Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, Captain James developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. After seven years of guiding for BayFlats Lodge, James decided to start his own company. His knack for teaching first-timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish and hunt a memorable and rewarding experience.
About Your Guide
James Welder
Independent Guide22 years of exp.
Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, Captain James developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. After seven years of guiding for BayFlats Lodge, James decided to start his own company. His knack for teaching first-timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish and hunt a memorable and rewarding experience.
My party had a terrific time! James is one of the best guides I’ve had the pleasure to meet and fish with. I recommend him without any reservation, and confident that regardless of your skills and abilities, James can and will help you and your group have the best trip possible.
Joseph
Verified Review
My party had a terrific time! James is one of the best guides I’ve had the pleasure to meet and fish with. I recommend him without any reservation, and confident that regardless of your skills and abilities, James can and will help you and your group have the best trip possible.
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Tom
Verified Review
James is a professional fishing guide and not only put us right on the fishe everywhere we went but also made it fun. My 3 daughters and I were all novice fishermen but he had us reeling in fish like we were naturals. Highly recommend!
Tom
Verified Review
James is a professional fishing guide and not only put us right on the fishe everywhere we went but also made it fun. My 3 daughters and I were all novice fishermen but he had us reeling in fish like we were naturals. Highly recommend!
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Ryan
Verified Review
There is no such thing as a guaranteed day of good fishing. You have to have the right tackle, patience, spot and timing. Capt James has everything listed with experience to boot! Had an amazing time in fairly tough fishing conditions but Capt James persisted till we found the fish, can’t recommend enough!
Ryan
Verified Review
There is no such thing as a guaranteed day of good fishing. You have to have the right tackle, patience, spot and timing. Capt James has everything listed with experience to boot! Had an amazing time in fairly tough fishing conditions but Capt James persisted till we found the fish, can’t recommend enough!
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B.j.
Verified Review
James was a Pro with a lot of knowledge of all the bay systems. He was great to my two boys and we had a fun day on the water because of his effort.
B.j.
Verified Review
James was a Pro with a lot of knowledge of all the bay systems. He was great to my two boys and we had a fun day on the water because of his effort.
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William
Verified Review
James was awesome. Slower fishing today but 5 star company! Will book with him again
William
Verified Review
James was awesome. Slower fishing today but 5 star company! Will book with him again
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Jason
Verified Review
James did an excellent job. The fishing was very slow during the day but he kept us moving in an effort to find them which we eventually did. Both of us ended the day with our limits. Easy to talk too. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone and I’m planing to go with him again next time.
Jason
Verified Review
James did an excellent job. The fishing was very slow during the day but he kept us moving in an effort to find them which we eventually did. Both of us ended the day with our limits. Easy to talk too. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone and I’m planing to go with him again next time.
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Barry
Verified Review
James was very professional and detailed on everything. Great time and awesome guide. Will be booking again with James.
Barry
Verified Review
James was very professional and detailed on everything. Great time and awesome guide. Will be booking again with James.
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Kyle
Verified Review
James was awesome! He had us a 3 man limit on trout in the first hour on the water. Fishing conditions were amazing though so that really helped! He was extremely knowledgeable in his trade as a fishing guide and extremely fun to hang out with! We will definitely be getting with James again in the near future for another trip!
Kyle
Verified Review
James was awesome! He had us a 3 man limit on trout in the first hour on the water. Fishing conditions were amazing though so that really helped! He was extremely knowledgeable in his trade as a fishing guide and extremely fun to hang out with! We will definitely be getting with James again in the near future for another trip!
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Russ
Verified Review
This was our first time fishing in the intercoastal. We had a great time fishing with James. He put us on fish at the first stop and moved us on to the next spot as soon as the action slowed down. He provided quality live bait and showed us effective techniques. He took care of baiting, netting our catch and otherwise took great care of us. James was jovial, easy-going...
Russ
Verified Review
This was our first time fishing in the intercoastal. We had a great time fishing with James. He put us on fish at the first stop and moved us on to the next spot as soon as the action slowed down. He provided quality live bait and showed us effective techniques. He took care of baiting, netting our catch and otherwise took great care of us. James was jovial, easy-goingand incredibly patient with us. We had a blast.
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Randal
Verified Review
The fishing expedition with James in the bay waters of Port Aransas was great. A wonderful time spent for a father and son here on vacation. Look forward to doing this again.
Randal
Verified Review
The fishing expedition with James in the bay waters of Port Aransas was great. A wonderful time spent for a father and son here on vacation. Look forward to doing this again.
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Angel
Verified Review
James was a great Captain for our half day morning adventure! He was able to accommodate the entire group finding us a second guide. We are very appreciative for him and his partner getting us out on the water on such a busy weekend.
Angel
Verified Review
James was a great Captain for our half day morning adventure! He was able to accommodate the entire group finding us a second guide. We are very appreciative for him and his partner getting us out on the water on such a busy weekend.
