ABOUT CAPTAIN ERIC

A colorful landscape painting featuring mountains, trees, and a sunset.

Captain Eric Nelson has more than 40 years of experience fishing and catching stripers in the Essex River and surrounding waters of Ipswich, Cranes Beach, Plum Island, Gloucester and Rockport. He is Coast Guard licensed (Master - 50 ton) and insured. He has been an active charter captain since 2010.

In June 2025, Capt. Eric was appointed by the Governor to the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission (MFAC). The MFAC represents recreational and commercial fishing interests from various parts of the Massachusetts coast. Proposed regulatory changes affecting the management of marine fisheries are approved or disapproved by a majority vote of the MFAC. The MFAC works with the Division of Marine Fisheries to ensure sustainable resources for all.

Captain Eric is considered by most who know him to be an expert striper fisherman who knows where to find fish and how to catch them.

He is known for his patient style and being a great fishing instructor. You can be sure he will do whatever he can to make sure his customers have fun and catch fish!

He has a master's degree in Oceanography and has spent his career as an Environmental Consultant, currently working on climate change, sea level rise, and coastal restoration issues. He is well versed on the Essex River estuary and the rich local history of Essex and Cape Ann.