Old Hat Fishing Charters
A private deep sea fishing charter on a custom 43-foot boat, running out of Haulover Park marina with Captain Chad at the helm.
Checked October 2026
For groups who want real offshore fishing without a long ride out: the ocean is six minutes from the dock. The catch is that nothing about pricing is posted, so you'll be calling to find out.
The boat and the captain
The Old Hat is a custom 43-footer, redone in 2004 with Cummins engines making 1,300 horsepower combined, and the site calls it the quickest charter in the Haulover fleet. That matters more than it sounds: the run to open ocean is about six minutes, and most fish come within two or three miles of shore. Captain Chad Raney grew up fishing tournaments with his father, got his captain's license at 21 and has run out of Haulover for over 15 years. Downstairs there's air conditioning, a couch, a fridge and a clean bathroom, which your less committed friends will appreciate.
What's biting out there
The Gulf Stream keeps things moving year round: sailfish, wahoo, mahi, kingfish, tuna, amberjack, barracuda and sharks, plus grouper and snapper. The crew mostly trolls or live baits, and kite fishing is Chad's tournament specialty. When a fish hits, the mate hands you the rod and coaches you if needed. Eating fish that meet size limits go in the cooler. Game fish are your call, and a mount doesn't require killing anything: a replica can be made from measurements. Captain, mate, bait, tackle and all licenses are included, so you show up with nothing but snacks and sunscreen.
Booking and getting on deck
Reservations go straight through Captain Chad by phone, and the phone hours run 7 am to 11 pm every day. No prices are listed on the site, so ask about rates and trip length when you call. He also does group events if you're planning something bigger. The record is hard to argue with: 5.0 from about 280 Google reviews. On the day, wear sneakers or soft rubber soles, bring a hat and sunglasses, and if you get seasick, take the pill before boarding rather than hoping for the best halfway out.
Getting there
- Head to Haulover Park marina at 10800 Collins Ave, right at the inlet north of Bal Harbour.
Reservations
Book by calling Captain Chad directly; there's no online pricing, so ask rates and trip length up front.
Dress code
Wear sneakers or soft rubber soles that won't leave black marks on the deck.
Questions people ask
Where does Old Hat Fishing Charters leave from?
The boat docks at Haulover Park marina, 10800 Collins Ave, at the inlet between Miami Beach and Hollywood Beach.
What's included in an Old Hat charter?
Every trip includes the captain, a mate, bait, tackle and all fishing licenses. Prices aren't posted, so call Captain Chad for rates.
Can you keep the fish you catch?
Eating fish that meet minimum size go in the cooler, and keeping game fish is up to you. For a trophy mount, a replica can be made from a measurement so the fish can be released.