Pole Cat Charters 

4.8
(287 reviews)
 3 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States–

Pole Cat Charters 

Hilton Head Island, SC, United States
–
27 ft
6
4.8
(287 reviews)

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Pole Cat Charters is located on beautiful Hilton Head Island, known for its world-famous fishery, especially when it comes to huge Redfish and reef-dwellers! With Captain Jon DeLoach at the helm (you can call him Capt. Gumbo), this charter boasts quick access to the best fishing grounds around. As your captain says, you’ll have more fishing time than running time – get ready to come face-to-gills with plenty of world-famous species.

Capt. Gumbo moved to Hilton Head Island in 1977, and began fishing the north end of the island 5 years later. He’s been reeling in a vast array of saltwater superstars ever since! He offers a variety of inshore and offshore trips, in which he loves to educate and entertain every guest, from brand-new fishermen to angling aficionados. Whether you’re looking for a quick cruise around inshore waters, or want to head further out to tangle lines with huge reef fish, he’s got you covered.

You’ll be fishing from your captain’s 27’ Pro Sport catamaran, built to transport up to 6 guests out to the hottest spots around. Capt. Gumbo warmly welcomes children on board, so this vessel is the perfect choice for a fun family vacation! She’s decked out with GPS, fishfinder, life jackets in a variety of sizes, and a full toilet for your comfort. There’s room for all guests to fish at the same time, so get ready for some friendly competition.

The species you’ll be targeting depends on when you visit and how far you want to travel. Head up to 25 minutes out from the dock, and you’ll be hooking anything from Redfish, to Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, and more. Those looking for a longer adventure will travel up to 45 minutes out to offshore waters, for the chance to hook Cobia, huge Redfish, a variety of Grouper and Snapper, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and plenty more.

Your captain will make sure you’re provided with rods, reels, bait, tackle, and a fishing license. All that’s left is to come aboard Pole Cat Charters!  Life’s short, Fish hard!!i

Pole Cat Charters is located on beautiful Hilton Head Island, known for its world-famous fishery, especially when it comes to huge Redfish and reef-dwellers! With Captain Jon DeLoach at the helm (you can call him Capt. Gumbo), this charter boasts quick access to the best fishing grounds around. As your captain says, you’ll have more fishing time than running time – get ready to come face-to-gills with plenty of world-famous species.

Capt. Gumbo moved to Hilton Head Island in 1977, and began fishing the north end of the island 5 years later. He’s been reeling in a vast array of saltwater superstars ever since! He offers a variety of inshore and offshore trips, in which he loves to educate and entertain every guest, from brand-new fishermen to angling aficionados. Whether you’re looking for a quick cruise around inshore waters, or want to head further out to tangle lines with huge reef fish, he’s got you covered.

You’ll be fishing from your captain’s 27’ Pro Sport catamaran, built to transport up to 6 guests out to the hottest spots around. Capt. Gumbo warmly welcomes children on board, so this vessel is the perfect choice for a fun family vacation! She’s decked out with GPS, fishfinder, life jackets in a variety of sizes, and a full toilet for your comfort. There’s room for all guests to fish at the same time, so get ready for some friendly competition.

The species you’ll be targeting depends on when you visit and how far you want to travel. Head up to 25 minutes out from the dock, and you’ll be hooking anything from Redfish, to Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, and more. Those looking for a longer adventure will travel up to 45 minutes out to offshore waters, for the chance to hook Cobia, huge Redfish, a variety of Grouper and Snapper, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and plenty more.

Your captain will make sure you’re provided with rods, reels, bait, tackle, and a fishing license. All that’s left is to come aboard Pole Cat Charters!  Life’s short, Fish hard!!i

Jon Deloach
Captain
Jon Deloach
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
3 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
US $525
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $1,050
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
287 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (225)

What anglers say

92%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

Reviews (287)

  • Paola Rios Mendez
    Paola Rios Mendez
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip

    3 Hour Trip on March 9, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Jon was fantastic! This trip was for my birthday and it couldn’t have been a better experience for our first fishing charter. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and very kind. Since we are new to fishing, he took the time to give us lots of helpful tips and tricks and never made us feel bad for asking questions. We caught a lot of fish, even though they were a little too small to keep, but that was no fault of Captain Jon , the experience itself was amazing. We also saw lots of dolphins, which made the trip even more memorable. Overall it was such a fun and relaxing time on the water. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, I highly recommend Captain Jon. We will definitely be back soon for a longer trip!

  • Joe Miraglia
    Joe Miraglia
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    Fantastic Trip w/ Capt John

    3 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on October 12, 2026 • 6 adults • 1 child

    We had a fantastic time on our fishing trip with Captain John! He was wonderful and so informative — he made the whole day enjoyable, especially for the newbies in our group. The boat, Polecat, was a great size for our group of 6, with plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably. Highly recommend!

  • Matthew Bauer
    Matthew Bauer
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Bonnets Beware

    3 Hour Trip on June 29, 2026 • 6 adults • 4 children

    We had a great morning out on tge water with Captain Gumbo and First Mate Van. Our four boys had a blast. We pulled in a Black-nose, Black-tip, two Bonnetheads, and a handfull of Whitening. Had a couple get off, but we had consistent action. We will book again!

  • Holly Smith
    Holly Smith
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!!!

    3 Hour Trip on June 25, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    We had the best experience! This was my boys first deep sea fishing experience and it did not disappoint. We caught a variety of sharks and a Tarpon. Captain Gumbo and his first mate Van were great with the kids. I highly recommend Polecat Deep Sea Fishing excursion.

  • Kristen Schneider
    Kristen Schneider
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    shark week!

    3 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on July 22, 2026 • 6 adults • 4 children

    took my dad, son, two nephews and one if their friends out with captain jumbo and van. we had the best time, beatiful ride out to the inlet and then we caught 5 sharks! the kids will remember this forever, so thankful we could do this!

  • Chris Tencza
    Chris Tencza
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2016
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!

    4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on July 15, 2026 • 5 adults

    Would recommend this charter to anybody! Captain and crew were very easy to get along with them to talk to. In addition, they went out of the way to make sure we had a great time and that fishing was the best that it could be. Kudos to these guys!

  • Y Wyczolkowski
    Y Wyczolkowski
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Gumbo the great!

    4 Hour Trip on August 8, 2026 • 2 adults

    If you want to have a great and safe fishing experience in the barrier islands, choose gumbo! We caught some sharks and he got us in safe from a storm. I would trust this gentleman with my entire family!

  • Grant Mcelvany
    Grant Mcelvany
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Gumbo is great

    3 Hour Trip on June 24, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Had a great time, caught a handful of Bonnethead sharks. My son, nephew and his friend all had the time of yheir lives realing in the sharks. Will definitely book with them next trip.

  • Stephen David
    Stephen David
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Gumbo Did It

    3 Hour Trip on August 25, 2026 • 2 adults

    great trip. we started catching several different sharks. ended the day with a 120lbs Tarpon. Excellent trip, make sure you hit the record button.

  • Luke W. Ragsdale
    Luke W. Ragsdale
    us
    New Mexico, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic Trip

    4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on June 25, 2026 • 3 adults

    John and Van took us fishing off Hilton Head Island. We caught more sharks than we could count. They were both extremely nice and helpful.

FAQs about Pole Cat Charters

Pole Cat Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Trip (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM (3 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $1,050 per group - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Pole Cat Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Enclosed
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Pole Cat Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano)
  • Live bait (Type depends on time of year)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing license
Pole Cat Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
Pole Cat Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Pole Cat Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Jon Deloach
Jon Deloach
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States
ID & license verified
287 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since December 2018
Captain Jon DeLoach (you can call him "Gumbo!") has more than 20 years of local fishing knowledge and experience when it comes to the waters surrounding Hilton Head Island, SC. He moved to Hilton Head in 1977, and began fishing the north end of the island five years later. He's been reeling in a vast array of saltwater superstars ever since! Capt. Gumbo offers a variety of inshore and offshore trips, in which he loves to educate and entertain every guest, from brand-new fishermen to angling aficionados. He also has some serious bragging rights under his belt – since becoming a charter captain over 14 years ago, Capt. Gumbo has led several winning tournament teams.
Jon Deloach
Jon Deloach
Fully verified
287
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Captain Jon DeLoach (you can call him "Gumbo!") has more than 20 years of local fishing knowledge and experience when it comes to the waters surrounding Hilton Head Island, SC. He moved to Hilton Head in 1977, and began fishing the north end of the island five years later. He's been reeling in a vast array of saltwater superstars ever since! Capt. Gumbo offers a variety of inshore and offshore trips, in which he loves to educate and entertain every guest, from brand-new fishermen to angling aficionados. He also has some serious bragging rights under his belt – since becoming a charter captain over 14 years ago, Capt. Gumbo has led several winning tournament teams.

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Tarpon
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass

Real catches by this captain

  • Young anglers pose aboard a center-console boat while displaying a small shark over calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
    Joe M.
    Joe M.
    We had a fantastic time on our fishing trip with Captain John! He was wonderful and so informative — he made the whole day enjoyable, especially for the newbies in our group. The boat, Polecat, was a great size for our group of 6, with plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably. Highly recommend!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing on a boat, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Black Drum
    Glenn M.
    Glenn M.
  • Two anglers on a boat, with one proudly displaying a caught shark while the other looks on. The fishing trip takes place in a sunny coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Blacktip Shark
    Kristal H.
    Kristal H.
    Capt. Jon "Gumbo" was great! He was very knowledgeable about Hilton Head and we had a great time fishing!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a small shark aboard a twin-outboard fishing boat on calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
    Stephen D.
    Stephen D.
    great trip. we started catching several different sharks. ended the day with a 120lbs Tarpon. Excellent trip, make sure you hit the record button.
  • Angler proudly displaying a caught shark while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Y W.
    Y W.
    If you want to have a great and safe fishing experience in the barrier islands, choose gumbo! We caught some sharks and he got us in safe from a storm. I would trust this gentleman with my entire family!
  • Angler proudly displaying a caught shark while on a fishing boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Chris F.
    Chris F.
  • Young angler proudly holding a small shark aboard a center-console fishing boat, with another family member visible and open water in the background.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Dave C.
    Dave C.
    Capt. John and crew were phenominal. My son caught a bunch of sharks and had the time of his life.
  • A proud angler displaying a freshly caught shark on a fishing boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Brad L.
    Brad L.
    our whole family caught something. we had a great time and Jon was great with my kids.
  • Angler proudly holding a long shark-like fish aboard a center-console boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
    Christopher F.
    Christopher F.
    captian gumbo got us on some sharks and made surw everyone had a great time
  • Young angler proudly holding a shark while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch in a coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Blacktip Shark
    Kristen S.
    Kristen S.
    took my dad, son, two nephews and one if their friends out with captain jumbo and van. we had the best time, beatiful ride out to the inlet and then we caught 5 sharks! the kids will remember this forever, so thankful we could do this!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Catamarans
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
27 ft
Year built
2003
Boat manufacturer
Pro Sport
Boat type
Catamaran
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Enclosed
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano
Live bait
Type depends on time of year
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
No babies
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
 Checks

What’s biting in Hilton Head Island right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Black DrumBlack Drum
CobiaCobia
RedfishRedfish
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
SheepsheadSheepshead
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
TarponTarpon

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