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
184
Reviews
8
Fishing Reports
Our Team
John H.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Purple Heron Charters

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(184 reviews)
Angler's choice
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $349

Fishing Reports

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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Key West Winter Time On The Flats
Key West Winter Time On The Flats
Dec 15, 2022 Key West
The wind and water temps have been varying frequently lately as is the norm for Winter. We have been utilizing the conditions as well as we can and targeting what's best for what the weather allows. This morning it was a little colder and windier so casting artificial lures for barracuda made the most sense. We caught a half dozen or so smaller individuals and capped it off with 2 nicer sized fish. In the afternoon the wind laid down and the sun came out in full force. With a rising water level we were able to get up onto the flats and sight fish to multiple schools of bonefish with shrimp tipped jigs culminating in some healthy fish being released. There is always something fun to fish for here off Key West and this is a great example of picking and choosing your target based off what conditions dictate. Tight lines.
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 184 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (109)
Good day on the water
Absolutely amazing trip!
July fishing trip
+106
Angler rating
175
6
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
78%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
92%
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5 of 184 reviews
Dana H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Addicted To Bonefish Now

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on July 2, 2025
Went out with John for a 3/4 day trip targeting Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish. Weather was beautiful but not the best conditions...
Dana H. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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6 persons find this review helpful
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Michael H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

First tarpon and bonefish!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on May 18, 2025
Had a great trip on Sunday, May 18th. My goal was to catch a tarpon and a bonefish, and thanks to John, I accomplished both....
Michael H. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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6 persons find this review helpful
You and 6 people found this review helpful
  John Hoover Captain replied
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Danny L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Incredible day on the water

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on March 3, 2025
Weโ€™ve done six or so charters out of key west over the past few years. This was far and away the best experience yet. The...
Danny L. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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8 persons find this review helpful
You and 8 people found this review helpful
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Landon V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Caught 25lb Barracuda and hooked a shark all within a 2 hour trip

VERIFIED   Quick Rod Bender on August 25, 2025
Canโ€™t say enough positive things about captain John. We caught a dozen snapper and were able to reel in a 25lb barracuda...
Landon V. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Blake W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time on the water

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Morning Fishing Trip on October 31, 2025
John is extremely knowledgable is the fishing in this area. my wife and i learned so much from him and had an amazing time...
Blake W. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Blake W. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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