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
(36 reviews)
Angler's choice
Essex
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 36 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (70)
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
+67
Angler rating
35
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 36 reviews
Kenny D. A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent Day Fishing

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Trip on July 26, 2025
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...
Kenny D. A. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Connor F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Fishing on September 21, 2025
This was our third year out with Captain Eric and maybe our best trip yet! We brought two friends this time and we all still...
Connor F. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Denise Z.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

My son never caught a fish in his life until now!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Morning Trip on August 18, 2025
Great Fatherโ€™s day present for my husband and two boys. I donโ€™t understand how the captain knows where and how to catch...
Denise Z. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

John B.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Capt. Eric Nelson experience makes the difference

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour Morning Trip on September 14, 2025
A very pleasant 3 hours. The captain knows where to get the big stripers. Landed 3 all over 38โ€to a 42โ€ trophy, a 34 lb...
John B. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied

Jared T.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience on Essex River!

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Trip on August 13, 2025
Capt Nelson was able to fit us in last minute;ย  exceptionally knowledgeable, pragmatic, and accommodating. Definitely a plus...
Jared T. recommends Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Nelson Captain replied