The Fish Icon
Status: active
James Nelson has spent 45 years fishing the waters of San Diego, from the bays where he learned to fish after school to the sprawling network of freshwater lakes and reservoirs throughout Southern California. His tournament angling background has honed his ability to locate fish across diverse conditions—saltwater flats and bays (Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, Shelter Island), inshore species like bonefish, white sea bass, and barracuda, and freshwater lakes including Lake Hodges, San Vicente, El Capitan, and Lake Cuyamaca. Nelson tailors each trip to the angler's skill level, blending technical instruction with a focus on memorable days on the water.
Details
- Species: Crappie, Common Carp, Yellowtail, Largemouth Bass, Barracuda, Bluegill, Bonito, Calico Bass, Sculpin, Freshwater Drum, Sand Bass, Bonefish, Halibut, Striped Bass
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, First-Time Anglers, Center Console, Poling Skiff / Flats Boat, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Wade Fishing, Trolling, Year-Round, Sight Fishing, Live Bait, Topwater, Streamer, Family Friendly, Full Day, Wade Trip, Charter, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Saltwater, Freshwater
Waters Serviced (18)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Southern California | region_colloquial |
| San Diego | city |
| Morena Reservoir | reservoir |
| Lake Henshaw | reservoir |
| Lake Wohlford | reservoir |
| Lower Otay Lake | reservoir |
| Lower Roberts Reservoir | reservoir |
| Lake Hodges | reservoir |
| Lake Cuyamaca | reservoir |
| California | state |
| Lake Jennings | reservoir |
| Chula Vista | city |
| Coronado | city |
| La Mesa | city |
| National City | city |
| San Diego Bay | bay |
| Mission Bay | bay |
| San Vicente Reservoir | reservoir |
FAQ — The Fish Icon
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"gearNotes": "All rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear are provided. Nelson tailors equipment to the target species and your skill level. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.",
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"question": "What is the cancellation policy?",
"answer": "Cancellations made on the day of trip, or failure to notify The Fish Icon, or Capt james Nelson, within the last 48 hours of the booked date, will incur a fee equivalent to the full fare. Cancellations made within the last 72-48 hours of the booked date, may incur a fee of only $100. For example, a $300 prepaid trip will see $200 refunded. Cancellations made prior to the last 72 hours of the booked date, will receive a Full Refund.",
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"question": "Do most trips run rain or shine?",
"answer": "Most trips run rain or shine. However, it is not our intention to navigate into harms way or upon harsh waters. Should The Fish Icon, or one of its Captains, decide the weather conditions are unsuitable, you will be offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund of your fare in full.",
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"question": "What is included in the guided fishing trip?",
"answer": "Your personalized San Diego guided fishing trip includes all high quality rods and reels, tackle, baits, snacks, and water. On your trip, you will fish from this fully equipped boat...",
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"question": "What is the base rate for fishing San Diego's Bays?",
"answer": "The base rate for this trip is good for 1-2 adults. Fishing either of San Diego's Bays will offer many fish species to choose from. We will not only guide you to the best fishing San Diego's Bays have to offer, but we also supply you with all the necessary baits; lures, tackle, rods, reels, snacks, and water, to help make your San Diego Bay, or Mission Bay, fishing trip that much better. Captain James Nelson has been fishing San Diego's bays for over 35 years. Fish with James once, and you will never fish San Diego the same. Typical Half day trips are from 07:00-12:00. Typical Full day trips are from 07:00-15:00, and include Dock-and-Dine options. Ask us for more details. Please Note: All trips are prepaid, and include a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 in said prepayment. Only one discount per customer, per trip. If two discounts are applicable, pick the greatest discount that applies. Gratuities are always appreciated.",
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"question": "What is the base rate for fishing San Diego Area Freshwater?",
"answer": "The base rate for this trip is good for up to 2 adults. Fishing San Diego Area Freshwater offers adventuresome choices. Bullet Points of What We Include: All baits, lures, and gear, Water and snacks, Licensed guide and captain, Gas, oil, boat, Lunch (full day option), Lake permits and fees, Fun time and fish. Whether you fish San Diego Area Freshwater lakes; ponds, rivers, or creeks, you are sure to have an adventure to remember. If you chase Bass; Trout, Catfish, Panfish, Stripers, or Carp, we have something somewhere in the greater San Diego area to fulfill your freshwater fishing need. Price includes lake permits and fees. James Nelson Professional Fishing Guide Service will not only guide you to the best fishing San Diego Area Freshwater has to offer, but we also supply you with all the necessary baits; lures, tackle, rods, reels, snacks, and soft drinks, to help make your San Diego Area Freshwater fishing trip that much better. Captain James Nelson has been fishing San Diego Area Freshwater for over 30 years. Fish with James once, and you will never fish San Diego the same. Typical Half day trips are from 07:00-12:00. Typical Full day trips are from 07:00-15:00, and include Boxed Lunch options. Ask us for more details. Please Note: All prepaid trips include a non-refundable deposit of $100.00. Due to the inconsistent water levels, and the poor fisheries management of San Diego County, I cannot guarantee anybody will catch fish on our lakes. We will do the best with what we have, and have fun doing it. Only one discount per customer, per trip. If two discounts are applicable, pick the greatest discount that applies. CA Fishing License is required. You may get this online at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html. Gratuities are always appreciated.",
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"question": "What is the base rate for fishing Coastal San Diego?",
"answer": "The base rate for this trip is good for up to 2 adults. Fishing San Diego, sometimes means leaving the bay. Coastal saltwater fishing in San Diego can bring some of life's best memories. The Pacific Ocean provides a plethora of free roaming pelagic fish, as well as structure based species, and bottom dwellers. Whatever fish you are after, you can fish Coastal San Diego with confidence, knowing that Captain James Nelson will put you on fish. The exact areas fished, and species willing to bite are usually seasonal, so please call for specific information. There's no reason to go on a crowded open party boat, when you can enjoy the luxury of a private fishing guide with personal service. James Nelson Professional Fishing Guide Service will not only take you to the best privately guided fishing Coastal San Diego saltwater has to offer, but we also supply you with all the necessary baits; lures, tackle, rods, reels, snacks, and soft drinks, to help make your San Diego saltwater adventure that much better. Captain James Nelson has been fishing San Diego saltwater for over 30 years. Fish with James once, and you will never fish San Diego the same. Typical Half day trips are from 06:00-12:00. Typical Full day trips are from 06:00-15:00, and include Boxed Lunch options. Ask us for more details. Please Note: All prepaid trips include a non-refundable deposit of $100.00. Only one discount per customer, per trip. If two discounts are applicable, pick the greatest discount that applies. CA Fishing License is required. You may get this online at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html. Bullet Points of What We Include: All baits, lures, and gear, Water and snacks, Licensed guide and captain, Gas and oil, Lunch (Full Day Trips Only), Fun time and fish. Gratuities are always appreciated.",
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"question": "Do I need a California Fishing License for freshwater trips?",
"answer": "CA Fishing License is required. You may get this online at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html",
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"question": "Do I need a California Fishing License for coastal saltwater trips?",
"answer": "CA Fishing License is required. You may get this online at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/intro.html",
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"species": [
{
"slug": "crappie",
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"seasonalityNotes": "These schooling fish inhabit San Diego's freshwater lakes and can provide fast-paced action.",
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{
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"seasonalityNotes": "A common catch in San Diego's freshwater lakes, Carp provide a unique challenge for anglers.",
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{
"slug": "yellowtail",
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"category": "saltwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "These powerful pelagic fish are a major draw for anglers fishing the coastal waters of San Diego.",
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{
"slug": "largemouth-bass",
"commonName": "Largemouth Bass",
"category": "freshwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Lakes such as Otay and Hodges are renowned for their huge Largemouth Bass, providing exciting freshwater angling opportunities throughout the year.",
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},
{
"slug": "barracuda",
"commonName": "Barracuda",
"category": "saltwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "A thrilling pelagic species found in coastal waters, known for its speed and aggressive strikes.",
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},
{
"slug": "bluegill",
"commonName": "Bluegill",
"category": "freshwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "These panfish are found in San Diego's freshwater lakes and offer consistent action for anglers of all skill levels.",
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},
{
"slug": "bonito",
"commonName": "Bonito",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "These fast-swimming fish are common in the coastal waters and offer exciting sport fishing.",
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},
{
"slug": "calico-bass",
"commonName": "Calico Bass",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
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"seasonalityNotes": "These popular inshore saltwater species are found in San Diego's bays and coastal waters.",
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{
"slug": "sculpin",
"commonName": "Sculpin",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
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"seasonalityNotes": "These bottom-dwelling fish are found in rocky areas and can deliver a surprising fight.",
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},
{
"slug": "freshwater-drum",
"commonName": "Freshwater Drum",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
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"seasonalityNotes": "Found in the bays and coastal areas, Croakers provide consistent action for anglers.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "sand-bass",
"commonName": "Sand Bass",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "Common in the bays, Sand Bass provide consistent fishing opportunities.",
"notes": null
},
{
"slug": "bonefish",
"commonName": "Bonefish",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
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"seasonalityNotes": "While not a typical San Diego species, the mention of Bonefish suggests potential opportunities or a unique catch.",
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},
{
"slug": "halibut",
"commonName": "Halibut",
"category": "saltwater",
"availableMonths": null,
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"seasonalityNotes": "San Diego's bays and coastal waters are prime habitat for Halibut, a highly sought-after flatfish.",
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},
{
"slug": "striped-bass",
"commonName": "Striped Bass",
"category": "saltwater",
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"seasonalityNotes": "Stripers are found in both freshwater lakes and saltwater bays, offering a versatile angling experience.",
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