When you want a fishing guide, charter captain, or private fishing instructor, we aim to be your one-stop source. San Diego has a lot of great fishing. Any one of our San Diego Fishing Guides will put you on the best fishing for your day on the water. 

All of our San Diego Fishing Guides are licensed for the waters you book them for. Our guides are bonded and insured, and are CPR certified. Our quality fishing guides all have at least 5 years experience guiding, educating, packing and/or boat handling. Most of our guides are way beyond that minimum. You'd be surprised how many out there don't meet this minimum. Your safety comes first with us.

When you book a guide through The Fish Icon, you will have confidence knowing you and your party will be taken care of with the up most concerns for Safety, Service, and Satisfaction. Guaranteed.

For a day of fishing, and a lifetime of memories, book a trip with any of our San Diego Fishing Guides today.

Meet Our Guides

Captain James Nelson:

Born and raised in San Diego, James (ya doesn't hasta call me Captain) Nelson, has established himself as the consummate leader in customer service and satisfaction.

Okay, enough of all this third person jazz... it's me - James here. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching people catch fish. I love showing them the sights and sounds of our great city, and all the fantastic fishing San Diego has to offer. That is why I started The Fish Icon; to better showcase the beauty of the great outdoors through fishing the wonderful lakes and bays of America's finest city - San Diego.   

I have been fishing San Diego area lakes, bays, and salt water for over 35 years. I am a CA DFG Licensed fishing guide with a USCG certified Captain's License.

I really like watching families come together for a peaceful day of not just fishing, but seeing the glory of the outdoors, and catching fish. Leave your worries behind. This is why up to two kids (15 years old and younger) fish free per accompanying adult. Family trips make my day. I (myself) am a father of four, and considered by others to be an excellent guide, educator, and a pleasure to fish with. I work well with kids, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike. Most of all, I work for you. 

Kelly Gleghorn:

Although, to many of us in the sport fishing community, it may seem that Kelly was born on a charter boat, he has an affinity for shore fishing. In fact, whenever he is not chasing big game fish on one of the many popular San Diego sport fishing fleet boats, Kelly is often stalking down shore bound exotics on either San Diego Bay, or any of the beaches along the Southern California landscape. You might say it's his specialty. That is until you see him on a lake, helping an angler muscle in a big Largemouth Bass.

Kelly is very versatile, helpful, and courteous - an asset to The Fish Icon, and the San Diego fishing community. A master angler, and guide, for Shortfin Corvina, creek run Trout, and Halibut in the surf.

In Kelly's words, "My San Diego fishing guide service is aimed at providing you a personalized angling experience. Whether you're a local, or here only a few days on business, we can provide you with the opportunity to fish some of the many scenic locations throughout the San Diego Bay / Mission Bay or one of our many freshwater lakes."

So if you want a pack guide, shore guide, or just don't want to jump on a boat, we have that option for you. And Kelly is your guide for that option.

Approved, and Endorsed, by the State of California Department of Fish and Game as a Licensed Professional Fishing Guide Service. Trust only a Licensed Fishing Guide.

Also beware of non-licensed boat captians. Click Pic to the right to read this report regarding USCG Warnings: