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trip for his team, he was reminded how painful it is to find quality fishing guides—from phone tag with captains to outdated charter websites with no price transparency, he knew there had to be a better way…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

702
Destinations
1815
Quality, Vetted Guides
215
Unique Target Species
222,733
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
attison barnes photo
Attison Barnes
Co-Founder & CTO
bryan smith photo
Bryan Smith
Web Developer
Bucket list trip: Tanzania Tiger Fish Safari
trey niedzielski photo
Trey Niedzielski
Customer Success Manager
scott stockdale photo
Scott Stockdale
Guide Success Manager

We're not blowing smoke

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Hayden was great! He helped our party out every step of the way. I definitely recommend you giving this trip a go! A lot of fun!

    Sean R. | December 11, 2024

    Trip: 4 HR Inshore/Harbor/Jetties Fishing PM

  • ★★★★★
    Best trip ever! Had never tried bow fishing before- Randy made it one of the coolest experiences ever! Great guide, awesome coach, and very knowledgeable. I will recommend this to everyone!

    Patrick K. | December 11, 2024

    Trip: Night Bowfishing (4 Hours)

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was incredible! I took my wife out with Yoni and his mate while we were in town for a wedding and we had just about the best day of fishing you can ask for. Yoni speaks perfect English and was super accommodating before the trip via WhatsApp. He had drinks on the boat and brought us some delicious mango bread for breakfast from a local bakery (without us asking for a thing). We set off and after we got past the color change in the water had nonstop action. We went 4 for 4 on some of the biggest sailfish I’ve ever caught and ended with a massive hookup on a marlin right by the boat that jumped off after a short fight. The fishing style is awesome: all teaser fishing with no hooks in the water at all, and you (with help from the guys) pitch bait to billfish right at the boat which leads to some absurd hookups. We had lunch with the guys afterwards at one of the beach restaurants near the marina and practiced our Spanish with them. I couldn’t recommend this trip more.

    Attison B. | December 10, 2024

    Trip: Puerto Escondido Deep Sea Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Bill was amazing! He’s very personable and helped me check this off my bucket list. I can’t wait to do some iguana hunting again!

    Brandy A. | December 10, 2024

    Trip: Iguana Hunts Delray Beach

  • ★★★★★
    Was in town for Thanksgiving with the fam and had an awesome time out with Capt. Ricky. The boat is super spacious, dry, comfortable, and fast and Capt uses nothing but top of the line tackle. We caught some nice wahoo on the troll that made for awesome sashimi, ceviche, and fish tacos back home. We also came across some floating debris and pitched baits at some Tripletail. They were super picky but Richard and Elliott knew how to make em eat! Thanks guys, will be back soon. – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Reel Rush Lauderdale Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Another awesome trip with Jake. This time, we headed out with Tierra from FOX 7 Austin for her Tierra's Texas Series. We caught em up, check it out here! https://www.fox7austin.com/video/1544986. Thanks Jake, good times as always. – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Central Texas Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome time out there with Drew and Dawson! We were looking for bluefin tuna on artificial lures and fished hard off the Cape. The tuna were going crazy under birds. We got tight but unfortunately it wasn't to be. The Bluefin gotta win some days and can't wait to get back out there with these guys. Tackle was perfect and these guys know the area lick the back of their hand! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Fall Striper - 33’ Grady White

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome time tarpon fishing with Fernando. We saw an insane number of fish with plenty of giants mixed in and were able to boat a few on the fly! The lagoons are beautiful and we were the only boat out there. Amazing trip, can't wait to get back! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Extreme Tarpon - 20’ Twin Vee

  • ★★★★★
    Got out with Mitch for a buddy's bachelor party and had an absolute blast! Some of the guys hadn't fished in a while (or at all) but Mitch was super patient in showing them the ropes. Mitch fishes super high quality tackle, had plenty of bait, and the boat was running smooth. We ripped it to a number of spots from surf fishing outside the jetties to countless inshore spots. We missed a few bites but had an awesome time, thanks Mitch! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fished with Nino while down for a bachelor party and had an absolute blast. Many of the guys hadn't fished in a while but Nino showed em the ropes and had high quality tackle and plenty of bait. Put us on a nice flounder and countless specks. Thank Nino, will be back soon! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Tejas Fishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Took my buddy and Tanzania-based guide Dom out with Jake and we had a blast! Jake put us on a number of nice fish. Highlight of the trip was Jake marking a fish with his live scope and Dom and I watching on the livescope as it chased Dom's swimbait and gulped it up! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Central Texas Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We were down fishing with Chris for a buddy's bachelor party and had an awesome time out there. Chris warned us ahead of time that conditions were tough, but we decided to brave the elements. Chris took us around to multiple spots all across West Bay. He put us on countless trout under the birds before we had to make it back. Will be back and can't wait, thanks Chris! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Inshore Hookfest

  • ★★★★★
    We got out with Capt. Mike on my buddy's bachelor party and had a time and a half! We had guys that fish and lot and some that hadn't fished in a while. Mike was great with everyone and put us on redfish, black drum, and some nice speckled trout even though conditions were pretty tough. Will be back down to see you soon! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: "Trout Man Mike" Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    My family and I had an epic day with Taco! Taco and his mate were super welcoming as we jumped on board, and it was clear he runs a super clean and well maintained sportfish. We were on fish in no time with my brother-in-law fighting the fish of his life, a giant Amberjack! From there, we spread the kites and caught mahi, bonita, and a beautiful sailfish. Whole fam had a blast and Taco stole the show, we'll be back! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Florida Fishing Spectacular

  • ★★★★★
    Had some family in town for Easter and the spring bite did not disappoint. Jake had plenty of rods rigged up and got us dialed as soon as we figured out what they were hitting. Some nice fish, can't wait to get back out there! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Central Texas Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an epic time fishing with Jake as always. Got out there with my buddy Pat from StarterStory and we crushed it. It was Pat's first time fishing in a while but Jake put us on fish and the topwater bite was on. Will be back soon! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Central Texas Bass Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an epic time with Ryan. Ryan's super dialed in and knows every nook and cranny of the lowcountry like the back of his hand. He put us on some really nice reds and had some helpful tips to improve my fly cast. Can't recommend highly enough and can't wait to get back out there. Also his Maverick skiff is sick. Also wore some trout out before rushing back to our wedding! – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Lowcountry's Tidal Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an awesome time fishing with Kevin and Lee. This was our first time carp fishing and it didn't disappoint. These guys run a great program from setting up a nice camp (with fresh coffee) to cannonball launching multiple rods with their cornmeal balls that carp love. We had numerous bites on a quick trip and landed a giant! Kevin and Lee were first class handling the fish and got some great shots for us. – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Carp On The Fly - Austin, TX

  • ★★★★★
    This was our first ever marlin trip and we had an absolutely insane time! We had a marlin bite within 30 mins of leaving the marina which was so crazy for us being from TX. The views of the Big Island with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea were breathtaking and provided us with lake flat seas by blocking the wind. We ended up going 2/3 on blue marlin with my brother bringing in a 700 pounder. Thanks Capt. and mate Bo, epic times and we'll be back!

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Kona Legendary Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with Cole! Highly recommend. He can find fish.

    Russell P. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Rod Bending Action

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time fishing w Chandler under tough windy and tide conditions. Worked his butt off to put us into fish. Would love to fish w him again.

    Gary R. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Marquesas Atoll Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    We had a terrific fishing experience. Captain Mark was enthusiastic, helpful, very knowledgeable about the area and put us on enough fish to limit us out. The entire experience was enjoyable and productive, well worth the cost.

    Laura S. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Crystal River Rod-Bender

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jim was fantastic. From the start, our communication was quick and easy. He prepared us with what to expect and what the game plan would be for the day. Upon arrival, Captain Jim immediately welcomed us and briefed us on the safety protocols. Once we were out in the ocean trolling, he monitored and prepared all of the lines while entertaining us and feeding us with endless information. Once the fish was on, he coached us through the reel-in process and expertly removed the fish from the line, and encouraged all of us to take a photo with the fish. We would certainly recommend Captain Jim and we will be re-booking with him in the near future!

    Lauren V. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: 4 Hours Offshore Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Very knowledgeable. Great guy to spend the day with. Caught our limits of fish. Awesome time despite cold wet weather.

    Trenton D. | December 8, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Redfish and Trout

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jesse was AMAZING! We had so much fun and were catching fish constantly. A spectacular day on the water with the fabulous Captain Jesse at the helm! So many beautiful birds, wildlife and dolphins!!

    Mary R. | December 7, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers Hook Up!

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joseph and Captain Chaz were excellent guides and have expert skills in fishing! Captain Joseph has so much knowledge with a bonus of loads of personality! We could tell that he truly enjoyed being able to put us on the fish! It was a wonderful experience that we would gladly race to experience again and again! Captain Chaz is also a wonderful guide and worked tirelessly to keep our poles going and the fish into the cooler! Because of his efforts we headed back to Indiana with a cooler full of fish! Thank you so much, Captain Joseph and Captain Chaz!

    Timothy H. | December 6, 2024

    Trip: Fish on the Historic JAWS Boat

  • ★★★★★
    Me and My girlfriend had a blast super nice guy very down to earth and teaching already ready to go back on another trip with Kirk!

    Justin J. | December 4, 2024

    Trip: Coldspring Nighttime Hog Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    A fantastic day out on the water. Chilly but comfortable. Captain Edwin is a real pro. We didn’t really catch much, but he went out of his way to try and find us some good spots. Very patient and very jovial captain great conversations Looking forward to having us guide us again in the near future

    Marc L. | December 3, 2024

    Trip: Hook 'em for Lunch

  • ★★★★★
    If you’re looking for the real Florida deal, Mark’s the man. He’s got more years of experience than anyone out there, an incredible the likes of which no other charter is using, and the know how to make sure that if there’s something in the water, you’ll catch it. GetEmOn!

    Anton R. | December 3, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    TJ does a tremendous job of guiding!! My son is beginning to fly fish and he was very patient and helped him improve a lot in a short period of time. I would highly recommend T.J!

    Blaine F. | December 3, 2024

    Trip: "Big Bend" Sight Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Travis did great getting us into some fish and showing us the ropes of wade fishing. Would definitely recommend him!

    Casey L. | December 2, 2024

    Trip: Inshore/Flats Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a super time with Jake. Took my kiddo and his best friend out for an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake. Jake is great with youngsters and took great joy when they had their first catch. Awesome guy, awesome boat, and an awesome experience. This is my second time out with Jake and I’ll be booking with him again soon!

    Thomas H. | December 2, 2024

    Trip: Town Lake Bass Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day on the water but was grateful for the effort Clayton put in. He scouted for days before the trip and unfortunately the birds just werent down yet, but he gave us every chance we could get for the birds that were around. Looking forward to hunting with him again in a week or two when more birds are down in central TX.

    Attison B. | December 1, 2024

    Trip: Central Texas Duck Hunts

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Steve was excellent. He moved our fishing location to get better results. He was on time, friendly and knowledgable. He was great with my 2 grandkids, 8 and 10. We didn't catch much edible fish but caught quite a few others - 5 species in total. I would recommend Captain Steve and would choose him again if the occasion arises.

    Clyde H. | December 1, 2024

    Trip: Kids Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brad and Eddie were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and was a great day.

    Brian C. | December 1, 2024

    Trip: #1 Offshore Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Had an outstanding time and look forward to the next trip. Great captain and an awesome guy !

    Robert G. | December 1, 2024

    Trip: Galveston Jetty Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was great! Enjoyed the hunt alongside my dad and son.

    Lee F. | November 30, 2024

    Trip: Duck Hunts (Lodging Available)

  • ★★★★★
    Hunter was an absolutely perfect host. He and his first mate di everything possible to insure a great day on the water. We will definately be using his services again in the future!

    Alex K. | November 30, 2024

    Trip: Key West Lobstering - 30’ Seahunter

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Hunter was great! He was prepped and ready to go for a 2 hr trip and we were immediately catching fish. We had 3 tween girls with us and he made it easy, enjoyable and educational. They had a blast and enjoyed their catch for dinner that night!

    Dave C. | November 30, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    The captain did his best to help us catch fish. As a result, the two of us were able to catch more than 15 fish.

    Koji S. | November 30, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing Miami

  • ★★★★★
    Cpt Joe provide a great experience. Put us on fish, was very engaging and made everthing easy. Highly recommend.

    James C. | November 29, 2024

    Trip: Morning Relaxation - 25’ Sundance

  • ★★★★★
    Great time for some first timers! Tyler and Allen were awesome with their instruction and knowledge about the sport. We will be back!!

    Stephanie R. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Fishing with Capt Tyler 4-12hrs!

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Dennis is a Silver King master. Fishing with him is an adventure. He made us feel like more like friends than clients and did a great job teaching us how it's done.

    Thomas H. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Night Time Inshore Tarpon & Snook

  • ★★★★★
    I thought he did a great job. We caught a lot of fish and he was kind to my family. My 8 yr old daughter had a blast.

    Keith L. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Key West Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Dingo was a great guide. He was responsive and detailed answering questions before the trip. He had top end boat, fishing equipment and technology. He was safe, knowledgeable, helpful and put us on the fish. We will request his guide services in the future.

    Don F. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Jupiter Fly Fishing with Dingo

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain put us on the fish everywhere. We stopped very knowledgeable.!

    Dorcel T. | November 28, 2024

    Trip: Ledges and Reef Run

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome day of fishing, thanks Sal!

    Clint T. | November 27, 2024

    Trip: 3 Hour Family Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with Captain Mike! Would recommend him to anyone.

    Thomas M. | November 27, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Light Tackle Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful trip! Even though we were not experienced fishermen, we caught more fish than we had expected! Captain Blake was patient, encouraging, and a pleasure to spend the day with....

    Edward F. | November 27, 2024

    Trip: Bay/Jetty Fun! - 33'

  • ★★★★★
    Brandon was great! Having grown up in the area, he really knows his stuff and found us some great fishing spots. Also, he took great care and showed wonderful patience with our seven year old grandson (who had a blast fishing). I highly recommend Brandon as your boat captain and guide.

    James E. | November 27, 2024

    Trip: Naples Hook-Up

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