Eric Nelson
Captain

Eric Nelson

Essex, United States
25+ reviews
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.

Charter

Rating

4.9
39 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (39)

Showing 1 – 5 of 39 reviews
  • Jon Butler
    Jon Butler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    worked hard

    Half Day Morning Trip • 1 adult

    rough day with few fish, but not the captains fault. he worked all the tricks and we got into a few stripers. will definitely get back out there with them.

    Reported catch:
    Striped Bass
    Response from Captain

    Jon, thank you!

  • Owen Lundin
    Owen Lundin
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Eric

    3/4 Day Trip • 4 adults
    Reported catch:
    Striped Bass
    Response from Captain

    Thank you!

  • Matt Duggan
    Matt Duggan
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Eric

    Half Day Morning Trip • 4 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thanks Matt. You all got some great fish today!

  • Thomas Gross
    Thomas Gross
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    4.0
    Verified

    Great Time!

    3 Hour Morning Trip • 4 adults • 2 children

    Eric was very knowledgeable of the area, fishing techniques and helped us with everything each step of the way. Kids enjoyed it, and we caught fish!

    Reported catch:
    Striped Bass
    Atlantic Mackerel
    Response from Captain

    Thank you!

  • Kenny Deangelo
    Kenny Deangelo
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent Day Fishing

    Half Day Morning Trip • 2 adults • 1 child

    Captain Eric is a true professional and knows the Essex river like the back of his hand. Me and my 8 year old son had an amazing day, we caught a few Stripers including a 44 inch Monsta! The river is beautiful, very calm waters compared to the deep ocean, with plenty of fish and spectacular views. I highly recommend this charter for anyone looking to hook some large fish.

    Reported catch:
    Striped Bass
    Atlantic Mackerel
    Response from Captain

    Thanks Kenny. It was my pleasure taking you and your son out. You did great! I think he is hooked.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Great Time!
    Thomas G.
    Thomas G.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
    Connor F.
    Connor F.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Capt. Eric Nelson experience makes the difference
    John B.
    John B.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    August fishing trip
    Peter M.
    Peter M.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Excellent Day Fishing
    Kenny D.
    Kenny D.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Captain Eric does it again!!
    Connor F.
    Connor F.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    An amazing day!
    Robert K.
    Robert K.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Spinning tackle stripers
    Wayne A.
    Wayne A.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    August fishing trip
    Kimberly K.
    Kimberly K.
  • Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
    Essex River Fishing Charters LLCEssex, MA
    Best charter trip ever taken.
    Rick L.
    Rick L.