Captain
James Nelson

Member since October 2016 San Diego, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I don't have a preferred style of fishing. I do what it takes to get my customers bit, and fish in the boat.

Hey, I'm Captain James Nelson

San Diego, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
I don't have a preferred style of fishing. I do what it takes to get my customers bit, and fish in the boat.
Anglers Choice
95
Reviews
7
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

Captain James Nelson

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(94 reviews)
Angler's choice
San Diego
 Last booking: 1 day ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

The Fish Icon

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Angler's choice
Ramona
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Fishing Reports

Game On
Game On
Mar 31, 2026 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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Finest Family Friendly Fishing
Finest Family Friendly Fishing
Feb 16, 2026 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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All About That Bass
All About That Bass
Nov 14, 2025 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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August Recap
August Recap
Aug 27, 2025 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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Bass, Bats, and Flats
Bass, Bats, and Flats
Aug 9, 2025 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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The Three B's of San Diego
The Three B's of San Diego
Jul 31, 2025 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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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 95 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (179)
Great day for us!
Great day for us!
Great day for us!
+176
Angler rating
95
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 95 reviews
Lindsay S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bucket list - My son’s best day ever!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Bay (AM) - 6:30 AM on July 28, 2026
Our 12-year-old fisherman from Iowa had always dreamed of catching a shark, and Captain Nelson made that dream come true! He...
Lindsay S. recommends Captain James Nelson
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Ashley S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Incredible experience!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Bay - 6:30 AM on July 8, 2026
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...
Ashley S. recommends Captain James Nelson
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John M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great guide, great fishing beautiful day

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Inshore on April 1, 2026
Capt. James took my two teenage boys and me out this morning, and we had a great time. The fishing wasn’t fast and furious,...
John M. recommends Captain James Nelson
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Russell T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Non Stop Catching of Fish

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Bay (PM) on August 5, 2026
Captain Nelson had us on Fish the whole time.  If it wasn’t for the size limits, we would have come home with a huge amount. ...
Russell T. recommends Captain James Nelson
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Diego B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great catch

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Bay (PM) on August 4, 2026
Captn. James was the best. super knowledgable and helpfull. Took us ti the best spots. we caught: about 20 makarel, 30 or more...
Diego B. recommends Captain James Nelson
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