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
(69 reviews)
Angler's choice
Key West
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
trips from HK $3,910

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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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 69 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (39)
Half day with captain John
August fishing trip
August fishing trip
+36
Angler Rating
65
3
0
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
81%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
69%
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Showing:
5 of 69 reviews
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   NEW  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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Kristy O. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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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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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 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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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  John Hoover Captain replied

Dave F.
Ferndale, WA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full Day trip - Amazing!!!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on April 26, 2023
What a fun day we had! The captain is an amazing guy. This charter is not a crowded experience. It is an intimate experience...
Dave F. 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

Michael T.
Edison, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Capt John

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Fishing Trip (AM) on September 17, 2023
We spent half of our time attempting to catch a bonefish with no success. Capt John put us on the fish but we had no takers....
Michael T. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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Michael T. recommends Purple Heron Charters
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