San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

I've seen some great reports about El Cap, but how is the launch? Last time I was there I got stuck in the mud so badly (when trying to get out of my float tube) that I wrenched my knees. I couldn't fish for a couple of weeks it was so bad.

Old guys like me have to make careful decisions haha. Any info would be appreciated.

The launch is good over on the dirt. Farther away from the dock the better. No one uses the ramp anymore. You can pull down to the water to unload and load.

Dfishin wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2026 6:47 am The launch is good over on the dirt. Farther away from the dock the better. No one uses the ramp anymore. You can pull down to the water to unload and load.

I second this. The ramp is pretty much unusable, but it firms up significantly the farther away from the docks you go.

I say give it a try and stick to the far left. Be careful Brotha and live to fish another day=D

I was there this last Sunday with my pontoon. I had no problem on area left of launch ramp. I even drove up unloaded then launched.

I know what you mean Dan. I've tubed Barrett when the water drops fast, and the mud is sooooo deep as it hasn't had time to dry out yet. Like quicksand, and you pull with all your might and your feet are till stuck in the mud. What a hassle.

Would be nice if the city and lay down some wood planks or something to help people launch, but I guess that’ll never ever happen. I should not daydream so much.

Hey Vinny, last Tuesday there was one plywood sheet sort of at the edge of the water. Kind of was a little helpful. But if you go a little more west of the ramp, it's not as muddy. It's still very squishy though.

Get out there, Dan. I have been killing them on BFS jerk baits.

TATomlinson wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 5:37 pm Get out there, Dan. I have been killing them on BFS jerk baits.

Care to share?

VinnyBass wrote: Fri Apr 24, 2026 12:37 pm Would be nice if the city and lay down some wood planks or something to help people launch, but I guess that’ll never ever happen. I should not daydream so much.

Hahahaha....the City help the fishermen.....hahahaha....stop, you're killing me!!!!