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

My Charter Listings

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(40 reviews)
Port Aransas
 Last booking: 5 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $550
Rockport
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $550

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 40 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (25)
Memorable birthday trip!
Memorable birthday trip!
Memorable birthday trip!
+22
Angler rating
40
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 40 reviews
Carrie G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Memorable birthday trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  Full Day Trip on August 15, 2026
What a fun day on the water! Surprised my husband for his birthday with a fishing trip, and could not have hand-picked a better...
Carrie G. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Tom B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Beautiful waether a GREAT Adventure.

VERIFIED   Fishing trip on June 24, 2026
The boat Captain was very nice and professional. The boat was in great condition with plenty of room for the 4 guest and the...
Tom B. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Tom H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun Day!

VERIFIED   NEW  Fishing trip on August 16, 2026
James is friendly and encouraging. His boat and equipment are top notch, and he did a great job guiding us to the best spots.
Tom H. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Dustin P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Port A half day

VERIFIED   NEW  Fishing trip on August 14, 2026
James did a great job.ย  He was friendly and was patient with the youngsters and got us on the fish!
Dustin P. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Courtney K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  Fishing trip on August 7, 2026
Our family had a great time fishing with James. We enjoyed it a lot and came home with lots of fish.
Courtney K. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Courtney K. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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