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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

591
Destinations
1594
Quality, Vetted Guides
210
Unique Target Species
173,205
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 & CTO
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
Customer Success Manager
Bucket list trip: Blue Water Spearfishing
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Customer Success Manager
scott stockdale photo
Scott Stockdale
Customer Success Manager

We're not just blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    We had a trip booked with Captain Bryce the weekend after the tropical storm hit the coast, and as most know, storms can make it hard to catch fish. He was amazing and worked really hard to get us onto both trout and reds. We were able to catch a few because of his hard work even with the aftermath of the storm. Thank you for a great time!!

    Amy V. with Bryce W. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Captain Chris today. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of laughs. Had an unforeseen technical issue but Captains Mike and Chris took care of it with grace and humor. We’ll be back.

    Jesse S. with Mike P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Brantley and Josh made the trip awesome. We tied into a pair of Wahoo on the trip out and ripped loads of fish while out Anyone and I mean anyone experience or not NEEDS to book and go out with these guys Thanks so much again See yall in the Fall

    Mark R. with Brantley G. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    An overall great trip!

    John M. with Pete C. of Montauk, New York

  • ★★★★★
    We had fun and caught some fish he put us on fish planning on taking a second trip this week

    Kathy Y. with Ronald D. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bill took me, my son in law and two grandsons on an iguana hunt. We all had a great time and a fair amount of success under Captain Bills guidance. He was patient and entertaining with an emphasis on safety. Thanks for the good time Captain Bill. It would have been easier for me to find the boat ramp if I had the address rather than a pin.

    Joseph A. with Bill H. of Delray Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Captain was a pleasure to be around. Caught a tone of fish could not be happier with the experience.

    Brantley J. with Mark H. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jeremy was great! My son and I had a blast. Caught plenty of fish and great conversation between spots. Definitely recommend Captain Jeremy.

    Rance P. with Jeremy E. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Cap’n Jamie and his son Zach. 3 hour trip with 50 Spanish caught a king and a 22# Jack. Great day catching! I highly recommend these two gentlemen!

    Steve F. with Scott L. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bobby is an excellent guide! Had us on fish very quickly. Two people caught enough fish to feed 14 people!! Had a excellent time and will definitely go back with him next time we are down there.

    William G. with Bobby C. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    On behalf of Warren Herndon, Wayne Hall and myself (Dexter Hudson), I would like to report that we had an outstanding time on our fishing excursion with Captain Don. Captain Don was very enjoyable to talk and visit with and he also patiently answered all of our questions, explaining what he was doing. And he worked like a Trojan baiting and putting new hooks and leaders on our poles after sharks robbed us of our catch when we reeled in too slowly. We did manage to reel in 22 good-sized Yellow Tail snapper and were able to return home as conquering heroes with meat for the table. Don not only cleaned the fish but provided several tasty recipes. The gentlemen did the cooking, the wives joined us in devouring the meal and we all had big smiles on our faces.. Thanks Captain Don! If or when we get back, you'll be the man we call!

    Dexter D. with Don R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The family had an absolutely phenomenal time with Captain Mike and his crew. We caught plenty of fish. The crew was very helpful to the family. The boat was great. I will 100% recommend them to anyone looking for a great trip.

    Tommy L. with Mike W. of Stock Island, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We went out not knowing what to expect with rough waters. Mike found us some good spots and we caught plenty of fish - topped off with a 6ft Bull Shark. Great day out. Thanks Mike !!

    Richard M. with Mike E. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    My 12 yr old daughter and I went out with Robbie on June 24, 2024. Robbie knew where the fish were. It was a great day and even better memories with my daughter. Thanks again, Robbie. I look forward to fishing with you again next year!

    Drew A. with Robbie B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My 12 yr old daughter and I went out with Robbie on June 24, 2024. Robbie knew where the fish were. It was a great day and even better memories with my daughter. Thanks again, Robbie. I look forward to fishing with you again next year!

    Drew A. with Robbie B. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Robert and his First Mate Jason were very knowledgeable and professional. They kept us entertained while going from from one fishing spot to another. Captain Robert’s experience and knowledge of the Gulf help him to put us on the fish that we wanted to catch.on a scale of 1-10 he gets a solid 10. We will fish with him again.

    Johnny J. with Robert R. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Very knowledgeable and capable guide. Fishing can be tough and there was a lot of pressure from other people. We moved several times to stay on the fish and Capt. Bobby seemed to alway know exactly where to find them. We caught a lot including snook, trout, and redfish. Highly recommend, kid friendly, quality boat and equipment.

    Caleb Z. with Bobby F. of Placida, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Trip!

    Glenn A. with Ariel A. of Chokoloskee, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Randy Stallings comes highly recommended. This was a retirement trip for my brother and it was truly amazing!! Captain Randy went above and beyond to make sure our 2 day trip was full of action, and adventure. His love for The Florida Keys is contagious. He will put you on the fish! If you seriously love fishing, he’s your guy! Captan Experiences made booking and paying our Captain so much easier than doing it over the phone. Everything was seamless and I look forward to booking with them and Captain Randy again.

    Dave A. with Randy S. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Randy Stallings comes highly recommended. This was a retirement trip for my brother and it was truly amazing!! Captain Randy went above and beyond to make sure our 2 day trip was full of action, and adventure. His love for The Florida Keys is contagious. He will put you on the fish! If you seriously love fishing, he’s your guy! Captan Experiences made booking and paying our Captain so much easier than doing it over the phone. Everything was seamless and I look forward to booking with them and Captain Randy again.

    Dave A. with Randy S. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Good time. Felt safe. Caught fish

    Rusty S. with Brandon M. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Good time. Felt safe. Caught fush

    Rusty S. with Brandon M. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Russell is an awesome captain. Every spot we stopped, we caught fish.

    Joe S. with Russell F. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tristan did a great job. Was flexible with his schedule and made sure we got a fish. Played some corn hole w us and had a great time. Highly recommend working with Tristan!

    Michael R. with Tristan B. of Corpus Christi, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Good trip. Recommend

    Michael V. with Donald R. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Very knowledgeable and capable guide. Fishing can be tough and there was a lot of pressure from other people. We moved several times to stay on the fish and Capt. Bobby seemed to alway know exactly where to find them. We caught a lot including snook, trout, and redfish. Highly recommend, kid friendly, quality boat and equipment.

    Caleb Z. with Bobby F. of Placida, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Aaron did an amazing job.

    Andrew M. with Aaron W. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Aaron did an amazing job.

    Andrew M. with Aaron W. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    My son, friend and i went out on Cowboy II with Captain Mark and Best Mate Ever Anthony. The Captain has eagle eyes and Anthony moves like an octopus, neither would give up until we CRUSHED IT. 2 Black Tail Tuna and 9 Mahi later we were happy as fishing guys could be. I am happy to recommend them for your trip with the guys. Enjoy Paul Cella

    Paul C. with Mark B. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Most of us had never been fishing offshore before, but we were all able to snag a few Red Snapper and Beeliner. We got our quota of Snapper in the 6 hours that we were out there. For future excursions, the one lesson I'd take away is to try to buy live bait in the morning if you have an afternoon trip. We didn't have any live bait to fish with, but still had a great time and plenty of success!

    Brian O. with Brian G. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Patrick was great! From start to finish, total pro. Super nice guy, engaged, and made the trip a great experience. His playlist was fire too!!!

    Chris T. with Patrick G. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Great time and Nick knows his stuff that’s for sure! Worked hard to ensure we had a great time! Thanks so much Nick!

    Ben H. with Nick S. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tyler was amazing! Timely, professional and friendly. This charter was a gift for my dad for Father's Day, and we had the best time making memories as a family. All five of us each caught something, we would highly recommend and we plan to book again with Tyler in the future!

    Brianna B. with Tyler P. of Plymouth, Massachusetts

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Trenton and Kendall, the deck hand, were great! Knew where to go and took care of everything. My two grandsons, 15 and 14, had the time of their lives. I highly recommend them. Five stars!

    Tom H. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Trenton and Kendall, the deck hand, were great! Knew where to go and took care of everything. My two grandsons, 15 and 14, had the time of their lives. I highly recommend them. Five stars!

    Tom H. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Shayne was an amazing guide!! We limited out on trout within about 20 minutes from when the first line was casted. My girlfriend who has only fished one other time was able to catch many fish and he helped her every step of the way! You won’t regret booking with Shayne 👍🏻

    Craig D. with Shayne M. of Corpus Christi, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tim was awesome! This was me and my sons first time! Very cool experience! Highly recommended!!

    Josh with Tim B. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip!!! Definitely booking again!!!

    Grant B. with Danny D. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip!!! Definitely booking again!!!

    Grant B. with Danny D. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    I have gone on many fishing charters, and this was one of the best. They put us on a lot of fish,definitely worth it!!

    Mark B. with Harold S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I have gone on many fishing charters, and this was one of the best. They put us on a lot of fish,definitely worth it!!

    Mark B. with Harold S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Travis did an excellent job. He was professional, courteous, patient, and most importantly he put us on some fish.

    Marshal J. with Travis P. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chase and his crew were awesome! We had a large group of 18 made up of several 12 year old boys, everyone had a blast. Shoutout to his Deckhand Brandon, man was a workhorse dealing with everything and ensuring everyone was safe and successful. Highly recommend this crew and already looking to next year's trip.

    Dustin M. with Chase N. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Larry is a true professional, has Excellent knowledge that he freely shared throughout the trip. He took good care of us. We plan to be repeat customers.

    Andrew S. with Larry B. of Aransas Pass, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brad and his deck hand Dennis was awesome given the weather and seas where not very good they still put us on fish and took care of us perfectly. Boat was very nice clean had lots of room (perfect set up) . Would highly recommended Captain Brad !!!!

    Johnny E. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    TJ was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend him.

    Dan P. with Tj D. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time on our first family fishing trip. We brought enthusiasm, and very little experience. John was a great teacher for all of us, and took us to several good spots in Lake Passage. We caught shark, black grouper and enough snapper to feast on for days. The fine folks at Hurricane Hole cooked it up for us and it was amazing!! We would definitely book another trip with John!!

    Karl H. with John D. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guy. Did an awesome job!! Caught multiple species. Would 100% book another trip with Jason.

    James T. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

    Todd D. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was initially planned with Ryan but change to Captain Blake. He was phenomenal. Helpful though all. Knew where the fish were.

    Thomas R. with Ryan H. of Destin, Florida

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