Captain James Nelson 

5.0/5 (59 reviews)
 2838 Garrison St, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

Captain James Nelson 

5.0/5 (59)
 Angler's Choice
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2838 Garrison St
San Diego, CA, United States
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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 20’ Skeeter bay 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 20’ Skeeter bay 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!

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Rating

5.0
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (121)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (59)

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Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 59 reviews
Blake Stokes
Blake Stokes
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
2
5.0
Verified
New
our favorite guide!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on May 3, 20262 adults
We chose captain James for a fishing trip during our honeymoon and we couldn’t have been more happy! he was very friendly and knowledgable about the area. we’ve taken several charters on our trips in the past but I definitely would say this was our favorite. we ended up catching 7 different species on our first time fishing the pacific! I would absolutely recommend him and we will be back for more!!
Response from Captain
May 4, 2026
You are my favorite Mr. and Mrs. Stokes! Thank you for sharing your day with me, and for this special moment in your timeline. Many Blessings to you both.
Matthew Ziegler
Matthew Ziegler
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
father and son trip a success!
Quick Trip — Bay - 6:30 AM on May 22, 20261 adult1 child
My 13yo son loves to fish so we booked Captian James for a 4-hour trip while in town. He was phenomenal! He was on-time and engaging for both me and my son. We fished for bait fish first, then larger species. We didnt need to leave the bay, so we had poles in the water within 10 minutes of boarding the boat. We caught several types of bass, halibut and a guitar fish. I highly recommend Captain James!
Reported catch:
Halibut
Sand Bass
Response from Captain
May 23, 2026
You guys were great, and a pleasure to work for.
Wesley Thomas
Wesley Thomas
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Best fishing trip
Half Day Trip — Freshwater on May 19, 20261 adult
My first fishing trip was a blast, and I had no idea what to expect! Captain Nelson was fantastic at guiding us to some great fishing spots. We caught a bunch of guitar fish, bass fish, lizard fish, leopard shark, and we’re pretty sure we even snagged a stingray, though it managed to escape. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I cant wait to come back and do it again.
Response from Captain
May 21, 2026
It was a great pleasure meeting you, Wesley. May God bless you, and your family.
Charlie Wolf
Charlie Wolf
us
California, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Friendly and knowledgeable
A Half Day Trip — Bay on May 13, 20262 adults
Captain James was incredibly friendly and definitely knew what he was talking about! I took my boyfriend out for his birthday and he can be a little salty, but James was very obliging and even got live bait rather than use the plastics he had initially planned on. He made sure the experience was memorable, fun, and that we actually caught fish!
Response from Captain
May 14, 2026
It was a fine day for us all to make adjustments along the way. You guys were great! Thank you for sharing your special day with me.
John Moceika
John Moceika
us
Utah, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Great guide, great fishing beautiful day
Half Day Trip — Inshore on April 1, 20263 adults
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!
Reported catch:
Rockfish
Calico Bass
Response from Captain
April 9, 2026
Thank you for the kind words, John. It was my pleasure.

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Half Day Trip — Freshwater
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
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US $450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Quick Trip — Bay
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
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US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
A Half Day Trip — Bay
5 hour trip multiple starting times (6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
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US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip — Inshore
5 hour trip multiple starting times (6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
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US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip — Bay Fish & Lunch
8 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM)
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US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day — Fish & Lunch Inshore
8 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM)
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US $1,050
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 32 people looking at this charter.

Rating

5.0
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (121)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
97%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (59)

Filter
Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 59 reviews
Blake Stokes
Blake Stokes
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
2
5.0
Verified
New
our favorite guide!
A Half Day Trip - Bay on May 3, 20262 adults
We chose captain James for a fishing trip during our honeymoon and we couldn’t have been more happy! he was very friendly and knowledgable about the area. we’ve taken several charters on our trips in the past but I definitely would say this was our favorite. we ended up catching 7 different species on our first time fishing the pacific! I would absolutely recommend him and we will be back for more!!
Response from Captain
May 4, 2026
You are my favorite Mr. and Mrs. Stokes! Thank you for sharing your day with me, and for this special moment in your timeline. Many Blessings to you both.
Matthew Ziegler
Matthew Ziegler
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
father and son trip a success!
Quick Trip — Bay - 6:30 AM on May 22, 20261 adult1 child
My 13yo son loves to fish so we booked Captian James for a 4-hour trip while in town. He was phenomenal! He was on-time and engaging for both me and my son. We fished for bait fish first, then larger species. We didnt need to leave the bay, so we had poles in the water within 10 minutes of boarding the boat. We caught several types of bass, halibut and a guitar fish. I highly recommend Captain James!
Reported catch:
Halibut
Sand Bass
Response from Captain
May 23, 2026
You guys were great, and a pleasure to work for.
Wesley Thomas
Wesley Thomas
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Best fishing trip
Half Day Trip — Freshwater on May 19, 20261 adult
My first fishing trip was a blast, and I had no idea what to expect! Captain Nelson was fantastic at guiding us to some great fishing spots. We caught a bunch of guitar fish, bass fish, lizard fish, leopard shark, and we’re pretty sure we even snagged a stingray, though it managed to escape. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I cant wait to come back and do it again.
Response from Captain
May 21, 2026
It was a great pleasure meeting you, Wesley. May God bless you, and your family.
Charlie Wolf
Charlie Wolf
us
California, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Friendly and knowledgeable
A Half Day Trip — Bay on May 13, 20262 adults
Captain James was incredibly friendly and definitely knew what he was talking about! I took my boyfriend out for his birthday and he can be a little salty, but James was very obliging and even got live bait rather than use the plastics he had initially planned on. He made sure the experience was memorable, fun, and that we actually caught fish!
Response from Captain
May 14, 2026
It was a fine day for us all to make adjustments along the way. You guys were great! Thank you for sharing your special day with me.
John Moceika
John Moceika
us
Utah, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Great guide, great fishing beautiful day
Half Day Trip — Inshore on April 1, 20263 adults
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!
Reported catch:
Rockfish
Calico Bass
Response from Captain
April 9, 2026
Thank you for the kind words, John. It was my pleasure.

FAQs about Captain James Nelson

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2015
Boat manufacturer
Sea Fox
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots
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