The Captain Experiences Story

Our History

Made by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen

Captain Experiences was born out of need; it's the product of dozens of years spent in the great outdoors and countless hours spent trying to book fishing and hunting trips.

Back in 2019, our Co-Founder, Jonathan Newar, was working in oil and gas finance in his hometown of Houston. Looking to book a fishing trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…

Fast forward to 2020, when Jonathan teamed up with Co-Founder Attison Barnes to launch Captain Experiences—an online platform that helps people find and book fishing, hunting, and other outdoors trips quickly, easily, and with a process they can trust.

captain experiences founders attison and jonathan holding queen snapper

Our Process

Search It, Book It, Live It

The idea is simple: an online platform making booking outdoor sports guides seamless. Our Damn Good Guides are quality, vetted guides, and we know them all on a first-name basis. You can preview the specific details of a trip from target species or skill level down to whether the boat has a restroom or air conditioning. We even back your trip with a 100% Weather Guarantee for your peace of mind.

Our growing network of Damn Good Guides spans across the globe and each one is handpicked by the Captain team. Booking with Captain is so quick and easy, you won't even have time to think about us...until you want to book your next trip.

dog with duck in south texas

“Fresh air is good for the soul, and stepping away from the office for just one morning or afternoon can be the best few hours of your month. It's our goal to Unlock the Outdoors for everyone by making it easy for you to get out there with our Damn Good Guides.”

Jonathan Newar, Co-founder

Our Passion

Minimizing screens and maximizing life

We're avid outdoorsmen, and we're proud to help support and protect the lands we love. We're not just selling trips—we're empowering people to connect with the outdoors and with each other.

We're a new twist on an age-old pastime, blending the excitement and nostalgia of time spent outdoors with cutting-edge tech to make booking a breeze. We're passionate about the outdoors, and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.

boating a large marlin in hawaii

We Cast a Wide Net

1,200+
Destinations
2,900+
Quality, Vetted Guides
290+
Unique Target Species
459,724
Hours Enjoyed
9,000+
5 Star Reviews

Captain in the News

Captain Experiences in Forbes
Captain Experiences in USA Today
Captain Experiences in Outdoor Life
Captain in Field and Stream
Captain in Texas Monthly

Our Team

jonathan newar photo
Jonathan Newar
Co-Founder & CEO
attison barnes photo
Attison Barnes
Co-Founder & CTO
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Senior Adventurer Success Manager
Bucket list trip: North Texas Noodling Trips
scott stockdale photo
Scott Stockdale
Senior Guide Onboarding Manager

We're not blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    Antonio was great! He gave us a quick tutorial on techniques for catching lobsters. We had a great day out on the water. Would definitely recommend him!

    Dawn G. | August 15, 2026

    Trip: Lobstering Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guide! Randy was great with the kids and very helpful, we caught tons of fish! Definitely going back in the spring with captain Randy again!

    Forrest J. | August 15, 2026

    Trip: State Water Red Snapper

  • ★★★★★
    Scott was a great captain and an amazing person. He called before we ever met and put me at ease. Day of trip we had to reschedule due to weather and he was super accommodating. Took us to a great spot and got on some big fish! I would recommend this guy to my own daughter and trust he would get her home safe. 10/10 👍

    Steven M. | August 15, 2026

    Trip: Spend Your Day On The Water With Us

  • ★★★★★
    Ronnie and his first mate were very friendly and knowledgeable. They provided good conversation with good fishing. We were able to catch fish both trolling and bottom fishing.

    John G. | August 15, 2026

    Trip: Coastal Nearshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Was a trip for kids and granddaughter and they loved it. My granddaughter had a great time and caught her first fish.

    Todd H. | August 15, 2026

    Trip: Reel Fun On The OBX - 3 Hr

  • ★★★★★
    Anthony was such a great guide!! We’re amateurs and he taught us a lot and we caught a ton of fish!! He knew the spots!! We’ll definitely book with him again.

    Jessica W. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Miami Sunset Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Tim was timely and helpful. He was ready for us when we arrived knowledgeable about where to go. We started catching fish right away. It was a great first saltwater fishing experience!

    Sara M. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: "Gettin’ Jiggy" Inshore Combo

  • ★★★★★
    Troy was great! We had the best time! He was very knowledgeable and did a great job helping everyone, especially those of us who had never fished before. Whenever we weren’t catching anything, he knew exactly what to do and would move us to an area where the fish were biting. He was attentive, helpful, and made sure everyone had a great experience. He even cleaned all of our catch for us at the end. We would definitely recommend Troy and would definitely fish with him again!

    Joey S. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Family Fun Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We six had a great time, catching about 2025 fish and keeping a bunch. Rick was excellent in terms of setting up the rods and the equipment, helping us with getting the fish and keeping the fish and giving us lots of information on the surrounding waterways, fish, migration of whales and all sorts of fun subjects. So the ages of 11 to 76 were very pleased.

    Richard S. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Puget Sound Salmon Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Wes was amazing. What a great day out. Thanks for helping us catch so many trout. Delicious by the way!

    Jon S. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Fishing Branson’s Lakes

  • ★★★★★
    David was awesome. Definitely recommend him. We asked for red fish and he knew exactly where to go. He even filleted the fish after. We will use him whenever we come back.

    Chris M. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Bay Fishing Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time caught great fish, Parker was great!! We will be back.

    Lisa L. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: 🔥 6-10 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Trips

  • ★★★★★
    We had the BEST fishing excursion with Captain Travis! I was with four of my sons and he was a perfect balance of fun and funny while also being super knowledgeable about fishing, lobstering, and boating in general. He managed to keep all my kids’ lines in the water, untangled, while repositioning the boat, checking his monitor for fish below, and entertaining the boys with his banter. Also, his boat was great, fully equipped with all the right fishing gear and it has a bathroom! I can’t recommend him enough! Thank you, Captain Travis!

    Tawna R. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing experience for my family! Almost had a huge shark! Caught a co is also. He was knowledgeable and friendly. Boat was great!

    Tanya B. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Al was great. We had a lot of fun and he was very knowledgeable.

    James R. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: 4 Hour Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day with Captain Nick. There were 5 of us and he was very attentive and worked hard to make sure we had lines in the water and everyone was baited up quickly. He put us on fish and we caught plenty to keep everyone happy. Boat was solid and comfortable. Would use Nick again if we returned to Anna Maria Island.

    Bill G. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Toads!

  • ★★★★★
    Will was an awesome Captain. He never stopped trolling and continued to search and find areas the mackerel were hitting til we had a cooler full.

    Andrew P. | August 14, 2026

    Trip: Orange Beach Trolling Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    I loved his passion. We shared stories and he made me feel like the uncle I never had. Had such a great time with him.

    Chuck C. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Galveston Jetty Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great boat , gear and knowledgeable Captain. Put us on fish all day and he never quit trying spots or different techniques .

    David W. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Mixed Bag Fishing- Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Shane was my captain for a 3 hour saltwater farewell. The overall experience could not have been any better. Shane was easy to be with and very considerate. His boat was comfortable and clean. I was impressed with how important it was to Shane to learn about my family member being honored. By talking about my mom's life and the area, we were able to choose a meaningful place to release the biodegradable urn. I highly recommend Shane for a saltwater farewell and I bet he is a lot of fun to fish with!

    Sandra L. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Saltwater Farewell

  • ★★★★★
    Tom was extremely professional and an amazing guide!

    Alexander P. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Lobstering

  • ★★★★★
    Billy was a great guy 5 stars !!! Caught a lot of fish would 100% use him again

    Josh B. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Shark Frenzy

  • ★★★★★
    The ceremony was amazing as well as Captain Dan. We cried, we laughed and took a little trip around St. Augustine. Thank you captain Dan

    Robin R. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Spreading Ashes In Saint Augstine

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike was great. Great read on the weather and the fishing spots! Kids and I had a great time.

    Mauricio G. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Last Minute Cancel Trips !!

  • ★★★★★
    Our family had an incredible time on this trip. The marlin got off the hook, but my son reeled in a 68” yellow tail. The crew were knowledgeable and worked hard to take care of us. Don’t pass on Captain Experiences.

    Christopher A. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Kona Coast Big Game Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing time with CAPT Kyle and 1st mate Fisher!! We are coming back!

    Pete J. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Ocean City Inshore/Bay Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Cris was a fantastic Captain. We went with two kids aged 7 and 9. We not only fished, the kids had a wonderful experience as Cris sliced the tuna for us to take home with us. I would definitely recommend Cris as your captain.

    Ignacio G. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Deep Sea Sport Fishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience. Well worth the money. Jonathan is very knowledgeable.

    Robert B. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Lake Waccamaw & Waccamaw River Bass

  • ★★★★★
    Had great time with Will who was very patent and an excellent instructor.

    David G. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Yellowstone River Float

  • ★★★★★
    Trip was great! Jeff is a really good captain. Made sure we caught some fish even in the slow season

    Eric C. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hour Quick Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Frank was great. We hit the water early and saw a beautiful sunrise. We drift fished a few places and didn’t have any luck. He then found a spot with blues hitting the bait but we got skunked today. It was still a great day on the water. I highly recommend Frank.

    Thomas G. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Morning Avon Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Family of 5 - Me, wife and kids (7,9,13). Captain Travis was great with the kids and awesome from start to finish. We caught bait Mackerel immediately which was fun by itself. Saw a whale, dolphins, and seals on the way to the fishing spot. We targeted Striped bass but didn’t end up hooking up which was the only downside. Captain took us to pull a couple lobster pots too which was awesome. Overall great experience, strayed out extra to try to land a fish and Captain was really disappointed we could get them. Would go again with Captain Travis if we had more time here!

    Joshua T. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Rough conditions but Captain Sam still made it fun

    Scott Z. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Okaloosa Island Reef & Wreck Trips

  • ★★★★★
    First time boat fishing for half our crew, and we all had fun. Even though the fish were barely biting today, Captain Toby moved to several spots in every effort to get us all to hook a fish.

    Ron E. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: Rockport Roundup Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I’d highly recommend Captain Clay for an inshore fishing trip! We booked a two-hour outing, and from start to finish, Captain Clay was personable, knowledgeable, and experienced. He was right on time and even called ahead to confirm our reservation, which was a nice touch. Since this was our first time fishing inshore, we opted for the shorter two-hour trip. Captain Clay is more accustomed to half- and full-day trips, but he never made us feel rushed. In fact, he offered to extend our time if we wanted and ultimately gave us an additional 20 minutes on the water. It was clear that he genuinely wanted us to have a great experience. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, professional, and personable captain, I’d definitely recommend Captain Clay!

    Jason H. | August 13, 2026

    Trip: OBX Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great fun!

    Evan H. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hour Inshore/Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Frank is the real deal of OBX when it comes to fishing! He is a very knowledgeable friendly captain ready to accommodate your fishing experience. Would book again every time with my family!

    David B. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Morning Avon Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had an absolute blast on this flounder trip. The captain was top-notch—knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely fun to fish with. He put us on fish all day, shared solid tips, and kept the energy high without any of the usual pressure or rush. Everything from the boat setup to the overall experience was smooth and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a solid flounder outing with a captain who actually knows what he’s doing and makes it a good time, book this one. Would go again in a heartbeat.

    Josh T. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Fish/Gig

  • ★★★★★
    He was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

    Joe F. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Puerto Rico Tarpon Adventure - 22'

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience. The kids loved it! Can’t wait to do it again.

    Todd G. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Port Aransas Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Harris and deckhand Cody were awesome! We had six in our group and had plenty of room to relax and fish on our 4 hour trip. We enjoyed our trip so much we are already planning our next vacation. 10/10, highly recommend.

    Rob B. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: PCB Half Day Combo Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip! Steven and Jackson were so fun and helpful! We brought a ton of kids and they were amazing with everyone. Very memorable trip and could definitely recommend to anyone!

    Christina E. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Panama City Trolling Thrills

  • ★★★★★
    Damn Great Trip ! Damn Great Capt.! Capt Paul was very Professional and Super friendly. His knowledge of the water ways and the marine life was amazing. He lead us to the fish and we caught a bunch. Had a great time! Capt Paul really helpful with my grandson and definitely made his trip unforgettable! Thanks so much! 😁👍

    Frank D. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Shallow Waters, Big Memories

  • ★★★★★
    An absolute joy of an experience. Angie was above expectations and we had an amazing time. Would recommend to anyone and definitely will return next time we are in Biloxi

    John L. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Inshore / Nearshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Captain Wilder; I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a fishing trip in the Dauphin Island area.

    Jeremy H. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Deep Sea Fishing *CATCH GIANTS*

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing Shark Fishing Experience! We had an absolutely incredible experience with Captain Experiences, and we cannot say enough good things about Captain Chris and Kendra! We were originally booked with a different guide the day before our trip, but unfortunately, the guide was a no-show. Captain Experiences immediately stepped in to make the situation right. Kendra personally contacted us, worked quickly to get everything resolved, and booked us with Captain Chris for the following day. They handled the situation professionally and made sure our family still had the experience we had been looking forward to. And what an experience it was! We had a four-hour shark fishing charter with four kids and two adults, and every single one of us caught sharks! Captain Chris was absolutely fantastic with the kids. He was patient, kind, incredibly knowledgeable, and so personable. He kept everyone engaged throughout the entire trip and shared information about Charleston, local history, fishing, and all kinds of interesting random facts that made the experience even more enjoyable. At one point, we had three fishing poles go off at the same time with a boat full of excited kids—and Captain Chris handled the chaos with complete composure and professionalism. He never once seemed overwhelmed and made sure everyone had a chance to participate and have fun. The kids had an absolute blast, and honestly, so did the adults. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Charleston, and we are so grateful to Captain Chris for making it such a memorable experience. A huge thank-you to Kendra and Captain Experiences for taking care of the initial situation and going above and beyond to make it right, and an even bigger thank-you to Captain Chris for giving our family such an amazing day on the water. We would absolutely book with Captain Chris again the next time we’re in Charleston. If you’re looking for a fun, knowledgeable, patient, and family-friendly captain, we highly recommend him!

    Ashley C. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time!!! Would book again!!

    Julia A. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Fort Lauderdale Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fish were slow to bite but had an excellent time.

    Riley H. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: St. Augustine Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Aaron was an outstanding guide. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure you have a great day on the water. My cousin and I caught a ton of bass, learned new techniques, and had an absolute blast. If you’re looking for a guide in the Austin area, book with Aaron—you won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be fishing with him again.

    Calvin N. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Lake Travis Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. The crew was helpful and kind. Also, it was our 3 year olds first time on a boat and they helped him fish and he caught tons! Great family experience

    Erin D. | August 12, 2026

    Trip: Gulfbound Glory: Emerald Coast

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