It’s All in The Music

Feb. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- James Nelson grew up learning to fish at Chollas Lake, the San Diego River, and various salt water piers, with his dad, brother, and friends.  He has since mastered many local lakes. He joined local clubs such as Bushwhackers, and placed third in his second ever bass tournament. He later joined East County Bassmasters where he held nine first place wins, 15 second place finishes, 44 top ten finishes, and earned himself a position to fish in five Top Six Tournaments. All within a span of only 84 club tournaments fished. Not currently an active participant, James still considers East County Bassmasters his home club, keeps up in touch, and occasionally joins in club activities. Along with other East County Bassmasters club members (Bill Brown Jr. Wayne and Paul Thompson) James is a Charter Member of the San Diego Chapter of FOCAS, (Fellowship Of Christian Anglers Society).

Although dabbling in Regional Professional Tournaments since the early 1990’s, it was 2005 when James took the leap into the Pro fishing status without the comforts (burden) of a day job. While still living in his hometown of Chula Vista, CA he fished the Midwest FLW Stren Series, and entered his first WON Bass US Open in 2006. James later qualified for the WON Bass Classic in 2007. The grueling strain physically; financially, emotionally, and spiritually, left James abandoning this path, and gave him much respect for those who carry on. Like he has said many times, “You have to be better than good.”

Now a US Coast Guard Certified Captain, James Nelson runs his own Fishing Guide service in the San Diego area, where he is licensed for not only San Diego, but also for the counties of Los Angeles; Orange, San Bernardino, and Imperial. Quite often you can find Captain James on San Diego Bay, where many of his clients (conventioneers, and vacationers) are usually lodging in San Diego’s picturesque seaport hotel skyline. However, he still guides (and fishes) quite a bit for southern California’s infamously huge Largemouth Bass. In fact, a lot of James’s bass fishing clients are from out of state, like Delaware; New Hampshire, New Jersey, Kansas, and Georgia. Some come from other countries like Japan; Canada, Norway, and Singapore. San Diego’s bass fishing has become notorious thanks to some monstrous catches by our local fishing contemporaries like Mike Long, John Kerr, Mack Weakley, and Jed Dickerson (to name a few). That is the challenge that James has found fun to take on; finding an angler their personal best. In fact, in the last three years of professional guiding, Captain James Nelson has guided an amazing 72% of his clients to their personal best catches!

Sharing and teaching are two of the best qualities James possesses. He has always been an advocate for catch and release, although he appreciates the notion of living off the land by taking only what you need and leaving the rest for nature. He enjoys camping and has come up with some delicious recipes for those occasional catfish or sunfish!  He is also a big advocate for take a Kid Fishing. As a father of four, ages 12, 10, and 5yr old twins, he has taught his kids early on about water safety, respecting nature, family togetherness, and working together as a team, as well as entertaining competition.  James believes this to be a good road to self worth, and a detour to what could end up as destructive teenage difficulties, as well as passing on good values in general.  

In the past, James has had his hand in acting, and has been a leader; songwriter, singer, guitarist, and producer in several local bands. When James wants to accomplish something he puts his whole self into it. Together with his creativity, savvy ability to relate to all kinds of people, and his past day jobs in sales and marketing, his goal is to utilize these skills in the fishing industry which he loves and knows so well.

Thank you,
Amanda Nelson

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Fish Inspired is a forum attached to The Fish Icon.com. It allows fisherman to talk about a wide variety of topics from fishing to family, and faith. Fish Inspired quite often hosts a Q&A with legendary bass pro Jay Yelas.