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 for an incredible angling adventure!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (148)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
92%
Caught fish
81%
Jul 17, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
We had a fun and relaxing time out on the water! Captain Jon was very nice and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable for us 5 adults, and all of us caught a fish! We heard it was a slow day for fish, but Captain made sure we all had the chance to reel something in. Bring toilet paper if you think you’ll need to use the toilet, and just know it’s tight and low-tech. Captain Jon filleted our catch and we were able to bring it over to Skull Creek Boathouse and they cooked it up for us. It was honestly the most delicious fish I’ve ever eaten. We got some sides and drinks and had a feast! Great fishing day!
We had a fun and relaxing time out on the water! Captain Jon was very nice and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable for us...
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Jun 21, 2025
6 Hour Trip
First off let me say that the weather, the captain, the seas and the boat were all above expectations. Overall a great experience, the only thing not cooperating were the fish. We did get one Cobia in the boat and several near misses, the fish just were not on when we were out. We got a number of spots that usually are good fishing, just not our day. I am also a hunter, so I fully understand and can appreciate off days. Hopefully we’ll have better luck next time.
First off let me say that the weather, the captain, the seas and the boat were all above expectations. Overall a great experience,...
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Jul 29, 2025
4 Hour Trip (PM)
I had an awesome day fishing with my son on Pole Cat Fishing with Captain Gumbo. We had lots of bites and caught a bunch of sharks—black tip, bonnethead, fine tooth, and spinners. Captain Gumbo made the whole trip fun and easy, and we had a blast together. Definitely a day we’ll remember!
I had an awesome day fishing with my son on Pole Cat Fishing with Captain Gumbo. We had lots of bites and caught a bunch of sharks—black...
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Apr 8, 2025
4 Hour Trip (PM)
Our fishing trip with Captain Gumbo was exceptional. There were 4 of us on the trip and he ensured we constantly had lines in the water. We caught a variety of fish and had a great time. He was friendly and patient with us, and his boat was in fantastic shape.
Our fishing trip with Captain Gumbo was exceptional. There were 4 of us on the trip and he ensured we constantly had lines in...
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Jul 22, 2025
3 Hour Trip (AM)
Captain Jon was great, very nice and easy going, took us straight to the fish, caught a couple keepers which were great for lunch and caught a lot of others that we let go
Captain Jon was great, very nice and easy going, took us straight to the fish, caught a couple keepers which were great for lunch...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (148)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
92%
Caught fish
81%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 17, 2025
We had a fun and relaxing time out on the water! Captain Jon was very nice and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable for us 5 adults, and all of us caught a fish! We heard it was a slow day for fish, but Captain made sure we all had the chance to reel something in. Bring toilet paper if you think you’ll need to use the toilet, and just know it’s tight and low-tech. Captain Jon filleted our catch and we were able to bring it over to Skull Creek Boathouse and they cooked it up for us. It was honestly the most delicious fish I’ve ever eaten. We got some sides and drinks and had a feast! Great fishing day!
We had a fun and relaxing time out on the water! Captain Jon was very nice and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable for us 5 adults, and all of us caught a fish! We heard it was a slow day for fish, but Captain made sure we all had the chance to reel something in. Bring toilet paper if you think you’ll need to use the toilet, and just know it’s tight and low-tech. Captain Jon filleted our catch and we were able to bring it over to Skull Creek Boathouse and they cooked it up for us. It was...
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on June 21, 2025
First off let me say that the weather, the captain, the seas and the boat were all above expectations. Overall a great experience, the only thing not cooperating were the fish. We did get one Cobia in the boat and several near misses, the fish just were not on when we were out. We got a number of spots that usually are good fishing, just not our day. I am also a hunter, so I fully understand and can appreciate off days. Hopefully we’ll have better luck next time.
First off let me say that the weather, the captain, the seas and the boat were all above expectations. Overall a great experience, the only thing not cooperating were the fish. We did get one Cobia in the boat and several near misses, the fish just were not on when we were out. We got a number of spots that usually are good fishing, just not our day. I am also a hunter, so I fully understand and can appreciate off days. Hopefully we’ll have better luck next time.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (PM) on July 29, 2025
I had an awesome day fishing with my son on Pole Cat Fishing with Captain Gumbo. We had lots of bites and caught a bunch of sharks—black tip, bonnethead, fine tooth, and spinners. Captain Gumbo made the whole trip fun and easy, and we had a blast together. Definitely a day we’ll remember!
I had an awesome day fishing with my son on Pole Cat Fishing with Captain Gumbo. We had lots of bites and caught a bunch of sharks—black tip, bonnethead, fine tooth, and spinners. Captain Gumbo made the whole trip fun and easy, and we had a blast together. Definitely a day we’ll remember!
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Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (PM) on April 8, 2025
Our fishing trip with Captain Gumbo was exceptional. There were 4 of us on the trip and he ensured we constantly had lines in the water. We caught a variety of fish and had a great time. He was friendly and patient with us, and his boat was in fantastic shape.
Our fishing trip with Captain Gumbo was exceptional. There were 4 of us on the trip and he ensured we constantly had lines in the water. We caught a variety of fish and had a great time. He was friendly and patient with us, and his boat was in fantastic shape.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3 Hour Trip (AM) on July 22, 2025
Captain Jon was great, very nice and easy going, took us straight to the fish, caught a couple keepers which were great for lunch and caught a lot of others that we let go
Captain Jon was great, very nice and easy going, took us straight to the fish, caught a couple keepers which were great for lunch and caught a lot of others that we let go
Mark review as helpful