Captain James Nelson
Captain James Nelson
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Fish with one of San Diego's most experienced and trusted captains! Captain James Nelson is the longest-running fully licensed private guide in the area—and the only San Diego native still offering a 'Catch Fish or It's Free' guarantee.
A full-time professional (not a part-time weekend guide), Captain James knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're targeting freshwater species, exploring the bay, or heading out for inshore saltwater action, he'll put you on the fish and help you make the most of your time on the water.
You'll be fishing aboard a fully rigged 22' Seafox Viper Hybrid Boat, perfectly suited for up to 4 anglers. The vessel is equipped with a trolling motor, advanced electronics, anchoring system, and an ice box to keep your drinks cold—everything you need for a productive and comfortable trip.
All fishing gear is provided, so you can simply show up and focus on the experience. Captain James prides himself on creating fun, memorable trips for anglers of all skill levels. Families, kids, beginners, and seasoned anglers are all welcome—each trip is tailored to your goals.
Safety is always a top priority, and Captain James has an impeccable track record. Beyond catching fish, he's passionate about teaching new techniques and making sure everyone on board has a great time.
You're welcome to keep any legal catch, and Captain James will even clean and fillet it for you at no extra charge. Full-day trips also include lunch, making your day on the water completely hassle-free.
Book your trip today and experience San Diego fishing with a true local expert!
Fish with one of San Diego's most experienced and trusted captains! Captain James Nelson is the longest-running fully licensed private guide in the area—and the only San Diego native still offering a 'Catch Fish or It's Free' guarantee.
A full-time professional (not a part-time weekend guide), Captain James knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're targeting freshwater species, exploring the bay, or heading out for inshore saltwater action, he'll put you on the fish and help you make the most of your time on the water.
You'll be fishing aboard a fully rigged 22' Seafox Viper Hybrid Boat, perfectly suited for up to 4 anglers. The vessel is equipped with a trolling motor, advanced electronics, anchoring system, and an ice box to keep your drinks cold—everything you need for a productive and comfortable trip.
All fishing gear is provided, so you can simply show up and focus on the experience. Captain James prides himself on creating fun, memorable trips for anglers of all skill levels. Families, kids, beginners, and seasoned anglers are all welcome—each trip is tailored to your goals.
Safety is always a top priority, and Captain James has an impeccable track record. Beyond catching fish, he's passionate about teaching new techniques and making sure everyone on board has a great time.
You're welcome to keep any legal catch, and Captain James will even clean and fillet it for you at no extra charge. Full-day trips also include lunch, making your day on the water completely hassle-free.
Book your trip today and experience San Diego fishing with a true local expert!
Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (141)
What anglers say
All reviews (68)
Capt. James took my two teenage boys and me out this morning, and we had a great time. The fishing wasn’t fast and furious, but we still managed to catch several fish for the table—which was exactly what we were hoping for on the last day of our vacation. We ended up keeping six fish, including bass, rockfish, and a couple of other species. Capt. James really came through for us. He was funny, professional, and kept us entertained the entire trip. Highly recommend—would definitely book with him again!
Thank you for the kind words, John. It was my pleasure.
We had the most incredible day on the water with Captain James! My son, his friend, my mom, and I spent a beautiful day bay fishing and made memories we’ll never forget. Captain James was kind, patient, and so knowledgeable — he made sure everyone had a great time and learned something new. He guided us to some amazing catches (we brought in over 20 fish, including a 20-pound Black Sea Bass!) and kept the experience fun and relaxed from start to finish. It was truly one of those perfect days you wish you could bottle up and relive. We can’t wait to go again — Captain James is the best!
My pleasure, Kelly. I am so glad you all got on them, and brought out that sunshine. Until next time.
i was a little apprehensive to book it first because of what we were going to catch and not the captain since it was October already but i was proved wrong pretty quickly. I opted for the saltwater trip and Captain James put us on the fish pretty quickly. My son (his first charter) was catching fish left and right. It didnt matter what species it was. I wanted to catch a Barracuda and Bonita and i was so happy when it happened. My wife also caught her share of fish and the largest of the trip, a white seabass. Beautiful fish. We had a great time and would recommend Capt James to everyone!
Several years ago, I started a tradition of taking my son fishing for his birthday. I’d booked a commercial boat a couple times, but wanted something more personal. That’s when I found Captain James Nelson. He was super easy to reach and was very personable. We’ve been back a couple times and each time, it’s the highlight of my son’s birthday. This year’s trip featured a half-day bay trip. We both caught several bay bass, but my son really enjoyed dealing in the leopard shark. I highly recommend booking James, you’ll have a great time and will catch a lot of fish.
Always a pleasure. Until next year, my friends.
What a day! We joked and said we wanted to catch a shark, and to our surprise, we caught not one but two!! He was so amazing with my nephew showing so much patience and made the trip so enjoyable and relaxing! Can't give this enough stars! Thank you for the amazing day!
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (141)
What anglers say
All reviews (68)
Capt. James took my two teenage boys and me out this morning, and we had a great time. The fishing wasn’t fast and furious, but we still managed to catch several fish for the table—which was exactly what we were hoping for on the last day of our vacation. We ended up keeping six fish, including bass, rockfish, and a couple of other species. Capt. James really came through for us. He was funny, professional, and kept us entertained the entire trip. Highly recommend—would definitely book with him again!
Thank you for the kind words, John. It was my pleasure.
We had the most incredible day on the water with Captain James! My son, his friend, my mom, and I spent a beautiful day bay fishing and made memories we’ll never forget. Captain James was kind, patient, and so knowledgeable — he made sure everyone had a great time and learned something new. He guided us to some amazing catches (we brought in over 20 fish, including a 20-pound Black Sea Bass!) and kept the experience fun and relaxed from start to finish. It was truly one of those perfect days you wish you could bottle up and relive. We can’t wait to go again — Captain James is the best!
My pleasure, Kelly. I am so glad you all got on them, and brought out that sunshine. Until next time.
i was a little apprehensive to book it first because of what we were going to catch and not the captain since it was October already but i was proved wrong pretty quickly. I opted for the saltwater trip and Captain James put us on the fish pretty quickly. My son (his first charter) was catching fish left and right. It didnt matter what species it was. I wanted to catch a Barracuda and Bonita and i was so happy when it happened. My wife also caught her share of fish and the largest of the trip, a white seabass. Beautiful fish. We had a great time and would recommend Capt James to everyone!
Several years ago, I started a tradition of taking my son fishing for his birthday. I’d booked a commercial boat a couple times, but wanted something more personal. That’s when I found Captain James Nelson. He was super easy to reach and was very personable. We’ve been back a couple times and each time, it’s the highlight of my son’s birthday. This year’s trip featured a half-day bay trip. We both caught several bay bass, but my son really enjoyed dealing in the leopard shark. I highly recommend booking James, you’ll have a great time and will catch a lot of fish.
Always a pleasure. Until next year, my friends.
What a day! We joked and said we wanted to catch a shark, and to our surprise, we caught not one but two!! He was so amazing with my nephew showing so much patience and made the trip so enjoyable and relaxing! Can't give this enough stars! Thank you for the amazing day!
