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
(13 reviews)
Port Aransas
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500
Rockport
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 13 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (5)
Great Person
Great Person
James is awesome!
+2
Angler rating
13
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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5 of 13 reviews
Caden V. 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   Half Day Trip (AM) on August 11, 2025
Caden V. O. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Caden V. O. 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   Half Day Trip (AM) on July 12, 2025
James O. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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James O. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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Patti H.
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   Full Day Trip on December 28, 2024
Captain James was great. We had a great time and went to many fantastic fishing spots. Captain James was very knowledgeable...
Patti H. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Patti H. recommends ShoreThing Guide Service
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful