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, Verenigde Staten
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.
37
Reviews
6
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

Captain James Nelson

Uitstekend
4.9 / 5
(36 beoordelingen)
San Diego
 2 boekingen in de afgelopen week.
 Directe bevestiging
Trips vanaf US $550

The Fish Icon

Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
(1 beoordeling)
San Diego
 Directe bevestiging
Trips vanaf 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

Beoordelingsoverzicht
Uitstekend
4.9 / 5
van de 5 sterren op basis van 37 beoordelingen
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Boot
Uitstekend
4.8 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Ervaring
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Foto's & video's door recensenten (56)
A good time.
awesome trip
Fun trip!
+53
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95%
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5 van 37 beoordelingen
Robert S.
Weed, California
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Ervaring:
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Boot
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5.0 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Algemeen

There is always something biting somewhere in San Diego Bay with Capt. James Nelson

A Half Day Trip - Bay op Juni 6, 2025
Iโ€™ve taken well over 20 fishing trips with Capt. James. He always puts me in fish. Unlike many other guides, James doesnโ€™t...
Robert S. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
Markeer beoordeling als nuttig
je vond deze beoordeling nuttig
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Gary E.
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Ervaring:
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Boot
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Algemeen

Great trip in beautiful San Diego bay.

GECONTROLEERD   A Half Day Trip - Bay op December 28, 2025
Thanks! It was a great trip
Gary E. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
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Joe S.
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Ervaring:
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Boot
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Algemeen

Experienced San Diego Captain

GECONTROLEERD   A Half Day Trip - Bay op Augustus 7, 2025
Big fishing day for my 8 year old grandson Brody is an excellent angler James took him to a new level catching three...
Joe S. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
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Andrew E.
Uitstekend
4.7 / 5
Ervaring:
Zeer goed
4.0 / 5
Boot
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Algemeen

Find the Fish

GECONTROLEERD   Half Day Trip - Inshore op Januari 28, 2026
James was an exceptional guide worked hard to find us some fish. Very personable and made the trip enjoyable.
Andrew E. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
Markeer beoordeling als nuttig
1 persoon vindt deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 1 andere persoon vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Andrew E. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
Markeer beoordeling als nuttig
1 persoon vindt deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 1 andere persoon vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Shane S.
Uitstekend
4.7 / 5
Ervaring:
Zeer goed
4.0 / 5
Boot
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Crew
Uitstekend
5.0 / 5
Algemeen

Fun day on the sea

GECONTROLEERD   Full Day - Fish & Lunch - Inshore op Augustus 2, 2025
We had a good time with Captain Nelson, he had us on fish all day long. If you are tired of the crowded fishing boats that...
Shane S. raadt Captain James Nelson aan
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