The Fish Report

30 Halibut, 331 Spotted Bay Bass, 169 Sand Bass, 144 Calico Bass, 30 Large Mouth Bass, 1 Crappie, 15 Sculpin & Rock Fish, 2 Bonefish, 6 Sharks & Rays, 6 Spotfin Croaker, 3 Shortfin Corvina, 124 Exotics (lizardfish, croaker, jacksmelt, queenfish, mackerel, etc...)

861 total fish caught in the fourth quarter of 2011 from 22 trips. All but 55 fish were released. Most of the ones kept were mackerel, and smelt, used for bait, and some of the halibut big enough to keep.  

Men Aboard: 28    Women Aboard: 9   Children Aboard: 4  Total = 41 Anglers

Average of 2 people per trip were aboard during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Total Q4 Trips: 22 - Catch Ratio:  avg. 39 Fish per Trip - 20 Fish per Angler

News and Events

We were able to book 22 of the 90 days in the fourth quarter. Eleven of those trips were in the month of December. We had an incredible Sand Bass and Calico bite this winter. And the few who came out with us, got to see it first hand. There is no place to fish like San Diego during the winter. In fact, if stats are what you favor, winter is our best season.

The first of many seminars to come was at the new Fish'n Marine Center on Mapleview in Lakeside. See their Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fishn-Marine-Center/229192400469004

Fish'n Marine Center (FMC) is one of San Diego County's newest full service boating and fishing tackle store. They feature new and used boats for sale, a service department, and loads of both freshwater and saltwater tackle and gear. Also, we hope to see FMC as San Diego's new leader in crossover boats. Due to our overwhelming desire (as San Diegans) to fish both freshwater, and saltwater, having a high quality bunch of guys with such a great shop, should be no problem for our fishing community to help FMC reach that goal.  

At the above mentioned seminar, we announced a new line of products available. Captain's Choice product line. Our first run is a collection of soft plastic baits that I use on my guide trips, that simply catch fish. These fine soft plastic baits are made by none other than our local favorite Western Plastics. The first set is a packaged sampling of the best products used by my guests to catch fish. These samplings come in a nice Plano box, and are ready to roll. Great gift idea. Future releases will include lures designed by me, and some that I have kept a secret for my personal tournament use only. Keep an eye out for Captain's Choice products; currently found at FMC. Or call (619) 443-2100.

Another neat lure to talk about is the Trip Jig. Check out this video:

I am still on Rod and Reel Radio doing a weekly inshore fish report. You can hear "Captain James Nelson's Inshore Report" during the one hour broadcast for AM1050 Inland Empire on Fridays from 11-Noon, and/or you can hear the fish report during the two hour broadcast for AM540 on Sundays from 5-7PM. Another great way to hear Rod and Reel Radio is via their web-casts. Click this Link: http://tunein.com/radio/Rod--Reel-Radio-p61163/ or, http://kcaaradio.celestrion.net/kcaa-podcasts/rod/# 

Tournament Stuff

After my saltwater bass team tournament partner (Robert Schneider) and I placed third in an SWBA tournament with a 5.06 pound sand bass, we found ourselves the Wildcard Team for the fish off. Although we didn't perform as well as some of the other great teams of SWBA, we did have a lot of fun thanks to the title sponsor Carne de Theresa, and Jim and Eric of SWBA.

Due to a desire to spend more off-time with my family, I have decided to cease tournament fishing for at least all of 2012.

Really Cool Stuff

As many of you know, in late 2010, I adopted the slogan turned policy, "Catch Fish or Your Money Back!" Well, it's intent was not only to work as a guarantee to my guests, but to be a mental springboard for myself; to motivate me to be my very best, and to give my very best. I am happy to say, we went the entire year of 2011 without having to give a single angler money back. There were some days better than others - that's fishing. None of my guests ever got skunked.

Thank you for reading. God Bless,

James

James Nelson | Create Your Badge