Capt. Chad Raney

Captain Chad Raney, owner of Old Hat Fishing Charters out of Miami Beach, is a lifelong South Florida fisherman who makes complex techniques look effortless. His expertise spans the entire water column, from bottom fishing to surface action, covering everything from planer fishing and vertical jigging to live baiting for pelagics. What distinguishes Chad as an instructor is his ability to simplify advanced methods, breaking down intimidating techniques into practical, understandable lessons. His motto, "From the bottom all the way to the surface, we got you covered," reflects his versatile approach and commitment to creating confident, competent anglers.

Instructor's videos

Captain Chad Raney, owner and operator of Old Hat Fishing Charters out of Miami Beach, embodies the quintessential South Florida fisherman. A lifelong resident of the region, Chad has spent decades perfecting his craft on the waters he calls home, developing an intimate knowledge of everything from the nearshore reefs to the deep blue waters of the Atlantic.

What sets Captain Raney apart is his remarkable ability to make complex fishing techniques look effortless. Whether he's demonstrating the intricacies of in-line planer fishing, executing flawless vertical speed jigging on wrecks and reefs, or targeting golden tilefish in deep water, Chad approaches each method with a simplicity that belies years of experience and refinement. His philosophy is straightforward: if you can understand it, you can do it. This approach has made him one of the most effective fishing educators in South Florida.

Chad's expertise spans the entire water column, living up to his mantra, "From the bottom all the way to the surface, we got you covered." He's equally comfortable pulling wahoo and kingfish on planers in the nearshore zone as he is dropping jigs on structure for amberjack and grouper, or live baiting for sailfish on the color change. His versatility isn't just about knowing where the fish are. It's about understanding how they behave and what it takes to consistently put clients on fish when others are struggling.

As an instructor, Captain Raney's gift lies in his ability to transfer knowledge with confidence and clarity. His instructional videos break down techniques that many anglers find intimidating (planer fishing, wind-on leaders, proper bait rigging, boat handling skills) into manageable, practical lessons. He doesn't just show you what to do; he explains why it works, giving anglers the understanding they need to adapt techniques to their own waters and situations.

From mutton snapper on the bottom to mahi in the blue water, from blackfin tuna to bull sharks, Chad Raney has put thousands of anglers on the fish of a lifetime. His years on the water have earned him a reputation as a captain who doesn't just catch fish. He creates competent, confident anglers who can repeat his success on their own.

Personal Website:
https://oldhat.com