Captain
John Hoover

Member since November 2022 Key West, United States
Background
Lifelong Floridian raised in central Florida started fishing full-time in the Lower Keys and Key West in 2007.
Techniques
Casting artificals, live bait, fly-fishing, and sight-fishing.

Hey, I'm Captain John Hoover

Key West, United States
Background
Lifelong Floridian raised in central Florida started fishing full-time in the Lower Keys and Key West in 2007.
Techniques
Casting artificals, live bait, fly-fishing, and sight-fishing.
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
John H.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(113 reviews)
Angler's choice
Key West
 Last booking: 6 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500

Fishing Reports

Key West Fall Backcountry Fishing
Key West Fall Backcountry Fishing
Nov 9, 2023 Key West
As the weather starts to cool down from the heat of summertime the backcountry starts to come alive with life. This time of year we have major bait migration of Mullet, Ballyhoo, and Pilchards that inundate the backcountry basins and flats. Following these bait schools are a wide variety of gamefish such as : seatrout, jacks, pompano, snapper, ladyfish, sharks etc. We typically drift through these schools casting a variety of artificial lures and catch a real mixed bag. Itโ€™s a lot of fun and a very active fishery. Great option for half day trips that want to just catch fish. While drifting through these schools you can put a shark bait out and hook into one of the big boys following these groups if you really want a workout. With the drop in water temps the Barracudas have returned to the flats in high numbers. They can swim in bursts up to 60mph and itโ€™s awesome to watch them chase down the lure and explode on it. A great fishery option for doing a lot of casting and also having the ability to sight cast to a larger or specific fish. The residential tarpon fishing has still been good but as we get into the cold front season they can be a little more hit-or miss if the weather gets a little chilly. The goes for permit and bonefish. On good weather days though the fishing remains excellent. Fortunately this time of year we have plenty of options to choose from. Cooler air temps and an action based fishery, whatโ€™s not to love about Key West Backcountry fishing in the fall. Tight lines. Capt. John Purple Heron Charters
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Year Round Tarpon Fishing
Year Round Tarpon Fishing
Aug 12, 2023 Key West
Tarpon are one of the more iconic gamefish of the Florida Keys. Their seasonal migration from all along the Eastern seaboard to Key West for spawning typically occurs from March-July when they arrive in huge numbers. These are the larger spawning fish and what is typically known as โ€œtarpon seasonโ€. With that being said we do have opportunities at Tarpon year round here in the backcountry off Key West. A lot of the โ€œsmartโ€ residential fish aka the large ones, have found a home in marinas where they canโ€™t be fished for or there arenโ€™t any predators. Throughout the backcountry are schools and pockets of more fun-sized(5-30lb) fish that are an absolute blast to catch on light tackle or fly fishing. These Tarpon live here year round. They are very receptive to a well placed artificial lure or fly. Every now and again we run into some Snook as well, but they are far less common than the Tarpon. This is a catch and release fishery, we donโ€™t take them in the boat regardless of size. This gentle handling ensures the best possible health upon release for these magnificent gamefish. If youโ€™re interested in giving it a shot feel free to shoot me a message and I can recommend a good time to look for them. A lot of where we fish is tidally based for access so we need certain tides. A half day will work but Iโ€™d recommend a full day if youโ€™d like to try for other species as well and give it a good effort. Tight lines. -Capt. John Purple Heron Charters
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 113 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (66)
P\u00eache aux leurres
Fish at every spot
Fish at every spot
+63
Angler rating
108
4
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
73%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
92%
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Showing:
5 of 113 reviews
Florent G.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Pรชche aux leurres

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Fishing Trip (PM) on March 29, 2024
Je recommande vivement Captain John Hoover. Malgrรฉ la barriรจre de la langue (je parle peu anglais) et des conditions mรฉtรฉo...
Florent G. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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Florent G. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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Andrew B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip!!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on October 16, 2023
Had a windy day, John had a game plan from the start. He had places to keep us out of the waves all day. Caught monster snapper,...
Andrew B. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
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Kristy O.
Big Rapids, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Fishing Trip (AM) on August 26, 2023
I had the pleasure of going fishing with Captain John, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. Captain John not...
Kristy O. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  John Hoover Captain replied

Jason J.
Howard City, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day With Captain John

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 31, 2023
What a GREAT experience. I booked the full day trip, and got more than I ever could have hoped for. Like other reviews say,...
Jason J. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
  John Hoover Captain replied

Chris M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain knows his stuff!

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on June 24, 2023
It was our first time fishing the flats and backcountry of Key West.ย  Captain John knew where to and explained why he was...
Chris M. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
  John Hoover Captain replied