Purple Heron Charters 

4.9
(216 reviews)
 
State licensed
 1801 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, United States–

Purple Heron Charters 

Key West, FL, United States
–
18 ft
2
4.9
(216 reviews)

18 years experience fishing the Lower Keys and Key West. If you have any questions about what to target, length of trip recommendations for a specific species/style of fishing, or just in general, please message me first. I will be gladly be able to recommend an appropriate trip to best suit your goals. With 18 years of fishing experience in the Lower Keys and Key West I can help point you in the right direction. My number one priority is a safe and enjoyable day on the water for you when you visit. I strive to do the best I can to provide that opportunity for you.

Purple Heron Charters runs fishing trips year-round and full time out of Key West and offers to show you what the local fishery and ecosystem is all about.

Capt. John will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. He specializes in spin fishing, fly fishing, and sight fishing. All to get you on that bite. This involves 4 to 10-hour trips, mainly fishing for Bonefish, Seatrout, Sharks, Pompano, Barracuda, Tarpon, Snapper, Permit, Jacks, and Goliath Grouper, depending on the season and conditions of the day.

Your adventure begins on board a 18ft Dolphin skiff powered by a Mercury 115 Pro XS that can fit a maximum of 2 anglers. The boat is fitted with an ice box.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. The captain will supply all the needed fishing licenses for your trip. You can keep anything you catch, as long as it's legal to do so.

The boat will be supplied with drinking waters in recyclable aluminum cans for your pleasure, be sure to let the captain know if you have any questions or want to bring your own.

Up for a family trip? This is a children-friendly business, so bring your loved ones to share these memories with.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Purple Heron Charters.

18 years experience fishing the Lower Keys and Key West. If you have any questions about what to target, length of trip recommendations for a specific species/style of fishing, or just in general, please message me first. I will be gladly be able to recommend an appropriate trip to best suit your goals. With 18 years of fishing experience in the Lower Keys and Key West I can help point you in the right direction. My number one priority is a safe and enjoyable day on the water for you when you visit. I strive to do the best I can to provide that opportunity for you.

Purple Heron Charters runs fishing trips year-round and full time out of Key West and offers to show you what the local fishery and ecosystem is all about.

Capt. John will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. He specializes in spin fishing, fly fishing, and sight fishing. All to get you on that bite. This involves 4 to 10-hour trips, mainly fishing for Bonefish, Seatrout, Sharks, Pompano, Barracuda, Tarpon, Snapper, Permit, Jacks, and Goliath Grouper, depending on the season and conditions of the day.

Your adventure begins on board a 18ft Dolphin skiff powered by a Mercury 115 Pro XS that can fit a maximum of 2 anglers. The boat is fitted with an ice box.

All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. The captain will supply all the needed fishing licenses for your trip. You can keep anything you catch, as long as it's legal to do so.

The boat will be supplied with drinking waters in recyclable aluminum cans for your pleasure, be sure to let the captain know if you have any questions or want to bring your own.

Up for a family trip? This is a children-friendly business, so bring your loved ones to share these memories with.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Purple Heron Charters.

John Hoover
Captain
John Hoover
19 years of experience
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
Quick Rod Bender
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon)
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
Snapper (Mangrove)
Jack (Horse-eye)
+6
US $349
Entire boat: 2 people
Nighttime Shark or Tarpon Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 PM
Bonefish
Permit
Pompano
Speckled Trout
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 2:00 PM)
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Fly Fishing Trip
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 2:00 PM)
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Afternoon Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
+8
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Jack Crevalle
Permit
+8
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
In high demand Last booked: 4 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $900
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Barracuda (Great)
Bonefish
Grouper (Goliath)
Jack Crevalle
+8
US $950
Entire boat: 2 people
Extended Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,000
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
216 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (145)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
79%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

Reviews (216)

  • Jonathan Yowell
    Jonathan Yowell
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    On the Fish. best Grand Slam Oppertunity

    3/4 Day Trip on July 31, 2026 • 1 adult

    When asked if a Grand Slam was an oppertunity on a 3/4 day, I expected 100 questions about me, what I got was a yes and what we did is hook up a good tarpon, land a huge bonefish and ended the day following 3 permit wakes, all in near 90 deg water, all in near record heat. The flat, near windless oppertunity that I was given opened up a rare magical target window leaving this surf fisherman to understand I need to be far more practiced at my short game. Next year, I only will be considering ONE flats guide John Hoover!

  • Regan Phillips
    Regan Phillips
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    John was great! He's so knowledgeable and very patient, kept us moving and never bored. We caught a lot!

    Afternoon Half Day Trip on July 28, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    John was great! He's so knowledgeable and very patient, kept us moving around and we never got bored. We caught a lot of different species in a short amount of time & he explained each one in detail, he obviously knows the flats are very well. We even had a shark on the line at one time. It was beautiful, calm & very peaceful, the perfect place for someone who gets seasick but still wants to fish in the ocean.

  • Keith Mccray
    Keith Mccray
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Key West Trip

    Half Day Fishing Trip on July 3, 2026 • 2 adults

    my wife and i ended catching multiple species and our target fish over the course of the trip and were even able to bring fish back to have cooked st a local restaurant. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of his home waters and put us on fish quickly. All we had to do was “romance” them. It was my wife’s first time on a solo charter like this and she had a great time. I highly recommend Captain John.

  • Eric Lenard
    Eric Lenard
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oregon, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great guide and a terrific experience

    Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip on June 6, 2026 • 1 adult

    John got me into fish immediately and took me to a series of beautiful spots off the beaten track. Hooked up all day on tarpon, snapper, jacks a couole of sharks and even a couple of untargeted bonefish. barely saw a soul all day on a Saturday in peak season. great boat, equipment and a terrific guide with encyclpedic knowledge of the waters around Key West. Do a multi- day if you can!!!

  • Patrick Fox
    Patrick Fox
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Mexico, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Shark Attack!!

    Afternoon Half Day Trip on November 27, 2025 • 2 adults

    Our backcountry fishing trip in Key West was absolutely unforgettable. We were on the fish nonstop—catching them until our arms were genuinely tired. The highlight of the day was watching my daughter battle and land a huge blacktip shark, and the captain was incredibly patient and encouraging the whole time. On top of the great fishing, we also got an awesome history lesson about the area that made the trip even more memorable. Beautiful scenery, nonstop action, and a captain who truly knows his stuff. Highly recommend!

  • Matthew Retkowski
    Matthew Retkowski
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    2 Great Lakes Anglers try Keys Flats for 1st time

    Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip on December 30, 2025 • 1 adult

    Me & my buddy had a real blast getting out with Captain John for a day on the flats. He was super flexible with us, and did a great job showing us all the different types of terrain within this Fishery. We got into some nice fish, and walked away with knowledge and stories to last a lifetime. Great to find a guide who still cares about the right things.

  • Joseph Jones
    Joseph Jones
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    Member since 2024
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    He asked what we expected and he delivered.

    Half Day Fishing Trip on July 4, 2026 • 2 adults

    Communication with the captain is important so you are both on the same page. Purple Heron did a nice job of providing the trip we asked for.

  • Jaime Underwood
    Jaime Underwood
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent !!

    Half Day Fishing Trip on January 2, 2026 • 2 adults

    My husband and I had a great experience and caught some impressive barracuda despite having limited time to fish. Captain John is very knowledgeable and takes the time to share that knowledge with his guests. Highly recommend Purple Heron Charters for anyone planning a fishing trip in Key West!!

  • Sarah Frohock
    Sarah Frohock
    us
    New Hampshire, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Endless Knowledge and Appreciation of the Ecosystem!

    Afternoon Half Day Trip on November 21, 2025 • 2 adults

    It was a great trip, worth spending the money so it was just the Captain, my husband and myself. No fighting for poles, or over crowding. John has endless knowledge of the island and absolutely cares genuinely about the ecosystem. He also has endless knowledge about fishing of course! 10/10!!

  • Konstantin Shlyakhov
    Konstantin Shlyakhov
    fr
    France
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain John is a real profi!

    Half Day Fishing Trip on June 30, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain was perfect in findind fish and pisitioning the boatfor a cast. our fault that we did not score((

FAQs about Purple Heron Charters

Purple Heron Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $349 per group - Quick Rod Bender (2 hours)
  • US $500 per group - Nighttime Shark or Tarpon Trip (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Afternoon Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Fishing Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Fishing Trip - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Fly Fishing Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Fly Fishing Trip - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - 12:00 PM (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $950 per group - Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - Extended Full Day Trip (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Purple Heron Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well If requested we can use live bait
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box An Rtic Cooler is onboard with ice and waters
Trips booked with Purple Heron Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (If you'd like to fish with live bait, it's included .Tarpon we usually check pinfish traps on the ride out to have extra and freshest bait possible. In the Winter time and pilchards are around I may throw the cast net for them. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We only keep enough for a meal or two, but it I will be more than happy to filet and bag your catch for you to take to a local restaurant or prepare yourself. )
  • Drinks (I'll have canned waters and ice onboard in a cooler. Please feel free to bring whatever else you'd like to eat or drink.)
  • Fishing license (All licenses needed are provided in the cost. )
  • Fly fishing equipment
Purple Heron Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Purple Heron Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Kite fishing
Top targeted fish species with Purple Heron Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bonefish
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Grunt
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Pompano
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Lemon)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

John Hoover
John Hoover
Key West, Florida, United States
11 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
216 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2022
Lifelong Floridian raised in central Florida started fishing full-time in the Lower Keys and Key West in 2007.
Our Team
John H.
John H.
Captain
John Hoover
John Hoover
Fully verified
11
reports
216
reviews
2022
member since
~1h
response
Lifelong Floridian raised in central Florida started fishing full-time in the Lower Keys and Key West in 2007.
The crew
John H.
John H.
Captain

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Bonefish
Bonefish
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler holding a large tarpon in shallow mangrove-lined waters during a catch-and-release fishing trip.
    Fall Tarpon fishing has been great so far this year. Flyfishing or throwing artificial on spin gear, both’ll work well. Grateful for all the anglers that have chosen to spend their precious vacation time with me.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a striped bass over open water, wearing a fishing shirt, sunglasses, and an action camera mounted on his cap.
    Jonathan Y.
    Jonathan Y.
    When asked if a Grand Slam was an oppertunity on a 3/4 day, I expected 100 questions about me, what I got was a yes and what we did is hook up a good tarpon, land a huge bonefish and ended the day following 3 permit wakes, all in near 90 deg water, all in near record heat. The flat, near windless oppertunity that I was given opened up a rare magical target window leaving this surf fisherman to understand I need to be far more practiced at my short game. Next year, I only will be considering ONE flats guide John Hoover!
  • A young angler is focused on fishing from a boat, enjoying the calm waters and scenic sky in a coastal environment.
    Regan P.
    Regan P.
    John was great! He's so knowledgeable and very patient, kept us moving around and we never got bored. We caught a lot of different species in a short amount of time & he explained each one in detail, he obviously knows the flats are very well. We even had a shark on the line at one time. It was beautiful, calm & very peaceful, the perfect place for someone who gets seasick but still wants to fish in the ocean.
  • Angler displaying a spotted Spanish mackerel aboard a center-console fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Great Barracuda
    Tricia W.
    Tricia W.
  • An angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing on a calm waterway, showcasing a beautiful sunset backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Joseph J.
    Joseph J.
    Communication with the captain is important so you are both on the same page. Purple Heron did a nice job of providing the trip we asked for.
  • Solo angler reeling from the bow of a fishing boat over calm coastal waters at sunset.
    Keith M.
    Keith M.
    my wife and i ended catching multiple species and our target fish over the course of the trip and were even able to bring fish back to have cooked st a local restaurant. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of his home waters and put us on fish quickly. All we had to do was “romance” them. It was my wife’s first time on a solo charter like this and she had a great time. I highly recommend Captain John.
  • Large fish swimming alongside a boat at night, captured at the water’s surface during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Bull Shark
    We left the dock around 8pm and were able to hit the baitfish traps and get out to the fishing grounds in time to enjoy the last bit of sunset on the water. The sharks were around the boat shortly but it took a little bit of time for the sharks to start actually taking the baits. Once they did everyone got a chance to fight and reel one in. A super fun option for pulling on some big fish while avoiding the crowds and heat.
  • A serene view of calm waters and a clear sky, showcasing a tranquil fishing environment.
    Konstantin S.
    Konstantin S.
    Captain was perfect in findind fish and pisitioning the boatfor a cast. our fault that we did not score((
  • Close-up of a hooked snook in green coastal water, still attached to a colorful artificial lure.
    Eric L.
    Eric L.
    John got me into fish immediately and took me to a series of beautiful spots off the beaten track. Hooked up all day on tarpon, snapper, jacks a couole of sharks and even a couple of untargeted bonefish. barely saw a soul all day on a Saturday in peak season. great boat, equipment and a terrific guide with encyclpedic knowledge of the waters around Key West. Do a multi- day if you can!!!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Barracuda while fishing on a calm day.
    Fish 1
    Great Barracuda
    Mark M.
    Mark M.
    John had us into fish the whole morning. We will definitely be back with him. Highly recommended!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2000
Restored in
2024
Boat manufacturer
Dolphin
Boat type
Flats boat
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
If requested we can use live bait
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
An Rtic Cooler is onboard with ice and waters
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
If you'd like to fish with live bait, it's included .Tarpon we usually check pinfish traps on the ride out to have extra and freshest bait possible. In the Winter time and pilchards are around I may throw the cast net for them.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We only keep enough for a meal or two, but it I will be more than happy to filet and bag your catch for you to take to a local restaurant or prepare yourself.
Drinks
I'll have canned waters and ice onboard in a cooler. Please feel free to bring whatever else you'd like to eat or drink.
Fishing license
All licenses needed are provided in the cost.
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days 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
I would recommend at least 6 years old at the youngest.
You keep catch
Will gladly keep enough for a meal
Catch and release allowed
Most sportfish targeted are catch and release only

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Key West right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
BonefishBonefish
Grouper (Goliath)Grouper (Goliath)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
PermitPermit
PompanoPompano
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Lemon)Shark (Lemon)
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Purple Heron Charters
Purple Heron Charters
State licensed
4.9
(216)
18 ft
Group size 1 - 2
1 - 2
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $600