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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

1,000+
Destinations
2,500+
Quality, Vetted Guides
270+
Unique Target Species
345,124
Hours Enjoyed
6,000+
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
Bucket list trip: Flats And Backwaters On Artificials
attison barnes photo
Attison Barnes
Co-Founder & CTO
Bucket list trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Senior Customer Success Manager
Bucket list trip: North Texas Noodling Trips
scott stockdale photo
Scott Stockdale
Senior Guide Onboarding Manager
Bucket list trip: Marquesas Atoll Light Tackle

We're not blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    Dawson was an excellent guide, very professional and safety first! We had two days of excellent success highly recommend Dawson…

    James B. | December 17, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane Hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Great time shooting iguanas! Adam was very knowledgeable and approachable. I would totally do it again.

    Nic S. | December 16, 2025

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience with Capt Mike. The communication leading up to the trip was professional and informative. We met Mike around 7 in the morning, he explained the day and the challenges of a cold snap. The air temp had dropped 20-30 degrees over the past couple of days. Mikes knowledge of the fisheries were excellent and we were soon putting fish in the boat. We caught 30+ fish to include some nice keeper drum. From the moment we got on the boat, Mike took great care of us and pride in getting up on fish. He even cleaned our fish and provided them to a restaurant to prepare for us. Great day on the water with Capt. Mike.

    Randy K. | December 16, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry Light Tackle Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome fishing trip can’t say enough good about José. His boat is top of the line and he took care of all of our needs on the boat and made it such a great experience. Caught some really nice peacocks was a special trip

    Dave B. | December 16, 2025

    Trip: Epic Everglades Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars for Mike he put us on fish and we had a great time!

    Bruce M. | December 15, 2025

    Trip: Lake Of The Ozarks With A Pro

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing experience with Captain Mike inshore and in the marsh area. Mike knew exactly where to go to catch the big ones. All five of us guys had a great day and caught lots of keepers. We would highly recommend Mike

    Howard B. | December 15, 2025

    Trip: Inshore Light Tackle Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Took my 13 year old son out with Jackson last week and had a great time. Very personable and knowledgeable. Even explained the equipment to us. Would highly recommend!!

    Ryan O. | December 15, 2025

    Trip: Kissimmee Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We went out with Chris. Top notch experience. I’d your contemplating going, just do it. You won’t regret it.

    Luke H. | December 15, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Veteran Guides

  • ★★★★★
    What can I say what an amazing experience. Eric was the best, made me and my guys feel at home and right off the bat we hooked but lost a wahoo!!! Caught a mahi & sailfish. Eric is the man. Thank you so much!!!

    Vix K. | December 15, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Sport Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing cast and blast day! Captain Justin is dedicated to getting you on fish and iguanas. We had a great day filled with five different species of fish and plenty of iguanas (14). We will definitely book another trip in the future! I highly recommend the homemade shore lunch. We had lemongrass chicken and it was great! Can’t say enough good things about this experience!

    Ashley H. | December 14, 2025

    Trip: Cast And Blast Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Vasily is great!! great conversationalist. Great Guide!! We caught so many fish that i got tired.

    Lewis C. | December 14, 2025

    Trip: 8 Hours Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip.

    Sawyer S. | December 14, 2025

    Trip: Puerto Rico Tarpon Excursion

  • ★★★★★
    Kevin was very knowledgeable and put us on fish right away. I caught a red drum just like I wanted. He was polite and helpful.

    Alyssa S. | December 14, 2025

    Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Sweet boat and set up. All around great trip. Big thanks to Steven!

    Garren W. | December 14, 2025

    Trip: Full Day Inshore - 26' Majek

  • ★★★★★
    Great day lots of action. Captain Brian is cool !! We had soon much fun.!!

    Dusan D. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Even in cold rainy weather!

    Lane R. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: 3-6 Hr – Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Had a good time! Caught lots of snapper. Augustin was awesome! Cool dude! Will be calling him again for another trip!

    Chad J. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: State Water Snapper!!

  • ★★★★★
    Lifetime memories. Thankful for all the hard work to give us a banging good time! yeaaaa schunnn!

    James B. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane Hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Epic fun.

    James B. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: Night Time Thermal Hog And Varmit

  • ★★★★★
    Had a wonderful time! Captain Ron is very friendly, knowledgeable and professional! Hope to go out with him again soon

    Christopher C. | December 13, 2025

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip!!!! Guide and the fishing was amazing. Taylor was a great guide and very knowledgeable.

    Jerrion C. | December 12, 2025

    Trip: Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Josh is a fantastic captain he makes it feel like you’re fishing with your buddies. Can’t recommend him enough. He will get you on the fish!

    Ryan L. | December 12, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Mix-It-Up

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip. Had a blast. Communications were outstanding and a great time had by all

    Michael S. | December 12, 2025

    Trip: 1/2 Day Family Friendly To Expert

  • ★★★★★
    Top notch trip. Non stop on the fish. Leonard definitely knows his stuff. We had a great time and will do it again!!!!

    Jeffrey A. | December 12, 2025

    Trip: Fishing Biloxi And Barrier Islands

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience. Slow day, only had one "big fish" in the boat which made the day, we had the option to stop trolling and get little fish so overall fun day great experience

    Noah R. | December 12, 2025

    Trip: Trolling Trip - 30' Dusky

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing guide!!!

    Tina E. | December 11, 2025

    Trip: Peacock Bass Puerto Rico

  • ★★★★★
    Dominic was great. He really knew his way around.And we saw very many iguanas. We shot about twenty five and recovered eighteen of them. A third SCOPED rifle would have been perfect.But we had a great time nonetheless. I would definitely do it again.

    Anthony M. | December 10, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Boynton Beach

  • ★★★★★
    World Class 5 Star Experience! The guide was considerate, friendly, and knowledgeable! The pastrami sandwich was delicious and high quality! It was a fun and successful fishing trip with lots of sunshine. The lake was beautiful.

    Mark | December 9, 2025

    Trip: Lake Casitas Bass Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time.

    Jason L. | December 9, 2025

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing day with Justin, he ensured we had everything we needed and found the fish we were after. We even caught dinner!

    Myers M. | December 9, 2025

    Trip: 3/4 Day Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My kids and I had an excellent day hunting iguanas with Dominic. 100% recommended. Hope to book him again on my next visit to South Florida .

    Miguel M. | December 9, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Boynton Beach

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic day of fishing and exploring with Billy! He knows where to go for the best fishing. Super fun guy! Thanks Billy!

    Tony R. | December 9, 2025

    Trip: Ten Thousand Islands Like A Local

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jay is absolutely amazing! My husband and I just got home from our 5hr trip and we couldn’t be more pleased. Jay is informative, funny, and makes you feel incredibly comfortable on the water. His vast knowledge of fishing left us with new techniques that we’ll be able to use from here on out. If you’re looking for a stellar guide for you or your family/friends, don’t look any further. Jay is definitely your guy. We will absolutely book with him again! -Anna and Cian

    Anna C. | December 7, 2025

    Trip: Wade East Matagorda

  • ★★★★★
    Dedicated, energetic, resourceful, safety focused guide. Clearly invested in respectful relations with landowners and clients. Limited out by 9am. Great affordable hunt.

    John J. | December 7, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane Hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Zack and his deckhand was amazing we will be back to go with Zack

    Donald C. | December 7, 2025

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    My son in law and 2 grandsons booked Captain Mike for a 6 hour trip. All of us had a great time. The Fishing was off but Mike found the fish and we came back with 3 big red grouper. Mike has good equipment and I would recommend him to anyone. Hopefully we can go with him again.

    John W. | December 7, 2025

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike

  • ★★★★★
    Chris, we had a great time on a cloudy December morning. Thanks so much for spending extra time teaching. Best.

    Michael C. | December 6, 2025

    Trip: Chattahoochee River Drift Boat

  • ★★★★★
    Todd and his crew did a great job, I really enjoyed myself and if I go out again, it will be with Todd!!!

    Steve R. | December 4, 2025

    Trip: 1/2 Day Fishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Great time iguanna hunting with Dominic. Kept it safe and fun. I would highly recommend

    Matthew A. | December 3, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Boynton Beach

  • ★★★★★
    Brett did a great job putting us on iguanas and making it a great experience.

    Tim J. | December 3, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunt In South FL

  • ★★★★★
    Mark was very communicative and helpful and a really great guy to spend the day fishing with! My family had a wonderful time and would book again.

    Daniel C. | December 3, 2025

    Trip: Coastal Bend Live Action!

  • ★★★★★
    Scotty is a great guy and worked hard to catch fish. He was also easy going and friendly to fish with. I’ll be booking another trip soon.

    Rocky G. | December 3, 2025

    Trip: Steelhead Hook-Up

  • ★★★★★
    Was a great trip

    William B. | December 3, 2025

    Trip: Fishing Biloxi And Barrier Islands

  • ★★★★★
    A wonderful trip with a true professional. It was the blight of our trip.

    Mark N. | December 2, 2025

    Trip: Port Aransas Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best fishing experience with Brad and Ben put us right on the fish

    Justin V. | December 2, 2025

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Most thrilling moments of my fishing career. Thank you Captain Javier :)

    Jared B. | December 1, 2025

    Trip: Backwater Tarpon, Snook, & Jacks

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic experience with Ethan. Professional operation that got us in to a lot of fish!

    Daniel M. | December 1, 2025

    Trip: 4-6 Hr Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful day out on the water. Jason put us on fish and we couldn’t be happier with our experience.

    Pamela M. | November 30, 2025

    Trip: 10 Hour Trip – Snapper/Grouper

  • ★★★★★
    It was a really nice experience we had with Wade. It was a windy day, but we were lucky that day so we caught a lot of crabs. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable person.

    Ly B. | November 30, 2025

    Trip: Oregon Crabbing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Capt. Buddy!

    Chad B. | November 30, 2025

    Trip: Offshore Fishing, Panama

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