far from the harbor
Four Points Sheraton - website:http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=752 phone: (805) 658-1212: Located right in the harbor

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Emma Wood State Park(Ventura) (http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=24216)
Gaviota State Park(Gaviota) (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=606)