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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

577
Destinations
1530
Quality, Vetted Guides
211
Unique Target Species
147,593
Hours Enjoyed
4.9/5
Average Review Score

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 members

jonathan newar photo
Jonathan Newar
Co-Founder & CEO
attison barnes photo
Attison Barnes
Co-Founder & CPO
jake lane photo
Jake Lane
Director of Performance Marketing
Bucket list trip: Devils River Overnight
adam martinez photo
Adam Martinez
Web Developer
Bucket list trip: Kona Legendary Sportfishing
bryan smith photo
Bryan Smith
Web Developer
Bucket list trip: Tanzania Tiger Fish Safari
david izard photo
David Izard
Senior Guide Onboarding Manager
Bucket list trip: Premier Bolivian Flyfishing
adam musa photo
Adam Musa
Adventurer Success Manager
Bucket list trip: Blue Water Spearfishing
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Adventurer Success Manager

We're not just blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    Our trip with Anthony totally exceeded our expectations. From the moment we met him we knew we were in for a wonderful experience. His equipment is all first class and his knowledge of the back bay is extensive. After putting us on many fish and constant action, we were able to catch a beautiful snook for the dinner table and a fish that was a trophy fish of a lifetime. He then suggested a local restaurant and suggestions on how to prepare our catch. The ambiance, service and food preparation was the best meal of our entire trip. We would highly recommend Captain Anthony Abate and love to spend more time with him whenever possible.

    Grant F. with Anthony A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    JP was an absolute treat to go out and fish with. The whole experience from catching fish to listening to JP’s stories and fish expertise was amazing. My son and I will book again with JP, AKA, The BassWhisperer! Jason Richard Tucson, AZ

    Jason R. with Jp M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian with Hank V. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Shawn did a great job on a tough day. Really enjoyed the experience!

    Eric . with Shawn S. of Bon Secour, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    We started the morning with very high winds but Capt Bryce managed to still put us on some fish. Great Job! Great time! I will be using him again! Highly recommended!

    Troy S. with Bryce W. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Very professional service. Meghan coordinated every detail and captain Burke was a great captain and got us on fish.

    Thomas O. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    We had a really great time with CJ. It was a fun experience and we can’t wait to go back. It’s also very helpful that they cut up the fish for you to take home!

    Amanda D. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Josh . We got lots of fish - Redfish, Shark, and Jack Crevalle. Josh was a joy to be with and he taught us a few technics. Jack & Tami Green Rockwall, TX

    Jack G. with Joshua B. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Just one word to use: Incredible, top notch, professional, highly recommend, can’t wait to book again.

    Jodah B. with Michael O. of Plantation, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Bob and Jason were really great! We will certainly book again with them. Great conversation, really good guys!

    Scott L. with Robert R. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and two sons went iguana hunting with Captain Carlos and had a blast! He was friendly, knowledgeable of the area and everything involved and made sure they had the full experience. Definitely would do it again and recommend it 💯!

    Rachel H. with Carlos I. of Lantana, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent morning on Calaveras Lake! Capt Bones couldn’t have been more accommodating to my husband, myself and our 6yr old son who had never been on a chartered fishing trip before. It was a slow start but it turned on a little later and had a blast! Highly recommend Bones Fishing!!

    Heather C. with Raymond E. of San Antonio, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Five of us did the 8 hour trolling and bottom fishing on the Special K. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and we caught a barrel of fish including vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper and an Atlantic bluefish. We caught and released several out of season fish as well. Captian Kyle and Mate Danny are super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and made the trip an outstanding one. We were all first timers and they made us look and feel like seasoned pros.

    Michael E. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Justin was on time and prepared for the hunt. He called us twice earlier in the week to make sure we didn’t have any questions and gave us a weather update. Bagged 21 successfully on our 4hr. hunt!

    Jay H. with Justin N. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Charles gave us a trip of a lifetime. This trip will be hard to beat. Great patient knowledgeable guide.

    Gwen P. with Charles B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, good fishing

    Noah M. with Nick S. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic morning on the lake with Wyatt. We hit them hard.

    Rick W. with Wyatt R. of Lago Vista, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Ruben is an experienced captain and put us on the fish on a slow day.

    John B. with Ruben S. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Enjoyed the trip! Booked last minute and Captain Henry was great! Fish we stubborn but he worked his magic and made the trip amazing!

    William S. with Henry R. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was great! The kids caught a bunch of fish and Andrew kept them baited up the whole trip. Catching a big nurse shark made the trip extra special.

    Randy N. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Whenever I'm in Galveston or Houston for conventions group of us charters a fishing trip. Charles put us on fish and we put a variety of species in the boat...no limits, but fishing was steady. He unhooked and baited us up all day.. We typically fish CC to Pt Isabel in the Laguna Madre 15 or more times a year and boat 50 plus Trout each limits oof reds drum and flounder. We are experienced and I have a 23' Shoalwater and have fished the area since I was 10 years old. I have won numerous inshore tournaments inncluding THe Pt A DSR twice and Pt Mansfiield Tournament. over the years. Capt Charles knows the water and we found working bait... ifyou got baitfish... you have preditors. Great trip. Buster Williams

    Everett W. with Charles B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Super friendly guide who worked his tail off for us.

    Shawn C. with Lg B. of Texas City, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Mackie is very knowledgeable about the lake and has great patience. Within minutes after stopping I had a 20" redfish and Eddie had one hooked in the front of the boat. While we were reeling in, Kenny started fighting a 28"er!!

    Stewart T. with Mackie B. of Mandeville, Louisiana

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing trip with Bobby!

    Moriah B. with Bobby C. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day lots if wind. Still found fish, had a blast Chandler is an excellent guide coming back for more Tarpon

    Paul G. with Chandler W. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    He gave me the best possible chances to catch fish the whole trip. Some days they just don’t bite. Will most definitely book with him again next year!

    Cody R. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Roy was one of the best guiding trips I’ve ever been on! Very funny but also super informative and patient if you are a beginner! If you are in Florida you gotta check out this bass fishing guide!

    Brian K. with Roy S. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Experienced fisherman. On the water a lot and knows where and what fish you can catch to make sure you have the best day.

    Eric K. with Edwin E. of Marco Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Very enjoyable Capt Ron looked after us in every way and was on top of where to go to catch what we were looking for. A great time and we will look for him again.

    Chuck M. with Ron M. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Ron and the crew! Would highly recommend this experience to anyone!

    Josh G. with Ron C. of Pompano Beach, Florida

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