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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

717
Destinations
1857
Quality, Vetted Guides
217
Unique Target Species
228,333
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

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
bryan smith photo
Bryan Smith
Web Developer
Bucket list trip: Tanzania Tiger Fish Safari
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Customer Success Manager
Bucket list trip: Browns and Rainbows Walk-n-Wade
scott stockdale photo
Scott Stockdale
Guide Success Manager
Bucket list trip: Marquesas Atoll Light Tackle

We're not blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    A very challenging morning for Dawson and crew with freezing rain, snow, sleet, 30 to 32 degree temps, fog and they still managed to make it a fun experience for all of us hunters with them on Jan. 9, 2025. Birds stayed roosted til around 10:00 but then came in bringing some action which was fun and then entertaining to watch the crew chase down the downed birds in the slick clay mud! 🤣 7 birds on a day like that was pretty great in my book!

    Dwight R. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane hunting

  • ★★★★★
    I had a wonderful experience hunting with Dawson and his crew on Wednesday January 8, 2025! We saw lots of birds, had 7 shot opportunities called if my memory is correct with anywhere from a lone bird to maybe 30 or 40 coming in. The total taken that morning was 21. Good action and enough for everyone to take some home! Also a nice bunch of friendly guys, hunters and crew included! Again, a very fun day!!

    Dwight R. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Juan Carlos was awesome! 28 years of experience definitely shows through. He knows the fish, area and his equipment. Superior customer service start to finish. Definitely marking another trip on our next visit to the island.

    Clay P. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Extreme Reef Trip - 26' Twin Vee

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with Brad. He was prompt and polite, but most importantly, a very attentive and experienced captain. He gave us many options for our outing and let us determine the course of our day. Highly recommend!

    Curtis C. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Key West Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Took my 3 boys out on 1/3 with Mike and he was awesome! Boys were tentative to go out on the ocean for the first time and Mike was super patient and took them wherever they wanted. They had a BLAST and can’t wait to go again someday

    David L. | January 10, 2025

    Trip: Fishing Trip Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a good time with Fred. He worked hard trying to get us onto keepable fish. He was accommodating and we had a nice time.

    Laverne F. | January 9, 2025

    Trip: SPI Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Good captain, experience, personality, fish caught exceptional!

    John C. | January 8, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome time hunting with Brice. We arrived a little early and crashed at his lodge on the property. The lodge was super spacious with enough beds to sleep an army, full kitchen, mud room, porch with a fire pit, the works. Brice drove us out to our blinds for our afternoon hog hunt and the hunt did not disappoint. We all downed nice hogs and each saw plenty. Thanks Brice for the great hunt and full freezers! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Hog Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Everyone needs to experience this hunt as far as I'm concerned. Elliott runs a great sandhill crane program top to bottom. He stays on the birds, can call em in like an absolute pro, and is totally focused on providing every group with a safe and successful hunt. He's got top-of-the-line coffin blinds and decoys and is a great dude to hunt with. We smoked em with Elliott and can't wait to run it back! Thanks Elliott, awesome times! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Sandhill Crane Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    We had an epic hunt with Clayton! We got into town late and crashed at his lodge spot in the middle of town. It has everything you need (and nothing you don't) to sleep a big group and we all had a great night's sleep. We were up early and followed Clayton to his tucked away spot. We got settled in the blind and Clayton started calling em in! The season hadn't hit full swing but we managed to bag some nice birds. Clayton's calling came in clutch and his retriever brought home the goods. Super nice guy with hilarious stories for days. 10/10 hunt, can't wait to run it back! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Duck Hunts with Lodging

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing guide, saw thousands of birds and Rick was super nice!

    Jacob M. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: POC Duck Hunts

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Anthony was awesome! Great with the kids and adults alike. The weather wasn't cooperating on our trip but he still managed to put us some fish even if wasn't our target for the day. I would fish with Captain Anthony again anytime!

    Jb H. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and professional.

    Geoff C. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Private Patch Reef & Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water with Captain Hank and his son. Fishing was excellent. Would definitely recommend Captain Hank for a day of fishing.

    Thomas H. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris gave us an amazing trip!!!! My family of 5 had experience ranging from years of fishing to never holding a rod, but he helped everyone as needed, setting everyone up with the right rod and bait for their ability and we all caught a wide variety of fish at several spots. He also recommended a great restaurant to cook our catch for lunch. Super cool guy, very knowledgeable, a great time!

    Joseph R. | January 7, 2025

    Trip: Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great night out with Captain Ike. Very patient and knowledgeable. Will be back next year for more then the 4 hour trip. Put us on plenty of fish with tons of shots.

    Jeff J. | January 6, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    I would highly recommend Carlos to be your hunting guide he took my wife and I out and we had a blast one of the best guided hunts ever on newyears day January 1st 2025 ill be booking again soon thanks Carlos Jeff and Shelly we truly had a hunt of a lifetime

    Jeffrey T. | January 6, 2025

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    Incredible experience! Captain Edwin receives 5 stars from us! Our three teenage boys are hard to please and they had so much fun! We caught lots of fish and saw tons of dolphins! It was an amazing trip for our family; one we will never forget.

    Kasy S. | January 6, 2025

    Trip: I'll Be Your Capt'n

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent boat and captain. Patient with the kid and a pleasure to work with. Well equipped for a fun day.

    Alan L. | January 5, 2025

    Trip: Peacock Bass: Fly or Spin

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic first time trip! Caught some awesome fish plus a Shark!! The fellas and I will never forget the memories made and the times we had. The Captain and Gibbs were fantastic and set up over the Big Ones, in less than favorable conditions! We will be booking another adventure soon! Thank you so much to everyone who made it happen

    Branden V. | January 5, 2025

    Trip: Nearshore Beachfront Blast

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic trip with Rene! We caught around 25 fish during our trip and he fileted a few on the boat so that we could eat our own catch at the marina. Terrific experience all around and we will book again next time we’re in town.

    Tucker B. | January 5, 2025

    Trip: Cancun Smash

  • ★★★★★
    Bradley is top notch. Everything from the gear, to the location, guide skill, and hunting dog was everything a person could look for in a guided hunt. Bradley’s dog, Shay, made some of the most impressive waterfowl retrieves I have ever seen. I will be sure to book with him again next season!

    Jacques O. | January 4, 2025

    Trip: Open Water Duck Hunts

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time on an inland trip with Robert. He was very professional and well prepared and we ended up getting exactly what we wanted. Will line him up the next time we are in town.

    Hilary C. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: In or Near Shore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing time with Pat. Limited out on Red’s! Worked his butt off to put us on them!

    Stephen R. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Full Day Airboat Redfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day on the water. Captain Mike was very friendly and knowledgeable. Consistently had us on fish. Limited out on trout in the first hour, and ended up catching a trophy drum. Definitely recommend mike to guide your next fishing adventure.

    Justin V. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: "Trout Man Mike" Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We went out with Captain Anthony last night and had a wonderful time. A native Miamian, he knew the area and knewvwhere the fish were. We had my 12 year old nephew with us and Anthony was great with him. He took the time to instruct the young lad in proper technique and made sure his rig was baited up and in the water as much as possible. The result? My little nephew outfished us all and he was thrilled. The only problem is we cant shut him up. He is still going on about the adventure declaring it his "best fishing trip ever". We tied into several tarpon that bested us novice tarpon fisherman, but came home with a nice mess of large mangrove snapper that we a lot of fun to catch and are now being breaded, fried and served up with slaw, hushpuppies and fries for a real southern lunch. The big ones are going on the grill whole to be deboned table-side with garlic lemon butter and served with mushroom risotto and ceasar salad. Plenty for the whole family. I heartily recommend a trip out with Captain Anthony for a good time, good eats and memories for a lifetime. Thank you Captain!

    Kevin D. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Night Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Tony was awesome! Got us our limit in half a day. Very personable and would highly recommend. Thanks Tony!

    Charles J. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Lobstering Trip

  • ★★★★★
    The weather wasn’t super conducive, and we were late in the season, but Capt Hunter worked overtime to get us on some bugs and make sure r went home with some! And he was great with our 11 year old son who was out for hours first time with us! Definitely will look him up again when we’re back in the keys.

    Jen R. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Key West Lobstering - 30’ Seahunter

  • ★★★★★
    Knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and most important… he took us to where the fish were biting. Had a great experience and caught plenty of fish for dinner. He was patient with all of us and attentive as well. Fished multiple spots. Kept the trip moving. I would recommend.

    Robert T. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with a great captain!

    Adam G. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Bowfishing the Tampa Bay

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I had a great time. John got us out to the fish we wanted to catch and even released a few because we had enough.

    Richard A. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: 6 hour inshore/nearshore

  • ★★★★★
    My fishing trip with Captain Kent and his wife Bobbi was an incredible experience from start to finish. They both made us feel welcome and comfortable, with Captain Kent expertly guiding us to the best fishing spots, while Bobbi shared her knowledge of the area and tips helped us reel in some impressive catches, we had everything we needed. Not only did he take us to prime fishing spots, but he also shared delicious recipes for preparing our catch, making the experience even more special. Along the way, he pointed out dolphins playing in the water and fighter jets take off from the airport. Their teamwork and hospitality truly set this trip apart, and it was a pleasure to spend the morning with such a friendly and knowledgeable duo on the water.

    Stephanie A. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Destin Gulf Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a nice morning fishing the bay with Augustin! Not many fish wanted to be caught, but our guide tried very hard to get us on 'em! Bonus was a side trip to see Space X from the water and some dolphin play! Highly recommend.

    Amy L. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Laguna Madre Magic

  • ★★★★★
    Great day of fishing with Steven! Very kind and worked his butt off to land us on the fish. Used drone with fly the bait out 500 yard from beach and drop in the sand bar.

    Stephen R. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Beach Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Leo was awesome had fun time seeing manatees and dolphins. Caught several trout and a black drum. Would highly recommend them.

    Mark S. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Crushin' It Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    Fernando & his assistant were nice. We went in December which was very cold and we didn’t see any action. It was not at all what I expected. When we got to the beach, the rigs were all set up and baits were taken by kayak by the guides about 300 yards out. My 10 year old was bored very quickly by sitting in chairs, in the cold & dark. There’s no instruction or casting, just sitting behind rods for 4 hours. I’m sure it’s extremely exciting if something is caught but there’s no action or interaction otherwise.

    Katherine J. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Mike was very professional and fun to be around. Had us on ducks right from the start, great trip.

    James O. | January 2, 2025

    Trip: Bay Duck Hunting Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Dawson was great at reading the weather changes we were having. Had a great A-frame blind built for us. His decoy spread and calling put the birds right in front of us and we all shot limits of sandhill cranes in about 2 hours.

    Allen T. | January 1, 2025

    Trip: Premier Sandhill Crane hunting

  • ★★★★★
    Great charter trip! Caught plenty of fish, captain was knowledgeable, fun and made our day fantastic

    Robert B. | January 1, 2025

    Trip: Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    An awesome day on the water!! Travis is an excellent captain and knows the area and water well. We went to several key spots that he had marked and it was obvious he knew where the fish were. The fish weren’t as active that day, however, Travis knew where to go to make sure we still got on fish to make it a memorable day. Thanks again Travis!! Highly recommend!

    Kevin K. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Bokeelia Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Aaron was top-notch on his game my son and I had a blast. Definitely highly recommend booking with him again Aaron. My son even caught a 6 foot. Shark was crazy fun!

    Shane L. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water! Capt Phil & Tim were amazing! Capt put us on fish. My 7 yr old reeled in a few after a short lesson. Hope to be back next year!

    Jason M. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore Trip with Captain Phil

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip! Raymond was a great captain and we caught a lot of fish.

    Philip L. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Redfish Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Capn Mike took us out and was very informative about how and why and where went went Ladyfish were plentiful. it was tougher for bigger fish. But thats the way fishing is. Capn MIke kept us out longer in hopes of getting something We appreciated that, All in all it was a good experience and we would do it again. Don B

    Donald B. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water yesterday. Had some friends with me from England who never fished. They had an amazing time. Nick our mate was awesome. Caught a few barracuda and we missed 2 big fish.

    Joby W. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Miami Offshore Trolling Fun!

  • ★★★★★
    Kent was great and we had a great time.

    Paul F. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Destin Gulf Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful day on the water! Jesse took our family of 6 out for a full day. We did a little bit of everything, inshore & off shore fishing, dolphin watching, even a great lunch recommendation stop. Now back to our VRBO to cook some of the days catch! Jesse gets our 10/10 rating, we had a GREAT day!

    Meggin F. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers Hook Up!

  • ★★★★★
    Greg and his mate Logan were fantastic. They were friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, efficient, and very “fishy”! We had a great day with them. I recommend Captain Greg highly.

    Christopher S. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience

    Nate D. | December 30, 2024

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water, clean boat, great captain, excellent food, TOP NOTCH SERVICE! We will fish again soon!

    Jerry W. | December 30, 2024

    Trip: Cabo VIP Fishing - 32’ Luhrs

Ditch the Desk. Seize the Day.

Book Your Next Trip

Featured Cities