FISHING FOR HELP
Houston startup plans to streamline digital booking for aquatic adventures
Sep 30, 2019, 11:44 am
FISHING FOR HELP
This article originally appeared on InnovationMap.
Fishing is always an exercise in patience, but by the time Jonathan Newar had planned his former work team's trip to New Braunfels, he had already lost all of his. The precious hours he would spend on the water were backed by so much more time reeling in dead ends on potential fishing guides online.
That's because, back then, there were no sites for Houstonians and Texans that compiled information about trips and properly vetted guides, who have to be insured and licensed — until Newar launched Captain in June.
Captain is a business for booking guided fishing trips. It's a little like Yelp for water sports — allowing people to read and write reviews about their experiences with the trips — but they can also book directly on the site, which keeps customers from the hassle of making reservations and lets the guides spend more time on the water and less in the office.
"The guides really love what we're doing," Newar says. "They're jumping on board."
Captain has more than 70 guides, offering over 160 trips, and caters to a market of the outdoor-oriented: fishermen, boaters, campers, the kind of person who spends their weekdays swiveling in a desk chair and weekends spooling line around a fishing rod. That might be a niche market, but it's not a tiny one; In 2016 alone, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reported that Americans spent $46.1 billion on fishing-related expenses.
Continue on InnovationMap to learn about Captain's plan for expansion.
Power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with Houston, according to a report from ESPN.
JABARI SMITH JR. GOT PAID 💰
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/g28YXK1i8t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2025
The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed and would keep Smith in a Rockets uniform through the 2030–31 season.
Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.2 points and seven rebounds last season, starting 39 of the 57 games he played. While injuries and inconsistency limited his minutes at times, the 21-year-old showed flashes of the two-way potential that made him a top lottery pick, and someone the Rockets clearly see as part of their long-term foundation.
The move signals continued trust in the franchise’s young core and a commitment to internal development as Houston builds toward sustained playoff contention.
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!