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James Nelson
Captain

James Nelson

San Diego, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
Captain James Nelson has been a fully licensed private inland waters guide longer than anybody in San Diego, California. He was born and raised in San Diego and has spent thousands of days learning the best fishing spots in Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, and the local lakes. As he honed his skills, he started to compete in tournaments, successfully participating in FLW, WON Bass, ABA, and East County Bassmasters. Now, he uses those skills to teach clients on every fishing trip he takes out. Captain James loves helping people catch fish and being a part of their most treasured memories and he is well-qualified, and certified, to take you out on the water. A father of four, he is appreciated by his clients not only as an excellent guide and teacher, who is great with kids, but also as a pleasure to fish with.

Charters

  • The Fish Icon

    The Fish Icon

    Ramona
    Instant Confirmation
    Trips from
    US $450

Rating

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

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (111)

ShowingΒ 1 – 5Β ofΒ 111Β reviews
  • Megan Vargas
    Megan Vargas
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    exactly what we wanted

    4 Hour Trip – Bay (AM) - 6:30 AM β€’ 2 adults

    Captain James was so fun to hang out with on our fishing trip. The absolute best jokes, taught us a lot about bay fishing and the different types of fish, and just a fun guy to chat with. Oh and we caught fish! I'd say a decent variety - we only kept 2 fish, but we caught quite a few. That's all we wanted to do, catch fish, didn't matter what they were and if we could keep them or not. I would easily book with Captain James again in the future. At the end, he filleted our bass (which was fun to watch) and sent us on our way to eat at Mitch's and shop the little fresh fish market place down the way. Great trip, I'm really glad we booked with him.

    Reported catch:
    Sand Bass
    Response from Captain

    Megan, It was great showing you guys around today. I am so glad the fish joined the party. I look forward to next time. Many Blessings, James

  • Craig Derby
    Craig Derby
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    All around Fantastic.

    8 Hour Trip – Bay Fish & Lunch β€’ 4 adults

    When we first checked in, Captain James was friendly and immediately cracking jokes. He helped us get oyr one day licenses and got us on the boat quite smoothly. Once we were out there he explained the type of fishing we were doing as well as why. ince we were fushing he explained how many species we’d potentially see in the area. He had read the booking message and made sure to keep an eye on the less experienced anglers and helped them without talking down to them, focused on getting us on some fish. We ended up getting 10 species and over 15 fish in the boat by the end of the day. Every single fish and species Captain James treated with respect and care. Ensuring that we got pictures if every catch and also ensuring no extra harm or discomfort came to the fish we returned to the water. Overall Captain James made sure we had a fun day and understood his methods and we ended up with a ton of fish. Cannot reccommend him enough. Thank you for the awesome day

    Reported catch:
    Leopard Shark
    Sand Bass
    Response from Captain

    Thank you for the kind words, Craig. You were all a joy to have aboard. Many blessings to you and your family. Semper Fi

  • Lindsay Steele
    Lindsay Steele
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Bucket list - My son’s best day ever!

    4 Hour Trip – Bay (AM) - 6:30 AM β€’ 4 adults β€’ 1 child

    Our 12-year-old fisherman from Iowa had always dreamed of catching a shark, and Captain Nelson made that dream come true! He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and great with my son. During our trip, we caught eight different species, including two sharks, which made for an unforgettable adventure. My daughter and I aren't big fishing enthusiasts, but we joined the trip to support himβ€”and we ended up having the best time. We even reeled in a few fish ourselves! The entire experience was fun, exciting, and something our family will cherish for years to come. If you're looking for a memorable family fishing adventure, we highly recommend Captain Nelson. He made our son's dream a reality and gave us memories that will last a lifetime. Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reported catch:
    Leopard Shark
    Sand Bass
    Dogfish
    Skate
    Response from Captain

    I am so glad you guys all had a great time. It seems only the fish did not appreciate it too much. I can't wait until next time. Safe travels.

  • Ashley Showalter
    Ashley Showalter
    us
    Kansas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Incredible experience!

    5 Hour Trip – Bay - 6:30 AM β€’ 4 adults β€’ 1 child

    We are on vacation and booked with Captain James to hopefully be able to catch some fish we hadn't ever before and boy did we!! We are a family of 4, 2 kids (age 15 & 9) and both our girls had such a great time. The time flew by because we were having so much fun. We caught several fish, including a Leopard Shark, Guitar fish & a Giant Black Sea Bass, which is protected, to name a few!! It was even better than anticipated. Captain James was amazing from start to finish. Very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful to us, especially being first time salt water anglers. Book with him and you won't be disappointed. Thank you Captain James for giving us and our girls an experience we won't ever forget!

    Reported catch:
    Leopard Shark
    Sand Bass
    Skate
    Response from Captain

    You guys are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your time with me, and your review for all to see.

  • Mac Bollos
    Mac Bollos
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    One of my best experience fishing,

    8 Hour Trip – Fish & Lunch Inshore - 6:00 AM β€’ 4 adults

    I recommend Captain James Nelson if you Eee planning for family or friends fishing trip as your guide. You will not regret your trip. Captain James is very helpful and flexible. You want automatic baiting pick him for your next trip. We had a blasts with him and can’t wait for the next trip.

    Reported catch:
    Bonito
    Calico Bass
    Scorpionfish
    Rockfish
    +1
    Response from Captain

    It was a legendary day for sure. I can't wait to see what next time might offer. Many Blessings

Real catches shared by our community

  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    fish
    Ty A.
    Ty A.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    One of my best experience fishing,
    Mac B.
    Mac B.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    exactly what we wanted
    Megan V.
    Megan V.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Awesome experience
    Jonathan L.
    Jonathan L.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Fishing with James
    Tyla F.
    Tyla F.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Won’t find a better captain
    Patrick D.
    Patrick D.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    All around Fantastic.
    Craig D.
    Craig D.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    successful day
    Jonathan V.
    Jonathan V.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Had such a good time!!
    Justin B.
    Justin B.
  • Captain James Nelson
    Captain James NelsonSan Diego, CA
    Captain James is Awesome
    Jim W.
    Jim W.

What's biting with Captain James Nelson in San Diego

Fall sees amazing Yellowtail fishing, with some people considering it the best time of year to catch the species in San Diego. Large numbers are caught on local half day and overnight trips.

Top catches for October

Fishing reports

A family proudly displaying their catch of striped bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a fun day on the water.

Game On

Mar 31, 2026Β β€’Β San Diego
San Diego Bay has been fantastic for a variety of fish. This is the season we have been waiting for. Bass, Halibut, Shark, Double Hookups, Triple Hookups, it has been awesome. It's the memories we make, and the size of the smiles that count. Whether with myself, some else, or by yourself, just get out there and go make some memories.
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Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of striped bass while fishing in an urban setting.

Finest Family Friendly Fishing

Feb 16, 2026Β β€’Β San Diego
San Diego Bay is by far the best fishery we have. I have said it over and over for over 20 years. You simply can't beat the calm waters and lovely scenery. Add to that a variety of critters willing to bite, and you get the full family friendly package. It's hard to believe that we are still in winter. Now get out there, and go.
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Black Grouper while fishing in a vibrant urban setting.

All About That Bass

Nov 14, 2025Β β€’Β San Diego
The bass bite in and around our bay has been nothing short of awesome. We really do have the best year round fishery. Get out there and get you some. The photos are an assortment from many recent trips. We are catching other species, too, but the Bass are certainly leading the charge.
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An angler reeling in a fish while fishing near a bridge, showcasing the excitement of the catch in a coastal environment.

August Recap

Aug 27, 2025Β β€’Β San Diego
Just because it's Labor Day Weekend, and schools are back in session, does not mean we are done catching fish. We are a year round fishery. San Diego Bay is by far the best fishery in Southern California. September is one of the best months to fish, for sure. As we slip out of one of our best August fishing in recent history, I can't wait to see what September and October have to offer. The weather is awesome, and the fish are cooperative. It should be Great! Enjoy the pics.
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A young angler proudly displaying a Spotted Bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a fun day on the water.

Bass, Bats, and Flats

Aug 9, 2025Β β€’Β San Diego
If it's fun, easy to catch, hard fighting, and good eating fish that you want, now is the time. We are getting a mix of all three. And on light tackle some species themselves can meet all three descriptions themselves. You simply cannot beat the inshore bite right now. The pics in this report are from a few recent trips. This whole month of summer has been nothing short of awesome. The folks coming along, most of them beginners, are amazed by how easy it is to catch fish right now.
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An angler proudly displaying a caught fish while on a boat in overcast weather, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

The Three B's of San Diego

Jul 31, 2025Β β€’Β San Diego
Our local coastline hosts a variety of fun fish to catch. None better than our three B's; Barracuda, Bass, and Bonito (aka Bonita). I am happy to report that all three are in good form for 2025. Whether you book a trip with me, another guide, an open party boat, or on your own vessel, just get yourself out there while it is good.
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