Customers love our trips!
Great customer service is the heart of our business. Hear from happy customers who kindly shared their opinion.
★★★★★ Google Review 2025
What a rush! We were on tarpon the entire morning. With fly rod in hand, Captain Hoover was able to put an inexperienced Salt Water fly fisherman up close enough to get opportunities and to close the deal. We hooked up and landed a tarpon. Thank you Captain Hoover, a bucket list fish checked.
Ken Okrepkie
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
First Tarpon Trip! This was my son’s first Tarpon trip. Jumped two and now he’s hooked on it! We’ll be back again! Great time out on the water with Capt. John. Will definitely book a trip next time we’re down in Key West.
1/2 Day Morning Trip
Michael G.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Day! Fun Day! My 12 year old son and I came to fish a few days. We were after barracuda and shark. Captain John put us on plenty of both! We had a great day. (Day 1)
We tried tarpon fishing for the day. I know tarpon fishing can be difficult. The Captain found groups of surfacing fish. We had several takes. We landed one tarpon and a few sharks. I would recommend this charter to anyone. (Day 2)
Two 3/4 Day Trips
Michael B.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
First tarpon and bonefish! 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!
Full day trip!
Michael H.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Knowledgeable and Awesome! John was very knowledgeable about fishing and the area and wildlife- we’ve fished before but still learned a lot both about how to catch different types of fish, techniques, and about all the different types of fish and wildlife we saw. It was an excellent trip!
Nicole P.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2025
Great Guide! John is a great guide! I had my own boat in the water for years. I decided a few years ago to get rid of the boat and start going out with guides in different parts of the country.
John is the real deal!
I got a master class in inshore fishing, and I thought I knew what I was doing in that arena… Highly recommend Purple Heron and Captain John Hoover! You won’t be disappointed.
Tom Trimble
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2025
Will definitely book another trip! Outstanding experience on a 4 hour charter. Catered to exactly what I wanted to target and stuck with it throughout the entire charter. We fished from start to finish of the 4 hours and never stopped trying ro get them to the boat. John is a very passionate and knowledgeable captain that knows his craft and the waters around the island very well.
Thanks for sharing your time and expertise with me. Will definitely book another trip with you on the next visit.
Yakinup Fish
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Fly Fishing for Tarpon! Captain John was very informative and knowledgeable. We were novices at fly fishing, and he was very patient and gave us great advice. He put us right on Tarpon and we jumped two. We would definitely book with him again.
Ron A.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Experience All Around! John was very knowledgeable. Great guy to hang out with for half a day! I fished with guys before and John is top-notch. Highly recommend!
1/2 Day Morning Trip
Tom T.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Day on the Water! Captain John was very attentive to finding out what my goals were for the trip and we focused on that. We went after larger fish and had some great encounters. All in all, it was a great charter and I’d definitely recommend him to anyone looking for local knowledge as well as a focused and professional captain.
1/2 Day Morning Trip
Deanne N.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Epic Day Out! Captain John made a great day out of less than perfect conditions. It was worth letting him assess the best options for what mother nature brought. 4 of 6 tarpon landed by lunch time. A handful of shark along the way while searching more opportunities. And a couple chances at bone fish on the flats in the afternoon. John is an ethical and knowledgeable Captain who you can trust to give you the best options for a great day. We will fish again with him.
Seth E.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Trip! Captain John was a pleasure to fish with, knowledgeable about fishing and informative about Key West a true guide who loves give the best experience he can give. We caught fish experienced sharks attacking out catch very close to the boat. Thank you again we will be back!
1/2 Day Morning Trip
Scott K.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Nice Fishing Trip with Son! Very nice 8 hours long fishing trip together with my 16 years old son. We used different techniques and have catched different types of local species. Trip was also very informative, because captain shared lot of information with us. Overall very good experience and can I can suggest this charter for others.
Full Day Trip
Juris L.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Incredible Day on the Water! 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.
Danny L.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Good Full Day Trip! John is a great captain. Encyclopedic knowledge of local and indigenous flora and fauna (ask him about birds). Caught jacks and barracuda before a storm blew us off the water. Sweet skiff and top notch tackle.
Full Day Trip
Justin C.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Keys Fishing Captain John knows his stuff. We caught fish and learned about the ecosystem that makes the keys unique. Would go fishing with Blue Heron charter again.
3/4 Day Trip
Keith W.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Top Notch Fishing Guide! Excellent trip. John has a lot of experience and knowledge of the area. He will put you on the fish and offer a lot of technical knowledge in the process. John will match your fishing preferences and apply what is best for the weather conditions and time of year. Had an awesome time. Highly recommended.
3/4 Day Trip
Santi L.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Day of Fishing! Captin John is amazing. He is very knowledgeable about the fish and all their habitats. Such a fun time today. We caught lots of fish.
Full Day Trip
Beth C.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker 2025
Great Day on the Water! John is a great guide. He is very knowledgeable and shares the information as you are experiencing it. We booked a full day trip that was split up between hunting for tarpon and general fishing. I would definitely book with him again.
Full Day Trip
Shane F.
Verified: FishingBooker Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2025
Captain Hoover is the best! He is exceptionally knowledgeable about the local plants and animals which made the trip that much more fun. We had one experienced fisher on our trip, but his advice was very helpful for this novice. I would recommend Purple Heron to anyone looking for a great day on the water.
Amy Traylor
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2024
Just finished up a 3 day trip with Capt. Hoover and it was amazing. He is very patient, hardworking, and knowledgeable. Despite the slow tarpon bite he got us hooked up with multiple tarpon per day which we were unable to land (angler’s fault not guide’s). We did successfully land multiple big barracuda and sharks. We also spotted multiple big rays, birds, and turtles throughout the flats. Would definitely recommend!
Trout Master Outdoors
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
My wife and I came down to Key West for a few days and decided on a last minute trip. Capt john answered questions about the trip prior to booking. He did everything we agreed on on the trip. I wanted to catch tarpon and table fare. He allowed us to connect with 2 tarpon in the morning which was a first for us, as well as some decent sized shark. We then moved off and caught snappers for dinner and was also able to connect with a couple of Goliath grouper. Capt John was very informative and explained what we were trying to do. If you want to catch fish and learn about the fishery, He definitely a good book.
Derek C.
Verified: FishingBooker.com
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
Great trip! Started off the day with local waters knowledge and the Captain’s unlimited knowledge of all local wildlife. Great to learn patterns, feeding habits, how to target, position your boat, list goes on!!!
Our trip was focused on a single species, Tarpon. After collecting some live bait, we were off! Stalking the flats, hunting for any sign of our prize. We found them and Captain John (after watching and learning our fishing style) set us up. We had multiple hard hits and screaming drag… good times!
This was a great trip. Relaxed, educational and a great reminder of the joy that is fishing.
As we wrapped up the day, I was already thinking my next trip with John… thank you Captain for the education and reminding me and my son of the simple joy of fishing. We’ll all throw a line together again soon!
Raj B.
Verified: FishingBooker.com
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
We booked a full day charter for my husband’s birthday trip. John offered to start our charter an hour earlier to get the most out of the day. We were trying for Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. Bonefish and Permit wanted to hide from us. Saw plenty of Tarpon though! Hooked onto one but it put up a big fight and broke the line. John had plenty of good spots and strategies, but the fish just didn’t want to cooperate. Not his fault. We did end up seeing a few turtles and 2 manatees. He’s very knowledgeable about The Keys and just about anything to do with fishing. Overall ended up being a great day- we would book with him again!
Brianna B.
Verified: FishingBooker.com
★★★★★ Google Review 2024
What a fun day we had! The captain is an amazing guy. This charter is not a crowded experience. It is an intimate experience of education and entertainment with the captain and the sea. This is not an experience to fill your freezer although the option to keep some for lunch or dinner is there. I went expecting a sport fishing experience and that is what I got! We caught 8 species of fish and had an absolute blast. The captain knows the ocean and the fish and explains everything that he is doing, where we were going, and why. I love how much knowledge he shared as we fished! What an amazing experience. This is what fishing is about and this charter you will get a true inshore flats fishing experience! 100 percent would recommend and will be coming back!
Ted Jimfrey
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2024
I couldn’t say enough good things!!! Capt. John Hoover, truly displays an intense dedication to his craft as a fisher man and a guide. Extremely knowledgeable and personable you will catch fish and learn a lot. We caught move fish then I could count including barracuda, Blue fish, snapper, jacks and pompano. Absolutely will book again.
Brett Scheu
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review 2024
Spent a half day with Captain John and had an awesome experience of the Keys. He is very patient and knowledgeable. Put us on fish within a couple of casts. Like a fishing charter with a tour guide of the local ecosystem.
J N
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
John took my son and I on an afternoon fishing trip. I can’t express enough how kind, patient, fun and obvious knowledge of the water, fish and surroundings he has. This was a wonderful experience, we will be back to fish with John again.
Annie N.
Verified: FishingBooker.com
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
We had the best time with John! He has an insane amount of knowledge when it comes to fishing and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide! 100% will recommend him and will absolutely book with him again whenever we go back to the keys!
Hailie H.
Verified: FishingBrooker.com
★★★★★ FishingBooker Review 2024
Very experienced guide that will teach you a lot about the fishery and surrounding areas. Was also extremely flexible around the weather and was still able to put us on all the fish we wanted!
Michael J.
Verified: FishingBooker.com
★★★★★ Google Review
Fished with Capt. Hoover two days in November and its clear why he is one of the best inshore guides in Key West. He really knows how to build a charter around weather, tides, whats biting, and the clients interest for a perfectly tailored experience each trip. He also brings no ego to a fishing day- just calm, positive vibes all day long.
Made lots of memories, learned a lot, and had a stress free time catching bonefish.
Craig Bonefield
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review
What else could you ask for in a charter guide? Captain John Hoover provides the knowledge, the attention to detail, and puts you on the fish. He’s easy to spend a day with on the skiff and is passionate about sharing his life on the water with you.
If you want to enjoy everything the Florida Keys has to offer, you should consider Purple Heron Charters. It was a great day for us and you’ll feel the same after your trip
Sam McGinley
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Google Review
Captain Hoover and I have been fishing and exploring the South Florida outdoors together for many years, and I hope we will continue to do so for many more. I couldn’t tell you how many times we’ve sat talking about the joy he gets from providing a high quality experience for his clients. Booking a trip with him means engaging the services of a guide whose interests are giving his clients a safe, productive, and memorable time in one of the grandest environments the United States has to offer. I couldn’t recommend anyone more highly.
Jack Marshall
Verified: Google Review
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
John proved to be an exceptional guide with in-depth knowledge of the area, ensuring that the fishing expedition visited the right locations for diverse fish species. The trip yielded the desired catch, and John went the extra mile by recommending local restaurants where the catch could be prepared for dinner. His friendly and engaging demeanor left a highly positive impression, making him a highly recommended choice for anglers.
Jeffrey L.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
Describing the trip as simply fun would be an understatement; it was an exceptional experience. Captain John’s extensive knowledge not only covered the area’s history but also fishing expertise. His passion for wildlife conservation and his ability to make fishing an enjoyable and educational experience were highlights of the trip. The reviewer highly recommends this experience.
Austin D.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
A fantastic first-time saltwater fishing experience with Captain John for a fiancé and their partner. Captain John’s excellent teaching skills and extensive knowledge of the ecosystem made the trip enjoyable and educational. He put in great effort to ensure they had a blast catching their first saltwater fish. A perfect 10/10 rating, and they are eager to do this trip again in the future.
Aaron L.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
I highly recommend Capt John and Purple Heron Charters. Very nice guy and fun to fish with. This our 2nd trip with him and he’ll be my go to guide Key West for future trips.
Chris C.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day PM Trip
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
John is very knowledgeable and shares his knowledge freely. He delivered the thing I wanted most, a. fabulous brag pic of me bringing in a 6’ black tip shark. Thank you John, you made an old man very happy.
Jeff N.
Verified: Fishing Booker, 3/4 Day Trip
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
On fish within five minutes of hitting the first location. Caught a variety of fish, as asked for. Captain was very knowledgeable and a great host.
Jared G.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day AM Trip
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
Captain John provided an unforgettable fishing experience marked by his extensive knowledge of the sea and its inhabitants. His commitment to educating passengers, expert navigation, and warm demeanor left a lasting impression. He goes beyond being a fishing boat captain, embodying the roles of an educator and conservation advocate. Highly recommended for an exceptional fishing adventure.
Kristy O.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
Despite challenging conditions on a hot, windy mid-August day, Captain John’s expertise shone through. He skillfully located Juvenile Tarpon, providing excellent opportunities for the angler. Captain John’s year-round presence in Key West and extensive local knowledge set him apart from seasonal guides. His insights into local wildlife and history were a valuable addition to the trip. While the skiff may be considered vintage, it performed well in various water depths. Captain John’s ability to position anglers for success is a standout feature of his service.
Chris R.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Guidesly Review
Captain John’s expertise shone on our first flats and backcountry fishing trip in Key West. His knowledge of the area and willingness to explain his decisions and fishing techniques made the experience educational and enjoyable. While we had hoped to catch Tarpon, an even better opportunity arose when we spotted a school of Bonefish. Captain John’s excitement matched our own, especially when my son successfully hooked one. He not only guided us through the catch but also emphasized the importance of handling and releasing Bonefish delicately. Captain John’s passion for teaching and fishing knowledge make him a highly recommended choice for those who want both an experienced guide and a learning experience.
Chris M.
Verified: Guidesly.com
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
Had a windy day, John had a game plan from the start. He had places to keep us out of the waves all day. Caught monster snapper, and so many different type of fish I cant remember all their names. Even with the wind got very close to hooking two tarpon, and a big barracuda. It was my first time ocean fishing so a better angler would have hooked up I’m sure. Being new to the ocean he was very patient with me and explained everything. Very knowledgeable, and easy to get along with. Boat was very comfortable even considering the big waves. Next time I go fishing here it will be with John. Thanks for the great trip!
Andrew B.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Full Day Trip
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
To say the trip was fun would be an understatement. John was very knowledgeable in the area describing history and fishing knowledge. John was also very passionate in expressing the importance of fishing wildlife conservation and made teaching the art of fishing a fun and comfortable experience. Totally recommend.
Austin D.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day AM Trip
★★★★★ Fisher Booking Review
John was great. Very knowledgeable of the area and took us to the right places to catch all different kinds of fish. We took home exactly the amount we hoped. He even recommended the area restaurants where we could take our catch for dinner prep. Very friendly and engaging. Highly recommended!!
Jeffrey L.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day PM Trip
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
Very experienced guide that will teach you a lot about the fishery and surrounding areas. Was also extremely flexible around the weather and was still able to put us on all the fish we wanted!
Matthew J.
Verified: Fishing Booker, 2024, 3/4 Day Trip
★★★★★ Fishing Booker Review
We had a great experience with Captain John Hoover / Purple Heron. We caught a lot of ladyfish and a nice barracuda! Non-stop action! Thanks!
Ken H.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day AM Trip
★★★★★ Fisher Booking Review
Captain John was very knowledgeable about every fish we caught and the area. We even got to see some wildlife as we fished and watched the sunset. A great time to spend half a day in Key West.
Andrew T.
Verified: Fishing Booker, Half Day PM Trip