Purple Heron Charters
4.9/5 (195 beoordelingen)
State licensed
1801 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, Verenigde Staten–
Purple Heron Charters
State licensed
4.9/5 (195)
•
Angler's Choice
1801 North Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, FL, Verenigde Staten
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.
Rating
4.9
195 reviews
5
186
4
6
3
1
2
0
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (124)
+118
What anglers say
99%
Great experience
79%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish
All reviews (195)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 195 reviews
Patrick Fox
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!
Reported catch:
1
Dana Hoblitzell
5.0
Verified
Addicted To Bonefish Now
3/4 Day Trip on July 2, 2025 • 1 adult
Went out with John for a 3/4 day trip targeting Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish. Weather was beautiful but not the best conditions for sight-fighting and targeting these species. Regardless of the conditions, John was able to get me on the Tarpon and Bonefish; he has an incredible acumen for reading the tides, and finding the best areas for fishing success. In addition, John was a great instructor as well, constantly giving tips and instruction on when/where to cast to get the best chance at a strike. Even when the fishing slowed down the wildlife was filling in the blanks, saw plenty of sharks, dolphins, rays, and Tarpon spitting hooks back at me.
Highly recommend John, and will seek him out again in the future for fishing in Key West again.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 14, 2025
Dana thank you so much for fishing with me and for the positive review. I had a great time fishing with you and glad we were able to get on the bonefish and tarpon so well. Can’t wait to fish with you again next time 👍🏻
8
Danny Lebert
5.0
Verified
Incredible day on the water
3/4 Day Trip on March 3, 2025 • 2 adults
We'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 fishing was spectacular, which obviously helps. But, John was working hard from the moment the trip started to the very final minute. He was easy to chat with, gave us loads of information, took us from spot to spot targeting different species, and even took photos throughout the day which he later shared with us. If you are on the fence about fishing with John or doing a slightly cheaper reef/wreck charter with a different guy, choose John every day of the week.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 4, 2025
Danny thank you again so much for fishing with me. I’m glad we could experience such a truly amazing afternoon on the water and really check off every box it seems. Thank you as well very much for the glowing review. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you again next time you come down. Thank you.
9
Matthew Retkowski
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
February 2, 2026
Thank you so much for the kind review Matt. I had a great time fishing with y’all and appreciste you guys sticking it out through the tough weather change. Hopefully we can fish together again on your next visit and have some warmed temps. Thank you again very much.
1
Michael Hartmann
5.0
Verified
First tarpon and bonefish!
Full Day Trip on May 18, 2025 • 1 adult
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. Also, I caught the tarpon on a fly! John did a great job of putting me in position for success. He is not only a wealth of flats fishing knowledge, but educated me on the incredible ecosystem of the Keys. John is also very conservation oriented, which I highly respect. I recommend John and will definitely be fishing with him on our next Key West trip!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
June 18, 2025
Michael thank you so much again for fishing with me, and for leaving such a positive review. Had a great time spending the day with ya and look forward to doing it again in the future 👍🏻
7
Trip availability and prices
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
February 2026
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Quick Rod Bender
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Hour Trip
starts at 4:00 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon)
US $349
Entire boat: 2 people
US $349
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Fly Fishing Morning Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Morning Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
Afternoon Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 12:00 PM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 2:00 PM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Fly Fishing Afternoon Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 2:00 PM
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
Afternoon 3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 12:00 PM
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $850
Entire boat: 2 people
US $850
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $900
Entire boat: 2 people
US $900
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
US $1,000
Entire boat: 2 people
Er zijn 7 personen die naar deze charter kijken.
Rating
4.9
195 reviews
5
186
4
6
3
1
2
0
1
0
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (124)
+118
What anglers say
99%
Great experience
79%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish
All reviews (195)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 195 reviews
Patrick Fox
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!
Reported catch:
1
Dana Hoblitzell
5.0
Verified
Addicted To Bonefish Now
3/4 Day Trip on July 2, 2025 • 1 adult
Went out with John for a 3/4 day trip targeting Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish. Weather was beautiful but not the best conditions for sight-fighting and targeting these species. Regardless of the conditions, John was able to get me on the Tarpon and Bonefish; he has an incredible acumen for reading the tides, and finding the best areas for fishing success. In addition, John was a great instructor as well, constantly giving tips and instruction on when/where to cast to get the best chance at a strike. Even when the fishing slowed down the wildlife was filling in the blanks, saw plenty of sharks, dolphins, rays, and Tarpon spitting hooks back at me.
Highly recommend John, and will seek him out again in the future for fishing in Key West again.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
July 14, 2025
Dana thank you so much for fishing with me and for the positive review. I had a great time fishing with you and glad we were able to get on the bonefish and tarpon so well. Can’t wait to fish with you again next time 👍🏻
8
Danny Lebert
5.0
Verified
Incredible day on the water
3/4 Day Trip on March 3, 2025 • 2 adults
We'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 fishing was spectacular, which obviously helps. But, John was working hard from the moment the trip started to the very final minute. He was easy to chat with, gave us loads of information, took us from spot to spot targeting different species, and even took photos throughout the day which he later shared with us. If you are on the fence about fishing with John or doing a slightly cheaper reef/wreck charter with a different guy, choose John every day of the week.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 4, 2025
Danny thank you again so much for fishing with me. I’m glad we could experience such a truly amazing afternoon on the water and really check off every box it seems. Thank you as well very much for the glowing review. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you again next time you come down. Thank you.
9
Matthew Retkowski
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
February 2, 2026
Thank you so much for the kind review Matt. I had a great time fishing with y’all and appreciste you guys sticking it out through the tough weather change. Hopefully we can fish together again on your next visit and have some warmed temps. Thank you again very much.
1
Michael Hartmann
5.0
Verified
First tarpon and bonefish!
Full Day Trip on May 18, 2025 • 1 adult
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. Also, I caught the tarpon on a fly! John did a great job of putting me in position for success. He is not only a wealth of flats fishing knowledge, but educated me on the incredible ecosystem of the Keys. John is also very conservation oriented, which I highly respect. I recommend John and will definitely be fishing with him on our next Key West trip!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
June 18, 2025
Michael thank you so much again for fishing with me, and for leaving such a positive review. Had a great time spending the day with ya and look forward to doing it again in the future 👍🏻
7
FAQs about Purple Heron Charters
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boatsCapacity
2 personsBoat length
18 ftYear built
2000Restored in
2024Boat manufacturer
DolphinBoat type
Flats boatEngine model
MercuryPowered by
1 x 115HPMax cruising speed
45 knots