Captain James Nelson
4.9/5 (42 reviews)
2838 Garrison St, San Diego, CA 92106, United States–
Captain James Nelson
4.9/5 (42 reviews)
2838 Garrison St
San Diego, CA, United States
Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.
As the longest running Fully Licensed Private Guide, Captain James Nelson is the only local born operator in San Diego who still offers a 'Catch Fish or it's Free' Guarantee. Captain James Nelson is an experienced full time guide (not a weekender) who knows where to find the fish. Offering freshwater, bay, and inshore saltwater fishing trips, he has a range of skills that will allow you to get the most out of your time on the water with him. His safety record is impeccable, and he is great with kids and families. Captain James's boat is a fully rigged, easy maneuverable, 20ft Skeeter Bay Boat. This fine Fishing Craft provides a comfortable base for up to four anglers. The boat is fully equipped with a trolling motor, anchoring system, and electronics to put you in the best position to catch fish, and you will find an ice box on board to keep your beverages cold. All the gear you will need for your fishing trip is supplied on board by Captain James Nelson. If it's not there, you don't need it. Captain James will make sure you catch fish, pick up some new techniques, and most importantly have a great time, whatever your age or experience level. Kids, beginners, and seasoned anglers are all warmly welcomed on board, with the emphasis of the trip being placed on you, and what you want to achieve. Most of all, Captain James is a strong believer that fishing should be fun, and he works hard to provide fun days on the water that allow you to enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer. Any fish you catch is yours: as long as it is of legal size, you are welcome to keep, or release it if you want to, and Captain James can even fillet it for you if you like at no extra charge. Lunch is included on full day trips, so just bring yourself and get ready for a wonderful day on the water.
Rating
4.9
42 reviews
5
42
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (77)
+71
What anglers say
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish
All reviews (42)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 42 reviews
Kelly Aziz
5.0
Verified
What a day!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on November 7, 2025 • 2 adults • 2 children
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!
Response from Captain
November 8, 2025
My pleasure, Kelly. I am so glad you all got on them, and brought out that sunshine. Until next time.
2
Chang Hang
5.0
Verified
wow what a great fishing trip!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on October 18, 2025 • 3 adults
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!
Reported catch:
1
Butch Heiss
Paradise, Nevada
5.0
Annual Birthday Fishing Trip
A Half Day Trip - Bay on July 17, 2025
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
August 3, 2025
Always a pleasure. Until next year, my friends.
1
Darren Johns
Temecula, CA
5.0
Wonderful day with Capt James
Full Day - Fish & Lunch - Inshore on May 20, 2025
11 years ago I was looking to fish Mission Bay and found a guide online. It turned out I recognized the boat that Captain James was using, he had bought it from an acquaintance of mine. That broke the ice, we found common ground and started to get to know one another. As it turned out I caught a very nice halibut that day along with many bay bass. I have fished with Captain James on average of six times a year since, for a total of about 66 trips. I have fished coastal, bay and lake trips, and once did a paddy hopping trip that was a huge success, my two coworkers and I caught yellowtail, dorado and Bonita. Captain James has been instrumental in helping me make lots of lasting memories over the years. I am always planning the next trip.
While catching fishing is always the goal, there are other things I definitely consider when booking a trip with a guide, things like are they licensed and insured, do they possess basic medical knowledge and carry a up to date first aid kit,
Is the boat well maintained and seaworthy, does the guide know the rules of the sea and follow them, is the guide providing quality gear, does he care about my experience or just the number of fish caught. Can he communicate / teach in a way that is helpful to me to learn. Do I feel at ease around him enough to spend 8 hours alone on a boat with him. Luckily Captain James Nelson meets and exceeds all my expectations / requirements.
I have brought family, friends and colleagues on trips with me and not one of them complained, in fact they enjoyed his sense of humor, calm demeanor and fishing knowledge.
I highly recommend him to anyone interested in fishing the San Diego area.
I always have a good time fishing with Capt James and I think you can too.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 22, 2025
Darren, it is always a pleasure to have you aboard. Thank you for such kind words. I hope to see ya soon. Them Calicos are asking for you.
1
MICHAEL STEVENS
5.0
Verified
New
Great time!
Half Day Trip - Inshore on March 13, 2026 • 3 adults
Captain Nelson was wonderful. Brought my two teenage kids (teenagers i stress again) and he made it fun for them, taught them some fishing skills and worked hard to find fish- which he did and my 2 kids caught plenty of. Great time- will book again next time we are in town!
Response from Captain
March 15, 2026
Your boys are fantastic people. It's easy to see where they get it from. Until next time.
0
Trip availability and prices
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
March 2026
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loading...
Number of days
1
Almost there...
Half Day Trip - Freshwater
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Early Riser Half Day Trip - Bay
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
A Half Day Trip - Bay
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Sleeping In Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip - Inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip - Fish & Lunch - Bay
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day - Fish & Lunch - Inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $950
Entire boat: 2 people
US $950
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 21 people looking at this charter.
Rating
4.9
42 reviews
5
42
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
4.8
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (77)
+71
What anglers say
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish
All reviews (42)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 42 reviews
Kelly Aziz
5.0
Verified
What a day!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on November 7, 2025 • 2 adults • 2 children
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!
Response from Captain
November 8, 2025
My pleasure, Kelly. I am so glad you all got on them, and brought out that sunshine. Until next time.
2
Chang Hang
5.0
Verified
wow what a great fishing trip!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on October 18, 2025 • 3 adults
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!
Reported catch:
1
Butch Heiss
Paradise, Nevada
5.0
Annual Birthday Fishing Trip
A Half Day Trip - Bay on July 17, 2025
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
August 3, 2025
Always a pleasure. Until next year, my friends.
1
Darren Johns
Temecula, CA
5.0
Wonderful day with Capt James
Full Day - Fish & Lunch - Inshore on May 20, 2025
11 years ago I was looking to fish Mission Bay and found a guide online. It turned out I recognized the boat that Captain James was using, he had bought it from an acquaintance of mine. That broke the ice, we found common ground and started to get to know one another. As it turned out I caught a very nice halibut that day along with many bay bass. I have fished with Captain James on average of six times a year since, for a total of about 66 trips. I have fished coastal, bay and lake trips, and once did a paddy hopping trip that was a huge success, my two coworkers and I caught yellowtail, dorado and Bonita. Captain James has been instrumental in helping me make lots of lasting memories over the years. I am always planning the next trip.
While catching fishing is always the goal, there are other things I definitely consider when booking a trip with a guide, things like are they licensed and insured, do they possess basic medical knowledge and carry a up to date first aid kit,
Is the boat well maintained and seaworthy, does the guide know the rules of the sea and follow them, is the guide providing quality gear, does he care about my experience or just the number of fish caught. Can he communicate / teach in a way that is helpful to me to learn. Do I feel at ease around him enough to spend 8 hours alone on a boat with him. Luckily Captain James Nelson meets and exceeds all my expectations / requirements.
I have brought family, friends and colleagues on trips with me and not one of them complained, in fact they enjoyed his sense of humor, calm demeanor and fishing knowledge.
I highly recommend him to anyone interested in fishing the San Diego area.
I always have a good time fishing with Capt James and I think you can too.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 22, 2025
Darren, it is always a pleasure to have you aboard. Thank you for such kind words. I hope to see ya soon. Them Calicos are asking for you.
1
MICHAEL STEVENS
5.0
Verified
New
Great time!
Half Day Trip - Inshore on March 13, 2026 • 3 adults
Captain Nelson was wonderful. Brought my two teenage kids (teenagers i stress again) and he made it fun for them, taught them some fishing skills and worked hard to find fish- which he did and my 2 kids caught plenty of. Great time- will book again next time we are in town!
Response from Captain
March 15, 2026
Your boys are fantastic people. It's easy to see where they get it from. Until next time.
0
FAQs about Captain James Nelson
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
Boat category
Center console boatsCapacity
4 personsBoat length
20 ftYear built
2006Boat manufacturer
SkeeterBoat type
Center consoleEngine model
YamahaPowered by
1 x 150HPMax cruising speed
40 knots