Father and son Fishing teamWhat started as a pastime on a little jon boat between Steve Ranney and his son Ben, has now turned into a charter fishing business on the 30 ft Blackfin they run together. Steve has passed on his knowledge and passion for fishing to Ben, who looks forward to continuing the tradition.
Captain Ben ranney |
Captain Ben Ranney is a born and bred native of Hilton Head Island. Some might say, salt water runs in his veins. He would spend everyday on the beach growing, developing a love for the outdoors. His dad, Captain Steve, would take him fishing as a kid whenever the opportunity presented itself. Nowadays they still fish together often on the Black Skimmer. Ben started working on charter fishing boats when he was 17, and would eventually earn his USCG captain's license a year later. He has traveled up and down the East Coast of the United States serving as a captain on multiple private yachts. Ben has also worked for some of the best fishing charters on the island, gaining a vast knowledge of the low country and particular techniques special to successful fishing in tidal waters. He enjoys sharing his passion of fishing with the people he meets on the boat, and creating new memories with them.
Ben and his wife Lauren reside in Bluffton, SC. They have a personal center console boat, which they use almost every weekend to go to Daufuskie Island or an exposed sandbar. They also love spending a day at a nearby city such as Savannah, GA or Beaufort, SC. Ben and Lauren have one fur baby, Lucy. She is a domestic short-hair cat, who loves taking long naps and meowing a lot.
Ben and his wife Lauren reside in Bluffton, SC. They have a personal center console boat, which they use almost every weekend to go to Daufuskie Island or an exposed sandbar. They also love spending a day at a nearby city such as Savannah, GA or Beaufort, SC. Ben and Lauren have one fur baby, Lucy. She is a domestic short-hair cat, who loves taking long naps and meowing a lot.
captain steve ranney
Captain Steve Ranney is a USCG licensed Captain. He moved to Hilton Head Island with his wife, Patte, in 1978. He has fond memories of fishing with his dad, Steve took his own children to the island’s natural ponds, fresh water lagoons, and into the salt marsh to pass on the tradition. Years spent on local waters led him to fish full time in 2007. His wife, Patte is a USCG licensed Captain as well, working with a local dolphin tour company.
Capt. Steve loves to give back to the community and participates annually in The Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry Fishing Day and 'Fish with Friends' (a fun fishing day for local children and adults with special needs). Steve's other son runs a non-profit, Sunshine On a Ranney Day.
Capt. Steve loves to give back to the community and participates annually in The Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry Fishing Day and 'Fish with Friends' (a fun fishing day for local children and adults with special needs). Steve's other son runs a non-profit, Sunshine On a Ranney Day.
"We had such a great trip with Captain Ben today! He was great with the kids (ranging from 6-14) setting us up for success to catch some HUGE Redfish and a really cool Black Drum that we were able to keep. The captain even stopped between fishing spots for the little one to get within a few feet of a friendly dolphin which made her day even more special. I highly recommend anyone who wants to have a great day on the water!"
"EPIC day out on the water with Captain Ben! We wanted to target some big red fish and Captain Ben put us right on them! Not only is he an experienced Captain, but a native of Hilton Head. Captain Ben was knowledgeable of this beautiful area and we were able to learn so much from him. Highly recommend Black Skimmer Charters!"
"Great experience! The guys, Ben and Nick, were awesome with the kids. Caught a bunch of different varieties of sharks including bonnet heads, hammer heads, black tips, spotted reefs, and bulls, as well as a sting ray and a manta ray. Would recommend to anyone wanting to take out young kids for a fun learning experience catching fish off Hilton Head Island. Thanks again guys for a great time!"
"I have been going on different charters on the Island and the best experience I ever had is Black Skimmer and Captain Ben.
It has always been fun, Captain Ben is a veteran of the area and knows all the tricks and spots to always get what you are looking for. I can’t wait to go back again.
I only can recommend Black Skimmer if you want a real great authentic experience In fishing."
"We had a very good time. The captain Ben and first mate Jackson did an excellent job of staying on the fish and keeping the kids entertained. One of our best trips yet hopefully we’ll get to hook up again next year."
"EPIC day out on the water with Captain Ben! We wanted to target some big red fish and Captain Ben put us right on them! Not only is he an experienced Captain, but a native of Hilton Head. Captain Ben was knowledgeable of this beautiful area and we were able to learn so much from him. Highly recommend Black Skimmer Charters!"
"Great experience! The guys, Ben and Nick, were awesome with the kids. Caught a bunch of different varieties of sharks including bonnet heads, hammer heads, black tips, spotted reefs, and bulls, as well as a sting ray and a manta ray. Would recommend to anyone wanting to take out young kids for a fun learning experience catching fish off Hilton Head Island. Thanks again guys for a great time!"
"I have been going on different charters on the Island and the best experience I ever had is Black Skimmer and Captain Ben.
It has always been fun, Captain Ben is a veteran of the area and knows all the tricks and spots to always get what you are looking for. I can’t wait to go back again.
I only can recommend Black Skimmer if you want a real great authentic experience In fishing."
"We had a very good time. The captain Ben and first mate Jackson did an excellent job of staying on the fish and keeping the kids entertained. One of our best trips yet hopefully we’ll get to hook up again next year."