Captain
Eric Nelson

Member since August 2023 Essex, United States
Background
Captain Eric Nelson has more than 45 years of experience fishing and catching Stripers in the Essex River and surrounding waters of Ipswich, Cranes Beach, Plum Island, Gloucester, and Rockport. He has been Coast Guard licensed (Master - 50 ton) since 2010. Captain Eric is considered, by most who know him, to be an expert Striper fisherman who knows where to find fish and how to catch them. He is known for his patient style and for being a great fishing instructor. You can be sure he will do whatever he can to make sure his customers have fun and catch fish! He has a master's degree in Oceanography and has spent his career as an Environmental Consultant, currently working on climate change, sea level rise, and coastal restoration issues. He is well-versed in the Essex River estuary and the rich local history of Essex and Cape Ann.
Techniques
Captain Eric is a master at using live mackerel to catch big stripers. When live mackerel are not available, he will use other baits or a variety of artificial lures.

Hey, I'm Captain Eric Nelson

Essex, United States
Background
Captain Eric Nelson has more than 45 years of experience fishing and catching Stripers in the Essex River and surrounding waters of Ipswich, Cranes Beach, Plum Island, Gloucester, and Rockport. He has been Coast Guard licensed (Master - 50 ton) since 2010. Captain Eric is considered, by most who know him, to be an expert Striper fisherman who knows where to find fish and how to catch them. He is known for his patient style and for being a great fishing instructor. You can be sure he will do whatever he can to make sure his customers have fun and catch fish! He has a master's degree in Oceanography and has spent his career as an Environmental Consultant, currently working on climate change, sea level rise, and coastal restoration issues. He is well-versed in the Essex River estuary and the rich local history of Essex and Cape Ann.
Techniques
Captain Eric is a master at using live mackerel to catch big stripers. When live mackerel are not available, he will use other baits or a variety of artificial lures.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(28 reviews)
Angler's choice
Essex
 Last booking: 5 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 28 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (59)
Captain Eric does it again!!
Captain Eric does it again!!
Captain Eric does it again!!
+56
Angler rating
28
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 28 reviews
Phil C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Stripper fishing ever

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Morning Trip on June 20, 2025
Captain Eric knows puts you where the fish are Fantastic!!!
Phil C. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Phil C. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Sabrina C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Dream day

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on July 18, 2024
Our fishing trip was nothing short of fantastic! The capitain was incredibly knowledgeable and provided great tips that really...
Sabrina C. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Rachel B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Eric

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour Morning Trip on June 15, 2025
Rachel B. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Rachel B. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Elie B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour Morning Trip on June 14, 2025
Elie B. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Elie B. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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Wayne A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Spinning tackle stripers

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on September 8, 2024
Capt Eric did a great job of finding us fish in different spots of the Essex river and staying on them to keep us hooking up...
Wayne A. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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