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, Verenigde Staten
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
187
Reviews
9
Fishing Reports
Our Team
John H.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Purple Heron Charters

Uitstekend
4.9 / 5
(187 beoordelingen)
Angler's choice
Key West
 Last booking: 5 days ago
 Directe bevestiging
Trips vanaf US $349

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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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

Beoordelingsoverzicht
Uitstekend
4.9 / 5
van de 5 sterren op basis van 187 beoordelingen
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4.9 / 5
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4.9 / 5
Foto's & video's door recensenten (112)
Shark Attack!!
Endless Knowledge and Appreciation of the Ecosystem!
Endless Knowledge and Appreciation of the Ecosystem!
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Michael H.
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First tarpon and bonefish!

GECONTROLEERD   Full Day Trip op Mei 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. raadt Purple Heron Charters aan
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je en 7 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
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SETH E.
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Made an epic day out!!

GECONTROLEERD   Full Day Trip op 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. raadt Purple Heron Charters aan
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9 personen vinden deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 9 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
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Jacey W.
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5.0 / 5
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5.0 / 5
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Absolutely amazing trip!

GECONTROLEERD   Half Day Morning Fishing Trip op Augustus 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. raadt Purple Heron Charters aan
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2 personen vinden deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 2 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
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Melissa S.
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5.0 / 5
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Nice fishing boat tour

GECONTROLEERD   Half Day Morning Fishing Trip op 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. raadt Purple Heron Charters aan
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3 personen vinden deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 3 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
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Jesse E.
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Good day on the water

GECONTROLEERD   Afternoon Half Day Trip op September 27, 2025
John was friendly, accommodating, and knows his craft well. He made it a point to keep moving us until we found fish, and my...
Jesse E. raadt Purple Heron Charters aan
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1 persoon vindt deze beoordeling nuttig
je en 1 andere persoon vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
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