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
SETH E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Made an epic day out!!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on April 6, 2025
Captain John made a great day out of less than perfect conditions.ย  It was worth letting him assess the best options for what...
SETH E. 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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Matthew B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun day

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on June 14, 2025
We tried tarpon fishing for the day. I know tarpon fishing can be difficult.ย  The Captain found groups of surfacing fish....
Matthew B. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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4 persons find this review helpful
You and 4 people found this review helpful
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Jacey W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Absolutely amazing trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Fishing Trip on August 31, 2025
I booked this for my mom and I and we had an incredible trip! Captain John is very knowledgeable in not only fish/fishing but...
Jacey W. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Michael G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

First Tarpon Trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Fishing Trip on June 16, 2025
This was my sonโ€™s first Tarpon trip. Jumped two and now heโ€™s hooked on it! Weโ€™ll be back again! Great time out on the...
Michael G. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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3 persons find this review helpful
You and 3 people found this review helpful
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Melissa S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Nice fishing boat tour

VERIFIED   Half Day Morning Fishing Trip on December 23, 2024
If you are looking for a local whoโ€™s here to share his life and knowledges about Wilde life and nature John is the right...
Melissa S. 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
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