The Fish Icon
Kapitein

The Fish Icon

San Diego, Verenigde Staten
Keuze van de visser
100+ beoordelingen
Captain James Nelson has been a fully licensed private inland waters guide longer than anybody in San Diego, California. He was born and raised in San Diego and has spent thousands of days learning the best fishing spots in Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, and the local lakes. As he honed his skills, he started to compete in tournaments, successfully participating in FLW, WON Bass, ABA, and East County Bassmasters. Now, he uses those skills to teach clients on every fishing trip he takes out. Captain James loves helping people catch fish and being a part of their most treasured memories and he is well-qualified, and certified, to take you out on the water. A father of four, he is appreciated by his clients not only as an excellent guide and teacher, who is great with kids, but also as a pleasure to fish with.

Charters

  • The Fish Icon
    Ramona
    Directe bevestiging
    Trips vanaf
    US $450

Beoordeling

5.0
104 beoordelingen
4.9
Boot & Uitrusting
5.0
Kapitein & Bemanning
5.0
Viservaring

What anglers say

100%
Goede ervaring
100%
Vriendelijke schipper
100%
Beveel deze charter aan
98%
Geschikt voor kinderen
100%
Tevreden met de boot
100%
Gevangen vis

Alle beoordelingen (104)

Weergeven 15 van 104 beoordelingen
  • Craig Derby
    Craig Derby
    us
    Indiana, Verenigde Staten
    Lid sinds 2026
    5.0
    Geverifieerd
    NIEUW

    All around Fantastic.

    8 Uur Durende Trip – Baai Vissen & Lunch4 volwassenen

    When we first checked in, Captain James was friendly and immediately cracking jokes. He helped us get oyr one day licenses and got us on the boat quite smoothly. Once we were out there he explained the type of fishing we were doing as well as why. ince we were fushing he explained how many species we’d potentially see in the area. He had read the booking message and made sure to keep an eye on the less experienced anglers and helped them without talking down to them, focused on getting us on some fish. We ended up getting 10 species and over 15 fish in the boat by the end of the day. Every single fish and species Captain James treated with respect and care. Ensuring that we got pictures if every catch and also ensuring no extra harm or discomfort came to the fish we returned to the water. Overall Captain James made sure we had a fun day and understood his methods and we ended up with a ton of fish. Cannot reccommend him enough. Thank you for the awesome day

    Gemelde vangst:
    Luipaardhaai
    Sand Bass
    Reactie van de kapitein

    Thank you for the kind words, Craig. You were all a joy to have aboard. Many blessings to you and your family. Semper Fi

  • Lindsay Steele
    Lindsay Steele
    us
    Arizona, Verenigde Staten
    Lid sinds 2026
    5.0
    Geverifieerd

    Bucket list - My son’s best day ever!

    4 uur durende trip – baai (ochtend) - 6:30 AM4 volwassenen1 kind

    Our 12-year-old fisherman from Iowa had always dreamed of catching a shark, and Captain Nelson made that dream come true! He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and great with my son. During our trip, we caught eight different species, including two sharks, which made for an unforgettable adventure. My daughter and I aren't big fishing enthusiasts, but we joined the trip to support him—and we ended up having the best time. We even reeled in a few fish ourselves! The entire experience was fun, exciting, and something our family will cherish for years to come. If you're looking for a memorable family fishing adventure, we highly recommend Captain Nelson. He made our son's dream a reality and gave us memories that will last a lifetime. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Gemelde vangst:
    Luipaardhaai
    Sand Bass
    Doornhaai
    Stekelrog
    Reactie van de kapitein

    I am so glad you guys all had a great time. It seems only the fish did not appreciate it too much. I can't wait until next time. Safe travels.

  • Ashley Showalter
    Ashley Showalter
    us
    Kansas, Verenigde Staten
    Lid sinds 2026
    5.0
    Geverifieerd

    Incredible experience!

    5 uur durende trip – baai - 6:30 ochtend4 volwassenen1 kind

    We are on vacation and booked with Captain James to hopefully be able to catch some fish we hadn't ever before and boy did we!! We are a family of 4, 2 kids (age 15 & 9) and both our girls had such a great time. The time flew by because we were having so much fun. We caught several fish, including a Leopard Shark, Guitar fish & a Giant Black Sea Bass, which is protected, to name a few!! It was even better than anticipated. Captain James was amazing from start to finish. Very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful to us, especially being first time salt water anglers. Book with him and you won't be disappointed. Thank you Captain James for giving us and our girls an experience we won't ever forget!

    Gemelde vangst:
    Luipaardhaai
    Sand Bass
    Stekelrog
    Reactie van de kapitein

    You guys are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your time with me, and your review for all to see.

  • John Moceika
    John Moceika
    us
    Utah, Verenigde Staten
    Lid sinds 2026
    5.0
    Geverifieerd

    Great guide, great fishing beautiful day

    5 Uur Durende Trip – Inshore3 volwassenen

    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!

    Gemelde vangst:
    Rockfish
    Calico Bass
    Reactie van de kapitein

    Thank you for the kind words, John. It was my pleasure.

  • Nicholas Roberts
    Nicholas Roberts
    Terugkerende visser
    us
    Californië, Verenigde Staten
    Lid sinds 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Geverifieerd

    Amazing trip overall Captain out did himself!

    5 uur durende trip – Inshore - 6:30 ochtend2 volwassenen1 kind

     captain James outdid himself! first stop to the last stop just outside the point of point Loma we were on Fish. We had calico bass, barracuda, lingcod, and white seabass. My daughter couldn’t keep bait on her hook. We couldn’t even put hooks on the lines for live bait. We ended up starting with some artificial jigs and started catching immediately. I would recommend James and his boat for anyone looking to catch fish and enjoy the times.

    Gemelde vangst:
    Calico Bass
    Stille Ocean-Barracuda
    Reactie van de kapitein

    You guys were great! I am looking forward to the next time.

Echte vangsten gedeeld door onze community

  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Fishing with James
    Tyla F.
    Tyla F.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Won’t find a better captain
    Patrick D.
    Patrick D.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    All around Fantastic.
    Craig D.
    Craig D.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    successful day
    Jonathan V.
    Jonathan V.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Had such a good time!!
    Justin B.
    Justin B.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Captain James is Awesome
    Jim W.
    Jim W.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Great day for us!
    Daniel D.
    Daniel D.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Non Stop Catching of Fish
    Russell T.
    Russell T.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    A Super Fun Day!
    Donald M.
    Donald M.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Bucket list - My son’s best day ever!
    Lindsay S.
    Lindsay S.

Wat bijt er aan met Captain James Nelson in San Diego

Warmwatersoorten zijn nog steeds beschikbaar, en Heilbot en Rockfish beginnen ook weer op de kaart te verschijnen. Marlijn, Tonijn en Witte Tonijn kunnen in jaren met warm water dicht bij de kust worden gevangen.

Topvangsten voor september

Visrapporten

A family proudly displaying their catch of striped bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a fun day on the water.

Game On

mrt. 31, 2026 • San Diego
San Diego Bay has been fantastic for a variety of fish. This is the season we have been waiting for. Bass, Halibut, Shark, Double Hookups, Triple Hookups, it has been awesome. It's the memories we make, and the size of the smiles that count. Whether with myself, some else, or by yourself, just get out there and go make some memories.
Meer weergeven
Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of striped bass while fishing in an urban setting.

Finest Family Friendly Fishing

feb. 16, 2026 • San Diego
San Diego Bay is by far the best fishery we have. I have said it over and over for over 20 years. You simply can't beat the calm waters and lovely scenery. Add to that a variety of critters willing to bite, and you get the full family friendly package. It's hard to believe that we are still in winter. Now get out there, and go.
Meer weergeven
A young angler proudly displaying a large Black Grouper while fishing in a vibrant urban setting.

All About That Bass

nov. 14, 2025 • San Diego
The bass bite in and around our bay has been nothing short of awesome. We really do have the best year round fishery. Get out there and get you some. The photos are an assortment from many recent trips. We are catching other species, too, but the Bass are certainly leading the charge.
Meer weergeven
An angler reeling in a fish while fishing near a bridge, showcasing the excitement of the catch in a coastal environment.

August Recap

aug. 27, 2025 • San Diego
Just because it's Labor Day Weekend, and schools are back in session, does not mean we are done catching fish. We are a year round fishery. San Diego Bay is by far the best fishery in Southern California. September is one of the best months to fish, for sure. As we slip out of one of our best August fishing in recent history, I can't wait to see what September and October have to offer. The weather is awesome, and the fish are cooperative. It should be Great! Enjoy the pics.
Meer weergeven
A young angler proudly displaying a Spotted Bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a fun day on the water.

Bass, Bats, and Flats

aug. 9, 2025 • San Diego
If it's fun, easy to catch, hard fighting, and good eating fish that you want, now is the time. We are getting a mix of all three. And on light tackle some species themselves can meet all three descriptions themselves. You simply cannot beat the inshore bite right now. The pics in this report are from a few recent trips. This whole month of summer has been nothing short of awesome. The folks coming along, most of them beginners, are amazed by how easy it is to catch fish right now.
Meer weergeven
An angler proudly displaying a caught fish while on a boat in overcast weather, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

The Three B's of San Diego

jul. 31, 2025 • San Diego
Our local coastline hosts a variety of fun fish to catch. None better than our three B's; Barracuda, Bass, and Bonito (aka Bonita). I am happy to report that all three are in good form for 2025. Whether you book a trip with me, another guide, an open party boat, or on your own vessel, just get yourself out there while it is good.
Meer weergeven