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John Cloyd
Captain

John Cloyd

Hilton Head Island, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
Captain John comes from Louisville, KY. He grew up playing every sport imaginable and fishing for Bass. He went to college to play baseball and ended up at a school close to the coast, USCB. Captain John received his undergraduate in business administration and started his own charter business shortly after.

Charter

Rating

4.9
148 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (148)

ShowingΒ 1 – 5Β ofΒ 148Β reviews
  • Edward Goff
    Edward Goff
    us
    Ohio, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Went out and hammered some redfish!!!

    4 Hour – Inshore/Nearshore - 11:00 AM β€’ 1 adult

    Went out on a one man charter with Capt. John with one thing in mind, hammering redfish. It seemed like every stop produced action, and Captain knew exactly where to go to keep the rods bent. Landed multiple quality reds and had a blast doing it. If you're looking for a fishing charter with a hardworking captain who knows how to put clients on fish, I highly recommend Captain John πŸ‘

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Thanks again Eddie I really appreciate it!!

  • Alan Schmandt
    Alan Schmandt
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    β€’
    Member since 2022
    β€’
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Highly Recommend Captain John

    4 Hour – Inshore/Nearshore - 11:00 AM β€’ 4 adults β€’ 1 child

    I took my 15 and nine year-old sons out for a four hour trip with Captain John and had a wonderful time. The captain was very personable and did well with my sons. We went to 4 or 5 different locations inshore and overall it was a bit slow, but you can’t control that, however we did catch a giant red fish, which made it all worth it. We will absolutely be booking with Captain John again.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Thanks again Alan! Youre raising some fine young men! looking forward to doing it again soon!

  • Scott Hendricks
    Scott Hendricks
    Repeat angler
    us
    South Carolina, US
    β€’
    Member since 2023
    β€’
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water

    King Mackerel Trip β€’ 3 adults β€’ 1 child

    Started out early and Capt John and he was immediately on the bait fish stocking us up for the day. Boat was exceptional- great ride and very clean and well kept. Trip was a perfect mix of fishing and catching, he did not disappoint. My boys are always full of questions and comments and he played right along with them. They said best trip so far, gotta plan to come back soon. Thanks again

    Response from Captain

    Thanks again Scott!

  • Cassandra Beckner
    Cassandra Beckner
    us
    West Virginia, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    John was grest

    3 hr inshore fishing (PM) β€’ 4 adults β€’ 2 children

    My family has very little experience with this type of fishing. John was very accomodating to my children and helped them learn how to get the catch. He answered all of our questions. His boat was clean and nice and we enjoyed the ride to our fishing spot. We were able to get up close and personal with many dolphins and caught multiple sharks.

    Reported catch:
    Hammerhead Shark
    Response from Captain

    Thank you all again! Looking forward to doing it again soon!

  • Greg Riser
    Greg Riser
    us
    Mooresville, NC, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip!

    4 Hour – Inshore/Nearshore β€’ 2 adults

    my son and I had a great time with Captain John today. We fished with him last year and made the greag decision to hook up again. Weather was perfect and we caught a lot of fish. Targetted some big game fish and caught a hog of a red drum. Memories were certainly made.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Blacktip Shark
    Response from Captain

    Thanks for the Kind words Greg!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Capt. John put us ON THE FISH!
    Brett B.
    Brett B.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Awesome Experience!
    Vladislav T.
    Vladislav T.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Great Trip!
    Greg R.
    Greg R.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    July fishing trip
    Rachel S.
    Rachel S.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    A Trip I will Never Forget
    Curtis E.
    Curtis E.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Monster Stingray & more!
    Beth H.
    Beth H.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Captain John
    Brandon G.
    Brandon G.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Go Getter
    Curt R.
    Curt R.
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    This trip was great!
    Chris .
    Chris .
  • Performance Fishing Charters
    Performance Fishing ChartersHilton Head Island, SC
    Highly Recommend Captain John
    Alan S.
    Alan S.

What's biting with Performance Fishing Charters in Hilton Head Island

You can still enjoy great offshore fishing, trolling for Barracuda, King Mackerel, and Sharks. In the Gulf Stream you'll have luck fishing for Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and more. 

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

Angler proudly displaying two large Black Drum caught during a fishing trip at the marina.

Lowcountry Winter Bite: Redfish, Black D

Feb 19, 2026Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
Fishing around Hilton Head has been steady and productive for late winter patterns. Water temps are still on the cooler side, but we’re seeing consistent action from redfish, black drum, and sheepshead throughout the tides. Redfish are schooled up and feeding well on lower tides. We’re finding them stacked in deeper holes in the creeks and along mud flats that warm up during the afternoon sun. On higher water, they’re pushing onto flooded grass edges and oyster points. Sheepshead fishing has been strong around docks, pilings, and oyster clusters. These fish are feeding aggressively as they stage around structure. As water temps slowly begin to climb, the bite should continue to improve. Expect redfish schools to stay grouped up for a bit longer before spreading out as we transition toward spring patterns. If you’re planning a trip soon, now is a great time to get on the water. Plenty of action and less boat traffic this time of year.
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while seated on a boat, enjoying a day of fishing.

Bull Red Blitz

Sep 13, 2025Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
Bull Red Blitz: The Lowcountry Ignites As autumn settles over the South Carolina Lowcountry, so does one of the most electrifying inshore migrations of the yearβ€”the arrival of bull red drum in full force. Right now, the bite is blazing, with anglers encountering oversized reds measuring up to and beyond 45 inches. These heavyweight bruisers are staging in classic fall patternsβ€”stacking up near inlets, sandbars, creek mouths, and deeper channel edges. Feeding aggressively ahead of their offshore spawn, they’re inhaling fresh cut bait with reckless abandon, offering anglers an unforgettable fight and a true test of gear. β€œThis is the time of year we wait for,” says one seasoned local guide. β€œThe bulls are fired up and ready to eatβ€”cut mullet, menhaden, blue crabβ€”it doesn’t matter if you find the right water.” Most hookups are coming on heavy Carolina rigs rigged with circle hooks and stout tackle to muscle these fish in strong current. Anglers are encouraged to practice responsible catch and releaseβ€”minimizing time out of the water, supporting fish properly, and avoiding over-handling to protect this vital breeding stock. With perfect conditions lining upβ€”cooler temps, moving tides, and active baitfishβ€”the Lowcountry’s bull redfish season is peaking. For anglers chasing their next big pull, the window is wide open.
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A young angler joyfully poses with a Sheepshead fish alongside a smiling adult on a fishing charter, capturing a memorable moment at the dock.

Inshore bite is on fire!!!

Feb 18, 2025Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
The sheepshead are still hanging inshore prior to leaving for the nearshore reefs to spawn. Mainly catching them on fiddlers crabs. The red drum sre still showing up in nice numbers. This will start to slow down as we get further into march and april. Sheepshead are some of the tastiest fish in the sea so if youre looking for meat, lets get on em!
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Angler proudly displaying two large Sheepshead caught while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Sheepshead Fishing Report

Jan 25, 2025Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
The Sheepshead bite is starting to fire off recently! Fish are moving from the inshore waters to their offshore spawning areas. Many sheepshead to catch inshore still, mainly around docks and bridge pilings. In the next week or two we will start seeing large numbers on the near shore wrecks. If youve love a good fighting fish and an even bette tasting one, book a sheepshead trip and lets go fishing!
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An angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a sunny day.

Fall Bull Red Bite is on Fire!

Sep 21, 2024Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
The fall migration of Bull Red Drum is in full effect! Seeing double digit totals on some half day trips! This should last well jnto November as water temps continue to fall. Cut bait on the bottom has been the ticjet!
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An adult angler proudly displaying a Speckled Trout while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.

Early Spring Inshore Action!!

Feb 28, 2024Β β€’Β Hilton Head Island
Lately we have been forced to fish in the creeks due to high winds. However that doesn’t mean were off the fish! Weve been seeing steady nunbers of red drum and sheepshead coming from the creeks around structure. The red drum are starting to go into their spring phases and break up from the massive winter time schols they were previously in. Sheepshead are starting to make their way out to the local reefs and wrecks as well.
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