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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

1,100+
Destinations
2,800+
Quality, Vetted Guides
290+
Unique Target Species
397,289
Hours Enjoyed
7,000+
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

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip, we'll be going again very soon

    Charley L. | June 7, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Light Tackle Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joel (and first mate Sean) were great! They were warm and welcoming right off the bat! With their help, we caught tuna and mahi and had a great time. We were out in some rough waters and Captain Joel made us all feel at ease with his calm demeanor and skilled driving. Appreciated them preparing all our catch into fillets and steaks. Awesome time!

    Scott M. | June 7, 2026

    Trip: Marathon Offshore Slam- 50’ Bertram

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike was a great guide, put us right on some huge snapper and the biggest flounder I’ve ever caught! Bean bag chairs in the back for the ride out were pretty comfy, first time seeing that and really helped with some of the choppy areas. Kids had a great time! Very responsive after we booked with info. Will definitely book again, next time a night time flounder trip!

    Casey R. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Afternoon Red Snapper Special

  • ★★★★★
    Joshua was awesome!!! The first spot he took us to we were on fish right away and had a blast. Joshua is a very nice personable guy who tends to everything fishing related. Excellent time. Thanks Joshua.

    John T. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Afternoon Trips

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome time on our trip! This was our first experience with off-shore finishing and these guys made it so easy!

    Andrea M. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 6-10 Hour Trip – Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Had a blast with Joe! He was knowledgeable and had a great time fishing and catching tons of fish!

    Marcus C. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: NC Sportfish Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was a fantastic captain!! Helped my 13 year old learn to cast a reel with patience and was able to put us on some fish even though the waters were not ideal. We were able to catch fish we don’t have back home so that’s was awesome!! Would absolutely recommend him and hope we can make it back again!!

    Hannah J. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 2 Hour Fishing "Matinee"

  • ★★★★★
    Anthony was fantastic with our son. He was patient, attentive, and made sure he had a memorable fishing experience. His ability to connect with elijah and keep him excited throughout the trip made all the difference. Highly recommended

    Nicole P. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 2 Hour Beginners Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Jared was great! We caught a shark and several fish.

    Heather B. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 4 Hour Bay/5 Hour Gulf Shark Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Good guy and pretty funny kept us entertained the whole time

    Matthew F. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hour Inshore Nearshore

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent fishing guide! Had a great time with Captain Steven and would definitely arrange another fishing outing with him again!

    Mark R. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Beach Fishing: Family-Friendly

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, Charles is the Croaker KING! Put us on fish and was great company!

    Chase W. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Great Inshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with captian Blair. He was great with the kids and we caught some sharks. Highlight of the trip for the boys. Book with Captian Blair and you will not be disappointed.

    Zach M. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Junior Anglers Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joey was awesome! So great with the kiddos and we got some fish!

    Shannon B. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Outer Banks Inshore Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great experience with John!! Put me on a great Tarpon!! Was a bucket list item for me!!! He is very knowledgeable and a great guy!!! Really enjoyed fishing with him! Highly recommend fishing with him 👍👍

    Mitch B. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Half-Day Tarpon Trip (Seasonal)

  • ★★★★★
    I recently went on an iguana hunt with Captain Logan and his incredible dog, Kona, and it was hands down the best iguana hunting experience I’ve ever had. Captain Logan was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining throughout the entire trip. Kona was not only impressive to watch but added a unique and enjoyable element to the hunt. Together, they make an outstanding team. The equipment provided was top-notch. The air guns were incredibly accurate, which made the hunt both successful and enjoyable. It’s clear that Captain Logan takes pride in maintaining high-quality gear and creating a first-class experience for his clients. I’ve been on several iguana hunts over the years, and this one was by far the best. From start to finish, everything was organized, professional, and fun. If you’re considering an iguana hunt in South Florida, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Logan and Kona. You won’t be disappointed!

    Justin G. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunt With Iguana DOG!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day with Captain Andrew and his mate. It is is always really nice when you bring home fish, but really it was just having a blast fishing with friends.

    John G. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: 4hr Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing trip with Billy! He was incredibly informative and shared a lot of great knowledge about the area, fishing techniques, and local wildlife. He kept the trip fun with his great sense of humor and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome from the start. Billy was also extremely helpful, always making sure we had what we needed even down to baiting my hook so my husband could enjoy fishing without having to worry about mine. 😊 and taking the time to answer my crazy questions. His patience, professionalism, and positive attitude made the experience even better, especially for a newbie like me 😉 If you’re looking for a fishing guide who is knowledgeable, entertaining, and genuinely cares about his clients having a great time, I highly recommend Billy. We had a fantastic day on the water and would definitely book with him again! 🎣🌊⭐

    Brenda B. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Darien – Inshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Hardest working guide I ever had the pleasure to fish with. Will definitely book another soon

    James B. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Fish/Gig

  • ★★★★★
    On time amd knowledgeable. We caught a black tip amd the kids where excited about the experience.

    Evaristo G. | June 6, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Port Aransas

  • ★★★★★
    Had a blast, fishing with Tim took me Back to my younger days fishing with my Uncle who taught me how to fish. Limited out on strippers. Highly recommend.

    David A. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Lake Texoma Striper Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great family time!

    Zachary C. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Fishing The Lewis & Clark Reservoir

  • ★★★★★
    Nate and team did a fantastic job. Very Accommodating. Great day on the water

    Brandon W. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Missouri River Float Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Our Family had a BLAST. Captain Jay is the real deal. He was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend Captain Jay to everyone. My family can’t wait to get on the water again. Thank you Captain Jay and Captain Experiences.

    Jonathan F. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Rockport Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jason & Aldo did a fantastic job of putting us on Red Snapper on opening day! We hit the limit in record time. Great boat, great crew, great time for the whole family. Highly recommend booking a charter with Jason.

    Dave M. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Summer Destin Gulf Trip - 58 Ft C C

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip and put on fish from the start. Laidback captain I would go out with again.

    Steven P. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Alabama Offshore Or Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Sonny was awesome!! He knows where the fish is!

    Sara W. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Gulfport Inshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    So good. Very knowledgeable. Very friendly. Took my 6 year old son for his first time. He would probably give the complete opposite review. Maybe I’ll bring him back in a few more years.

    Todd B. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Cancun Smash

  • ★★★★★
    James was great!! We had an 8 and 5 year old kids with us. He was very accommodating and did great keeping them interested. Thank you!!

    Brett B. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We really enjoyed our trip. The wrong salmon were biting so we weren’t able to keep any of them. So he moved to another spot and we were able to catch flounder. Thank you Captain Dale.

    Deborah L. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Afternoon Salmon In Puget Sound

  • ★★★★★
    Ethan was a great captain! He was patient with our kids and we all caught a bunch of fish! Highly recommend!

    Cydney L. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hr Kids Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Cody was great. We had a fantastic time!

    Diane H. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    10/10 we had a great time, Jose was great. He knew where all the big fish were, and I ended up catching my personal best large mouth bass! Definitely recommend Jose with captain experiences, we are definitely gonna book with him again in the future!

    Ethan E. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Awesome Lake Okeechobee Action

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience!

    David C. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Intense Inshore Action!

  • ★★★★★
    Great guy. Fun time.

    Stacy R. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Greers Ferry Lake

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alex was great! Very informative. Very upstanding, respectable man! Definitely puts the fishermen first!

    Ethan S. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Family Fun Half Day Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had less than ideal weather conditions but Cade had a positive attitude and tried hard to put us on fish. I appreciate his efforts and would like to fish with him again.

    Joe D. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: 4 Hour Inshore/Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing we caught a trophy Tarpon! (160lbs +) Chris was an excellent guide. He was patient, attentive and put us on the right spot. This was the highlight of our trip.

    Robert H. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Boca Trophy Tarpon - 95% Success

  • ★★★★★
    John is a damn good guide! He is incredible experienced and passionate for fishing. He put us on hot spot with almost none stop actions. We want to come back to do more fishing with him!

    Robert H. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Nearshore Reef & Wreck Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Mark and Ryan were awesome! Great hospitality and a wonderful boat ride. Definitely book!

    Anna M. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: Cape Cod Sunset Trip

  • ★★★★★
    If you want to be put on some fish! Then book with captain J. Lines were tight all day! Super fun!

    Alyssa S. | June 5, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hours Of Fun

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Greg was amazing! He made our day and time on the water more then we could have asked for. Fishing was good and clamming was so much fun. His recipe to cook them up was outstanding! Thank you so much for a great day!

    Ruth A. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Fishing And Clamming Trips

  • ★★★★★
    There were 3 of us, myself and my son and nephew. We went out with Mike, we had an absolute blast! Mike was easy-going and very accommodating throughout the trip. He is a great guide, if you get an opportunity, I highly recommend going out on a fishing trip with Mike!

    Josh M. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Galveston Jetty Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, took my two son-in-laws out that had never fished the ocean before. Great trip for them to get their feet wet. Next time will definitely be doing a 6 hour trip instead of 4.

    Todd R. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Offshore Jigging / Trolling

  • ★★★★★
    This group of 8 targeted opening day June 1 deep sea red snapper. VERY disappointed when we arrived to find out they were not licensed for Federal waters where the Sea is Deep as in Deep Sea . Boat 1 did ok at best and board 2 Crappy

    Greg L. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Pensacola 6 Hour Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! We payed to kill some iguanas and they delivered. We will be back!!

    Kurt E. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: West Palm Iguana Hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Mark was very fun and excellent guide we will recommend him to others and when we come back we will use him again thanks again Mark

    Ethan W. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: 3 Hr Shark Trip

  • ★★★★★
    GREAT TIME!!!!! Captain Kyle and first mate Ben made sure we had an excellent experience! We were celebrating a special occasion and the captain went out of his way to give us the best experience possible. My son and his friends had a blast! Ben made sure we were all ready to catch fish and was so helpful. Can’t wait to come back and do it again. Thank you captain Kyle and Ben

    Ryan D. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Destin Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Super accommodating and they knew their stuff!

    Lally V. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: Destin Special

  • ★★★★★
    Tough conditions and Andy still put us on the snook!

    Michael W. | June 4, 2026

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Slam

Ditch the Desk. Seize the Day.

Book Your Next Trip

Featured Cities

Enter to Win a

$500 DAMN GOOD GIFT CARD

Gift Card

Sign up to win $500 towards ANY trip. Winners drawn monthly.

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing communications from Captain Experiences. To opt-out, click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of our emails. Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions