Several years ago, I started a tradition of taking my son fishing for his birthday. I’d booked a commercial boat a couple times, but wanted something more personal. That’s when I found Captain James Nelson. He was super easy to reach and was very personable. We’ve been back a couple times and each time, it’s the highlight of my son’s birthday. This year’s trip featured a half-day bay trip. We both caught several bay bass, but my son really enjoyed dealing in the leopard shark. I highly recommend booking James, you’ll have a great time and will catch a lot of fish.

11 years ago I was looking to fish Mission Bay and found a guide online. It turned out I recognized the boat that Captain James was using, he had bought it from an acquaintance of mine. That broke the ice, we found common ground and started to get to know one another. As it turned out I caught a very nice halibut that day along with many bay bass. I have fished with Captain James on average of six times a year since, for a total of about 66 trips. I have fished coastal, bay and lake trips, and once did a paddy hopping trip that was a huge success, my two coworkers and I caught yellowtail, dorado and Bonita. Captain James has been instrumental in helping me make lots of lasting memories over the years. I am always planning the next trip.
While catching fishing is always the goal, there are other things I definitely consider when booking a trip with a guide, things like are they licensed and insured, do they possess basic medical knowledge and carry a up to date first aid kit,
Is the boat well maintained and seaworthy, does the guide know the rules of the sea and follow them, is the guide providing quality gear, does he care about my experience or just the number of fish caught. Can he communicate / teach in a way that is helpful to me to learn. Do I feel at ease around him enough to spend 8 hours alone on a boat with him. Luckily Captain James Nelson meets and exceeds all my expectations / requirements.
I have brought family, friends and colleagues on trips with me and not one of them complained, in fact they enjoyed his sense of humor, calm demeanor and fishing knowledge.
I highly recommend him to anyone interested in fishing the San Diego area.
I always have a good time fishing with Capt James and I think you can too.

I have been fishing the San Diego area with Captain James for over ten years, and it’s always a great experience. With the wide variety of areas he can reach, he has gotten me on everything from light tackle bonefish in the back bay to gamefish offshore, with plenty of rockfish and sharks thrown in to keep the lines tight.

His boat is always in great shape, and he provides top-notch equipment (and always an excellent lunch!) He is equally comfortable with experienced anglers, kids, and anyone in between.

James won’t want to brag about this, but over the past decade, he has guided me and some friends on to at least a dozen IGFA world records, on gamefish such as the Cortez Bonefish, reef-dwellers such as Sunset Rockfish and Treefish, and bay residents like Butterfly Ray and California Moray.

He books up quickly during prime times, and luckily, it’s almost always prime time in San Diego - something is always in season.

My son and I have been with James 7 or 8 times and never disappointed. Even the time I got sea sick James still made it a good trip. Lots of fish, good scenery and a learning experience. If you have a day or even a half day available I recommend time on the water with James.

Captain Nelson provided a fantastic experience using what the ocean provided as entertainment for the outing. The seals were a bit of a problem but even they add to the outing….Minnesotans đó not see seals everyday. I’d go with him the next time I’m in San Diego.  Total fish 25 mackeral and 5 rockfish with countless hookups that did not make the boat.  Good times