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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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
2,600+
Quality, Vetted Guides
280+
Unique Target Species
356,877
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

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Brett on our iguana hunt. Brett was hilarious and knew exactly where every hiding spot was regardless of the fact that it’s been so cold in Florida for the iguanas. Added bonus was he’s got the best playlist going and really just made for a relaxing and fun hunt. I usually get sea sick and he constantly checked on me. This was the first time in 46 years I never got sea sick. Perfect trip with Brett!!

    Tracey M. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunt In South FL

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Got to catch some fish and got to see flamingos out in the wild. Cool experience.

    Ryan K. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Francisco was great. He was knowledgeable and many of the other guides looked to him for advice. He was kind and had plenty of experience. We would certainly book with him again.

    Ann L. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Puerto Rico Tarpon Excursion

  • ★★★★★
    Great company. Well organized and easy to deal with. Had a slow morning with the cold but it picked up after about an hour. Great guide service.

    Justin F. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Multi Boat Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Fun & totally addictive! We will definitely be back for more iguana hunting!

    Jaime A. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience-team was wonderful!

    Lori J. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Offshore Marathon

  • ★★★★★
    My uncle and I went out offshore and had a great trip! Vasiliy was awesome and made sure we were well taken care of. We’ll be back!

    Ric M. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: 4 Hours Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Sheldon and his mate Jake were fantastic! They picked us up on Harbour Island and we cruised over towards Spanish Wells to dive a few traps for lobsters. We had 11 guys and they made sure we were all situated on the boat comfortably - we had plenty of room to lounge when we weren't diving. The spots ranged from 18 feet at the most to 6 feet at the shallowest and our group of rookies had no problem diving down and spearing some lobsters with slings (although it might have helped if we could hold our breath longer!). We hit 6 traps and one in particular had a ton of lobsters so we caught more than enough for a great lunch at Valentine's Marina after getting back. Thank y'all again!

    Attison B. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: Lobstering - Harbour Island

  • ★★★★★
    Kassie was great! With the weather not being ideal, we shot a few and lost a few. It was a great time.

    Luke H. | February 16, 2026

    Trip: West Palm Iguana Hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Jason was great, would definitely book with him again.

    Johnathon D. | February 15, 2026

    Trip: Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    He was so patient with a 11 and 12 year old fishing Great guide and good equipment

    Ray K. | February 15, 2026

    Trip: Crappie Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captian Taylor was a great guide! Very informative and patient. Boat was super clean. Had an amazing time and highly recommend.

    Richard D. | February 15, 2026

    Trip: Half-day Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    My boys and I had an outstanding trip with James. Great boat, top-notch gear, and he put us right on the fish. The boys had an absolute blast, and it was a memory we won’t forget. Highly recommend — five stars all around!

    Morriss H. | February 15, 2026

    Trip: Tortuga Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time with, our guide, Shag. He was super friendly and knowledgeable. We all caught tarpon and pir 13 yo. son, an avid fisherman, described it as one of hi life’s “peak moments!”

    Stacia P. | February 15, 2026

    Trip: Tarpon And Snook Night Classic -22'

  • ★★★★★
    Jackson is a true professional guide who is easy to talk with & though I understand it’s been a struggle/grind with the cold fronts down here, he put me on the fish right away. We caught a total of 12 decent size Largemouth. I have been Bass fishing for over 30yrs in VA & surrounding states, but FL has been on my Bucket list for quite awhile! I certainly appreciated his tips & suggestions & found my experience here w/ Jackson as my guide superb. I would recommend him to all my friends & family looking for a good time fishing FL Bass. I will be back!🤓🎣

    James ". | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Kissimmee Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    My family had a great time fishing with Captain Kevin! He seems very knowledgeable about the area and we had some great catches! He taught my six year old how to cast and showed my two year old the bait and fish they caught. We stopped to get some shells for my little one to throw into the water too. He was awesome baiting our lines and taking fish off! We had a great time! Thank you Captain Kevin!!

    Meredith K. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    My kids and I had a great time and experience. Captain Kent and Bobbi were so kind. They made every effort to give us a great experience. We caught several amberjack and false albacore. Captain Kent was a true professional who really loves what he does. He touched base a couple times leading up to our trip answering any of our questions. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get out on the water for a good fishing experience.

    Brandon R. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Fishing Trips With Captain Kent

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Blake is really good. And patient and really give us a good experience fishing. 🎣 really appreciate him and the fish’s that we caught . It’s a blast

    Gerald S. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: 4-6 Hour Trip Trip – Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    very professional and courtesy. put us on fish and we caught fish. would highly recomend him

    Duane O. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Bash

  • ★★★★★
    We had a Fantastic Day fishing with Remus and his son Remy. Everything was very laid back and they made us feel like family. Next time we are here we will not book with anyone else.

    Jeff L. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Indian River Lagoon Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    First and foremost, DJ is a great guy! We booked a 6 hour trip with him to hopefully have a chance at snook and redfish. Leading up to the trip, DJ communicated very well about where to meet and was flexible with the time to meet so we had the best chance at fish. On the water he worked hard to get us on fish and was very knowledgeable and personable. The bite was a bit tough due to the recent cold snap that hit Florida, however, he still put us on the fish and gave us solid opportunities at landing trophy snook and reds. We had a blast fishing with him, very much would recommend him for your fishing adventures in the St Petersburg/Tampa area!

    Jon M. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Took out my grandson and son in law and we had a blast with captain Jerry. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. This is our second time and for sure will do again next year. Thanks Again Mike

    Michael Q. | February 14, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Veteran Guides

  • ★★★★★
    JP was an amazing guide. He took us to a few great spots where we found some awesome variety of fish species. Coming from Chicago, it was a great experience to find Oscars, Cichlids, Gar, Dogfish, and a few big schools of Largemouth Bass. Going through the Everglades we saw a bunch of Alligators and other cool wildlife too. My son will talk about this trip for years to come, he'll never forget it. Thanks JP!

    Peter D. | February 13, 2026

    Trip: Lake Okeechobee Trip - 21’ Ranger

  • ★★★★★
    I have fished with Ben a couple of times now and had a great experience both times. Ben is personable, professional and will do his best to get you on the fish!

    Cade W. | February 13, 2026

    Trip: Fishing Tavernier

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing guide! What an amazing experience- once in a lifetime.

    Charles S. | February 13, 2026

    Trip: Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

  • ★★★★★
    Travel fishing is all about getting chances. Michael can show you ten times the fish you'd find on your own. I had an epic day, in a nasty cold snap- these things just don't go together without an experienced and crafty guide. Michael gets it done.

    John R. | February 12, 2026

    Trip: Badass Backcountry Flyfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Tyler was amazing with our 6 year old. Despite the unusually cold temperatures, Tyler was able to put us on the fish. We caught more game fish on this tour than the three years prior with other guides in more favorable conditions. Tyler did a fantastic job. Thank you for the wonderful memories with our family, Tyler!

    Christopher H. | February 12, 2026

    Trip: Ten Thousand Islands Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Cap Dom was amazing! He’s a great captain for many reasons including being personable, fun, and professional. We had a blast

    Josh T. | February 12, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Boynton Beach

  • ★★★★★
    José was great! He was very chill but knowledgeable and showed us where to look (for Iguanas) and how to aim and shoot.

    Armando D. | February 12, 2026

    Trip: Epic Iguana Hunts

  • ★★★★★
    Roger was very knowledgeable of the bay. He put us on fish right after three very bad cold fronts in Florida. Very clean boat, and fun to talk to.

    Anthony E. | February 12, 2026

    Trip: Fly & Light Tackle Flats Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolute blast on our peacock bass and iguana hunt! Random cold front had the peacock bass hiding but Charles still made sure to still find us a few. Just when we thought it couldn’t get more fun, we switched gears and went full “Florida safari” mode chasing iguanas. This was the highlight of our trip. Charles was awesome super knowledgeable, laid-back, and kept the vibes fun the whole time. Plenty of laughs, great shots, and even better stories to take home. 10/10 would do it again! Thanks sir!

    Brandon B. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Peacock Bass + Iguana Cast & Blast

  • ★★★★★
    Three words only. White Sea bass. Giant freaking fish. JT is dope. I’ll be back. I highly recommend! lol seriously though, JT is a great captain and a great guy. He had us on the fish immediately, in February! We caught lots of fish and even landed a 64.6 pound White Sea bass!! Can’t wait to book with him again in August!

    James A. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Santa Cruz Island Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Dustin was great to work with, very flexible to make sure we got out on a good day. He made sure we were busy catching fish and made the experience great for the kids, very hands on.

    Amanda K. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore Grocery Run

  • ★★★★★
    I have fished all over the world from Canada to the Amazon New Mexico to Louisiana and this was the absolute worst trip I was ever on when we got done the captains that the boys told us well don’t go through them just come to us direct and it was so lousy I wouldn’t bother. I didn’t want to give a bad review but you ask again.

    Jim H. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Galveston Jetty - 30’ Seahunt

  • ★★★★★
    Charles was amazing. Knowledgeable and very professional.

    Russell B. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Had a really good time, Leon was one of the best,friendly, knowledgeable man as a guide. We have had quite a few on different trips, different places and got to say he would be our favorite. Thank you very much Gail and Frank.

    Gail S. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Crappie Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Logan was an amazing guide. Friendly, very knowledgeable went above and beyond to accommodate our adventure considering less than ideal weather conditions with the recent cold snap. His dog Kona was amazing to see work. We all had a great time and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a great time hunting iguanas!!

    Chris L. | February 11, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunt With Iguana DOG!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Janot is a great guide. I took my husband, brother and dad out for a morning iguana hunt. Even though it was cold, captain janot made sure we had a great time & we ended up getting around 20 iguanas!

    Sydney E. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Exotics Airgun Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Karl was fantastic! He treated us to the best boat ride. Fishing was top notch too! You are lucky to have him

    Donna C. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Port St. Joe Inshore Red-Bender

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Don was a lot of fun! We caught a few delicious fish, had to let one go due to the season, and one potential catch eaten by a shark off the line. Lots of fun, and Don was very entertaining throughout. Strongly recommend. Josh

    Joshua I. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Ocean Thrills With Captain Don

  • ★★★★★
    We had a group of 6, it was our first time in Florida and this iguana hunt did not disappoint. The day started out slow but once the sun came out it was on. Everyone got lots of opportunities to shoot and Charlie was great to deal with and gave lots of tips and told a few stories. Our shooting could have been better but we still managed a cooler full at the end of the afternoon. We definitely will Be booking again and would recommend anyone to try it.

    Stephen M. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Insanity FL

  • ★★★★★
    We cannot say enough GREAT about our adventures with Jose and Edgar. They are a top shelf team who made our time on the water fun and rewarding. They worked hard to get us over fish and to help put them on the boat. On top of being good fishermen, they are better people. We had a great time talking with them. They're great and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a fun and fulfilling day of fishing.

    Richard B. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: 4-6 Hrs Inshore Fishing Trip PV

  • ★★★★★
    Mike was a great guide. Full of information and the right amount of conversation and appropriate silence. It was a life long goal of mine to catch a steelhead and Mike put me on many fish. Thanks Mike

    Dan N. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Winter Cowlitz River Steelhead

  • ★★★★★
    The fish weren’t biting, but the hunting made up for it. We had a great time with Jose. Memories made.

    Jade A. | February 10, 2026

    Trip: Cast And Blast Combo!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time lots of fish Will book again

    George S. | February 9, 2026

    Trip: Experience World-class Fishing.

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alek is the best of the best. This was my first time doing a charter and he made sure it wasn’t the last. He took us to super busy spots and we caught some monster fish. If I could leave more stars I would.

    Carlos D. | February 8, 2026

    Trip: Miami Sport Fishing 🎣

  • ★★★★★
    Ken is a hard working, no nonsense fishing guide. We went fishing in early February and he had researched weather, winds and water temps to make sure we would have the best possible fishing experience. He is also a very well rounded guide who fishes multiple areas and multiple types of fish. I would totally recommend using him.

    Jon F. | February 8, 2026

    Trip: Islamorada Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Our family enjoyed our hunt and our guide Clay was awesome, patient and laid back just the way we like it. We will be booking again when we are back in the area

    Shawna M. | February 8, 2026

    Trip: Night Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    The crew was very good under poor fishing conditions ,we some small We had a good day Thanks

    Ron H. | February 8, 2026

    Trip: Half Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Jose was amazing…he got us our dream fish!!

    Katherine K. | February 7, 2026

    Trip: Deep-Sea In Blue Marlin Alley

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