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.
20
Reviews
5
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

Captain James Nelson

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(19 reviews)
San Diego
 Last booking: 4 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $550

The Fish Icon

Just added to our fleet
Lakeside
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Fishing Reports

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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
Bay Bass Bonanza 2025 is On!!!
Bay Bass Bonanza 2025 is On!!!
Jul 21, 2025 San Diego
We are experiencing some of the best bay bass bite I have seen in years. The pics are from accumulated trips over the past couple months. It is not uncommon for folks to catch 20-50 each of these hard fighting light tackle little monsters. Oh, and speaking of monsters, we are also getting the cool critters like Leopard Sharks, Guitarfish, Rays, and a few Sevengill Sharks, too. Calendars are starting to fill. So, whether you choose me, another guide, or another way to get on the water, just do it, and enjoy!
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 20 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
wow what a great fishing trip!
wow what a great fishing trip!
wow what a great fishing trip!
+28
Angler rating
20
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 20 reviews
Richard S.
Bonsall, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

12 years fishing with Capt. James Nelson

Half Day Trip - Bay on June 12, 2025
I have fished with Capt. James Nelson the last 12 years. A great fishing guide needs to place the boat over the fish.ย ...
Richard S. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  James Nelson Captain replied
Read more
Cynthia T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best guide so far

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip - Saltwater on October 17, 2025
Iโ€™ve been on a few guided trips, and this one was by far my favorite.ย  Captain Nelson put us on the fish and was great company!
Cynthia T. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Cynthia T. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Alexander S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

I dont normally write reviews

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip - Bay on October 16, 2025
but the expeeience was great, captain james is super friendly and great company. You will catch fish and have an absolute blast.
Alexander S. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  James Nelson Captain replied
Read more
James L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip โ€“ Freshwater on October 8, 2025
Captain was very reaponsive, and accomodating.ย  We caught 24 fish in half a day in the Bay.ย  Good value for the convinece...
James L. recommends The Fish Icon
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
James L. recommends The Fish Icon
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Jace J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain James is the man!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Saltwater on August 31, 2025
Captain James was an amazing captain, super personable and entertaining while using his expert knowledge to help us keep catching...
Jace J. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  James Nelson Captain replied
Read more
  • Settings