Captain
Capt. James Welder

Member since May 2023 Port Aransas, United States
Background
Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, James F. Welder developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license in 2005 to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. His knack for teaching first timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish a memorable and rewarding experience. Capt. James has been guiding since 2005 and has grown up fishing the Port Aransas and Rockport areas all his life. We will be fishing primarily for Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Black Drum. He uses a wide variety of techniques in order for his clients to have great day on the water. He runs a 25’ Majek Illusion. Kids are more than welcome.
Techniques
Flats fishing

Hey, I'm Captain Capt. James Welder

Port Aransas, United States
Background
Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, James F. Welder developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license in 2005 to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. His knack for teaching first timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish a memorable and rewarding experience. Capt. James has been guiding since 2005 and has grown up fishing the Port Aransas and Rockport areas all his life. We will be fishing primarily for Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Black Drum. He uses a wide variety of techniques in order for his clients to have great day on the water. He runs a 25’ Majek Illusion. Kids are more than welcome.
Techniques
Flats fishing
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Port Aransas
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 6 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (3)
James is awesome!
Captain James is an excellent guide
Captain James is an excellent guide
Angler rating
6
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 6 reviews
Randy R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on July 16, 2025
My wife and 8 year old grandson and me took in a great day of fishing.  The day started slow but Capt. James kept looking...
Randy R. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Todd H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain James is an excellent guide

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on June 7, 2025
We had a great day on the water bay fishing with Captain James.  It ended up being a windy day and tough day for fishing but...
Todd H. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Greg W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

James is awesome!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 21, 2025
Had a great day on the water and James’ disposition couldn’t have been better. Highly recommend and would book again when...
Greg W. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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James O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Capt. James

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on July 12, 2025
James O. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Jason S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

April fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on April 12, 2025
Fun day on the water. Captain James is very laid back and engaging with his clients.
Jason S. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Jason S. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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