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.
34
Reviews
6
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

Captain James Nelson

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(33 reviews)
San Diego
 5 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $550

The Fish Icon

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
San Diego
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $450

Fishing Reports

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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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!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 34 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (55)
awesome trip
Fun trip!
Fun trip!
+52
Angler rating
34
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 34 reviews
Nancy R.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a great day. Fish ON

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Lake on August 5, 2025
Captain Nelson was very professional and knowledgeable and we got quite a few fish.ย  His experience paid off for us.ย  It...
Nancy R. recommends Captain James Nelson
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Fernando P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent experience, highly recommend, captain James was a great guide and gracias host, my sons and I had a wonderful experienceโ€ฆ

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Lake on July 31, 2025
Fernando P. recommends Captain James Nelson
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Austin H.
Ferron, Utah
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day trip

Full Day Trip - Fish & Lunch - Bay on June 7, 2024
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...
Austin H. recommends Captain James Nelson
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Kevin F.
Corona, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day trip with Captain James Nelson

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip - Inshore on June 6, 2017
Captain Nelson provided a fantastic experience using what the ocean provided as entertainment for the outing. The seals were...
Kevin F. recommends Captain James Nelson
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Kevin F. recommends Captain James Nelson
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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