Arizona Fishing Guides: Fly, Spin, And Light Tackle Charters

Arizona Fishing Guides: click below to view profile

Our Management Team:

Ben Koller
Owner/Lead Guide

John New Sr
Owner

Dale Merry
Lead Guide

Our Guide Team:


Brett Hite	Manny Chee	Jon "Scooter" Griffith	Scott Harshbarger

Steven Brewer

Chris Love

Justin Thompson

Mike McFarland

Zach Foreman

Josh Bertrand

Luke Charney

Matt Beery

Our Dogs - click photo below to view profile
Being a full-time fishing guide means loving the outdoor lifestyle. We are passionate about fishing, but we also love to spend time with our families and of course, our best friends:


Stormy	Moose	Barkley	Foster

Photo Coming Soon

Fisher

Annie

Ben Koller
Born and raised in Phoenix, Ben has spent his entire life fishing Arizona waters. Coming from a family with a long-standing Arizona fishing history, Ben spent his childhood years split between the desert lakes surrounding the Phoenix area and the high country lakes and streams in the White Mountains near Whiteriver. His diverse fishing education would eventually lead to an unbelievably successful fishing career, both as a guide and as a tournament angler. It was while attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona on a full ride music scholarship that Ben realized that his passion for fishing could not be ignored. After college Ben set out and quickly rose through the ranks of professional bass fishing. In the tournament off-season, Ben started guiding for existing guide services that needed help throughout the state. Ben quickly became the most sought after bass guide in Arizona. Ben has since compiled over 40 first place finishes and over 100 top-twenty finishes in his bass fishing tournament career, including 4 angler of the year titles, and has qualified for every championship that he has fished for. Ben has also logged more client days over the last 10 years than any other guide in Arizona, and has used his time on the water and tournament skills to develop one of the most impressive client sheets of any guide in the world. Ben has also traveled extensively with his high school sweetheart and now wife Kelly to various fishing destinations throughout the world in search of new techniques and tactics including trips to Costa Rica, Belize, the Yucatan, Aruba, Hawaii, Alaska, Curacao, St. Thomas, Tortola, United Kingdom, Florida Keys, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Alabama, the Gulf coast, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Bermuda. Ben currently fishes the FLW series and FLW Stren series tournament trails, is the head instructor of the Orvis Fly Fishing Schools in Arizona, and still finds time to guide over 200 days a year. Ben is also the new proud father of Kolton Koller, born February 2, 2008. Ben is sponsored by and a pro team member of Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Motorguide trolling motors, Lowrance electronics, G.Loomis rods, Shimano reels, Sage Fly rods, Ross reels, Patagonia, Simms, Grand Avenue Produce, Southwest Boats, Maui Jim sunglasses, and the Orvis company.

John New Sr.
Born and raised in Phoenix, John has been fishing the state since 1961. As a small child he virtually grew up fishing the old Lake Pleasant. Both the upper and lower lakes, as well as spending summers on the rim, either at one of the many lakes or Tonto and Haigler Creek. In high school he got serious about bass fishing, spending almost every week-end at either Bartlett or San Carlos.

After high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps, a dream of his since he was eight years old. After proudly serving in the Corps, John went back to work for the family business, Grand Avenue Produce Company. The business has gone from a small family fruit stand to the largest produce distributor in the state, employing over 100 people. As the business grew, his time on the water was drastically cut back. However, in 2001 the company was at a point that it could afford him to be gone somewhat, and back to the water it was, averaging 180 to 200 days per year on a lake somewhere!

No longer on the tournament scene, he still fishes an occasional charity derby from time to time. His real passion is fishing with one of his five grandchildren. Whether it’s chasing top water action on our local lakes or fishing the kelp beds off the coast in Southern California, it doesn’t matter to John. Fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors with the kids is what it’s all about. John has fished a good portion of the country as well, including California, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Carolina, South Carolina, as well as a long list of saltwater trips, both in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The “top water king”, as we call him, John believes in throwing a top water bait year round. He has the support of a great family: wife, Tammy, sons, Johnny and Anthony and daughter, Caitie along with his five grandchildren. Bulldogs, Chesty, Mack & Gunny are always ready, willing and able to take a nap with John (they don’t swim!). John is also the team captain of the Hook Up Marine Fishing Team and always willing to take a challenge from various teams. The team remains undefeated as of 2008.

Dale Merry
Born in Pompano Beach, Florida, and raised on the small trout streams on Pennsylvania, Dale didn’t discover his passion for bass fishing until his family moved to Arizona in 1976. Dale’s family quickly became avid fishermen on all of the desert lakes, and Dale realized quickly that he wanted nothing more than to fish every day. Now, many years later, Dale is regarded as one of the premier bass fishing guides in the Southwest. He currently logs more guide days on the water than any other guide in the state, and has more repeat clients than any guide we have ever had on staff. Dale is the epitome of what it means to be a world class fishing guide. He loves guiding and his passion for putting his clients on fish in evident in everything that he does. His great work ethic on the water and his complete devotion to each and every client puts him on top of Arizona’s fish counts every year. Dales laid back demeanor and unbelievable patience make him a favorite amongst everyone. Almost every client that fishes with Dale sends a thank you note praising his great guiding abilities and his remarkable ability to put his clients on fish. Dale is the proud father of four and the proud husband of one. When not guiding you can be assured to find him on the water fishing with one or more of his kids. Dale is also a very accomplished tournament bass angler, and currently fishes the FLW Stren series and the WON BASS tour. Dale is a pro team member of Ranger Boats and Southwest Boats, G.Loomis rods, Shimano reels, Pepper Jigs, Maui Jim sunglasses, and the Orvis company.

Brett Hite
Another rare native Arizonan, Brett grew up in a die-hard hunting and fishing family, and developed his passion for the outdoors at an early age. Brett spent most of his time bass fishing on the central Arizona waterways of Alamo Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Pleasant, as well as hunting quail, deer, and elk throughout the state. Brett knew early in life that he wanted to be a professional fisherman, and his dreams became a reality while still in high school, when Brett won one of the biggest tournaments on the west coast, a WonBass pro-am. That win sparked the jump from high school right in to the world of professional bass fishing. Now one of the most successful touring pro’s from the west coast, Brett has fished every major professional fishing circuit in the country, including the FLW tour, the Bassmaster top 150’s, the Bassmaster Elite 50 tour, the Everstart series, the WonBass tour, and the Bassmaster opens. Brett has won over 50 tournaments in his career so far, is an FLW Everstart Champion, a 2 time WonBass Champion, and a 2 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. Brett joins The Hook Up during his tournament off-season to bring his skills and techniques from the tournament trail to his guide clients. Although a fantastic guide for anyone of any level, Brett’s love is doing instructional trips on Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake, and being able to pass on his vast knowledge to his clients. Brett is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Evola rods, Sunline, Gary Yamamoto custom baits, Bait Breathe, Roboworm, Purolator, Lucky Craft, Lowrance electronics, and Kaenon sunglasses.

Luke Charney
Born in Connecticut, but raised in Arizona, Luke starting his fishing pursuits as soon as he was able to pick up a rod, and logged thousands of hours on local lakes and streams before he ever finished college. Luke came to The Hook Up in 2002, as one of the most respected fly fisherman in Arizona. At such a young age, Luke had the equivalent fishing time of guides twice as old, and had landed more giant trout in Arizona waters than just about anyone. His passion for fly fishing and contagious upbeat attitude quickly made him a favorite amongst our clients. His on the water success and phenomenal re-booking ratio are a direct result of tremendous on the water work ethic as well as an uncanny ability to read and understand his client’s needs. Anyone who steps in to the stream or onboard the boat with Luke should be prepared for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime. Luke is an Orivs endorsed fly fishing guide, and a pro team member of Simms, G.Loomis rods, Riverborn flies, Maui Jim sunglasses, and the Orvis company.

Manny Chee
Born in Phoenix, and raised between Arizona and Cancun, Manny grew up fishing for bass and bluegill on local lakes and ponds, as well as fishing for tarpon off the Cancun coast. At age 13 Manny discovered the world of fly fishing when a family friend gave him his first Orvis fly rod, and he has been passionate about it ever since, especially about catching bass on a fly rod. Manny has traveled around the world pursuing great fly fishing adventures, including stops in the Amazon, Africa, Montana, Wyoming, the Florida Keyes, and Texas, and has led several exploration trips to undeveloped areas of the Yucatan. Manny started his guiding career after graduating from Arizona State University, when he took a job guiding at the famous Orvis endorsed fly fishing lodge; the High Lonesome Ranch in Grand Junction, Colorado. Fueled by his addiction for catching bass, Manny returned to Arizona in 2003, and quickly became one of the Southwest’s premier fly fishing guides for bass. His passion for the sport and his addiction to tying and trying new flies and techniques has made Manny a favorite speaker at trade shows, club events, and other various seminars. His undeniable upbeat personality and pure excitement is overwhelmingly contagious. Aside from his fishing schedule, Manny also leads trophy desert sheep, mule deer, coues deer, and pheasant hunting expeditions in to the most pristine and remote areas of Mexico. Manny is also the owner/operator or Scottsdale’s finest gun and hunting shop, Don’s Sport Shop. Manny is an Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide and a pro team member of Ranger Boats and Southwest Boats, G.Loomis rods, Maui Jim sunglasses, and the Orvis company.

Matt Beery
Matt was born in Kansas City, KS and spent his childhood playing sports, skateboarding and fishing local lakes and farm ponds. He fished primarily for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass with the occasional trip for crappie and catfish. He moved to Arizona in 2001 to go to school and met a good friend that took him to a local pond, and he quickly discovered what he had been missing and vowed to spend the rest of his days with a rod and reel nearby. Since then Matt has been completely enamored with all things fishing. Fishing is the biggest part of his life and Matt spends every waking moment trying to find a way to get on the water. He is a student of products and techniques from around the world, and spends his down time researching new developments and advances in the Fishing Industry. Matt is The Hook Up Tackle’s lead product researcher, and has a knowledge of tackle that has to be seen to be believed. Matt is on the cutting edge of new products being developed and imported in to the U.S. market. Anglers stepping in to our tackle shop can expect great insight from Matt into the current and up and coming baits and techniques!.

Jon "Scooter" Griffith
Another Phoenix Native, Scooter grew up fishing and hunting throughout Arizona with his Dad. Now he continues that tradition with his two kids Kayse and Fisher (8 and 3 years old). His warm personality and great teaching skills make Scooter one of the most referred guides in Arizona. Scooter is known for his guiding skills on Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake, but is renowned as the best Bartlett Lake guide in the state. His tremendous success as a guide and impressive tournament resume, which includes over 30 top ten finishes, numerous first place trophies, and some of the biggest bass ever weighed in Arizona tournaments, has created a great demand to fish with him, perhaps more than his wife Jackie would like. Clients stepping on board Scooters boat should expect to walk away much better fisherman after a great day on the water. Scooter is a pro team member of Southwest Boats, G.Loomis rods, Bass Assasin lures, Jewel jigs, Oakley Sunglasses, and the Orvis company.

Chris Love
Chris was born in Michigan where he learned to fish on the giant waterways of the great lakes. He moved to Colorado in his teens and developed his true fishing passion in the trout streams of the rocky mountains, but it wasn’t until he arrived in Tucson that he was introduced to bass, and his hobby quickly spirled in to something more. Chris made Southern Arizona’s Patagonia and Arivaca Lakes his home away from home, and quickly discovered the great fishing opportunities that the state offered. Chris moved to Phoenix to be closer to the center of the fishing lakes, and guiding or not guiding can always be found on one of the waterways. He says, when not guiding or in tournaments, his favorite lake in Arizona is Bartlett Lake. Chris also enjoys competing in several local tournament circuits, as well as the FLW Series events, and has over 20 top 10 finishes. He also fishes the couples tournament circuit with his girlfriend Renae. His drive to catch fish and his "people person" attitude makes him a great fishing partner and guide. Chris is a proud "father" of his 2 Chuiuauas, Tabby and Alex and 2 Labs, McCoy and Dropshot! Chris is a Pro Staff member of McCoy Fishing Line, GLoomis Rods, SavePhace, Shimano Reels, and Gamakatsu.

Scott Harshbarger
A native of the California bay area, Scott remembers vividly his desire to be like his Uncle, who was a highly admired surf fisherman on the pacific coast. It didn’t take long for Scott to hook in to first fish, a corbina caught from the surf in Carlsbad. He was instantly hooked, and he let his new found love of fly fishing, turn into his addiction. After moving to Arizona at age 15, Scott perfected his fly fishing skills on the technical waters of Arizona’s high country, and started putting together one of the most impressive trophy trout resumes in the state. Scott starting guiding to put himself through college at Arizona State University, where he majored in Business Management. He has since lead guided expeditions to some of the great trout waters in California, Arizona, Alaska, North Carolina, Colorado, South Dakota, and New Mexico. Scott’s passion is fly fishing for big brown trout in extreme remote areas, and can often be found on his off days scaling a cliff or scrambling down a 1000 foot ravine to untapped trout water. Scott’s enthusiasm and pure love for the sport of fly fishing are evident in everything that he does, and he has become one of the most sought after fly fishing speakers in Arizona. Scott is an Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide, and a pro team member of Simms, Scientific Anglers, Action Optics, G.Loomis, and the Orvis company.

Mike McFarland
Born and raised in Arizona, Mike has been addicted to fishing since he was 4 years old. Mike’s passion is one that is truly special, in that he not only fishes our waters every day, but he also studies them. As you can imagine in Arizona, our waters fluctuate through the seasons, and Mike has spent hundreds of hours hiking, GPSing, and photographing different structures during our low water periods, and has researched and compiled more “spots” than any fisherman we know. His favorite species are largemouth and striped bass, noting that Lake Pleasant is his favorite destination. It is also home to his largest Arizona largemouth bass, a monster 13 pounder he caught from one of his “spots”. Mike finds his way to The Hook Up after touring the country for several years as a signed recording artist for Sony Music. Although music was a huge part of Mike’s life, he finds fishing truly his calling, and is one of the most upbeat and excitable guides on staff (almost to upbeat at times!). He is known as one of the states premier striper guides, and can never wait to share his excitement of fishing with his clients. Mike is the proud father of three springer spaniels, which he takes fishing every chance he can. Mike is sponsored by Southwest Boats and Ranger Boats, GLoomis rods, Shimano reels, and the Orvis Company.

Justin Thompson
Born and raised in Arizona, Justin’s father Marvin is the one responsible for hooking him on the outdoors. Justin spent thousands of days hunting and fishing as a kid throughout Arizona with his dad, and always knew he wanted to make a living doing what he loved most. It was during a fishing trip to Roosevelt Lake when Justin saw his first tournament weigh in, and he caught the competition bug. He started fishing local club tournaments at the age of 12 and over the years progressed to bigger more competitive tournaments. Since then, Justin has amassed several first place finishes and over 20 top ten finishes, including an angler of the year title. While Justin loves fishing Arizona, he says one of his favorite destinations was Sitka, Alaska, where he recently fished for Salmon and giant Halibut with his dad. Justin is the proud new owner of Bo, a beautifully trained German Sheppard. Justin in a pro-team member of Southwest Boats and Ranger Boats, GLoomis rods, Shimano reels, Kaenon Sunglasses, and The Orvis Company.

Zach Foreman
A rare Arizona native, Zach Foreman has been raised with a fly rod in his hand and fish on the brain. He caught and released his first trout at age 3 under the guidance and instruction of his grandfather, Joseph. Since then, Zach’s explosive fly fishing resume has taken him across the world in search of anything willing to eat a fly. At the age of 12, he caught and released his first Marlin in the Cobalt blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. To date, Zach has released well over 100 billfish, many of those taken on the fly. Saltwater trips include Costa Rica, the Yucatan, Belize, San Diego, San Carlos, Alaska, Cabo San Lucas, East Cape, La Paz, Punta Arenas, Isla De Cerralvo, Hawaii, the Florida Keys, San Pedro Island and the North Pacific Coast for Steelhead. It was during Zach’s tenure at the University of Arizona that he decided to retire his golf clubs and spend his free time working in a fly shop, saving enough money for his next fishing trip. During his time at Dry Creek Outfitters in Tucson, AZ he also hosted several beginners fly fishing school in the White Mountains. He decided to give a full time guides life a go, and quickly logged over 200 days of experience at Lees Ferry, the 14-mile tail water below the Glen Canyon Dam. After graduating U of A in 2003, Zach accepted a position with a commercial real estate lender, working in investment banking and broker relations. He has since worked his way up to the position of Vice President. He has a unique ability to enjoy and relate to anyone who steps foot on his boat and clients can look forward to a memorable and fun-filled day on the water. Zach is the proud father of two beautiful children, Ginger and Riley (pictures can be seen in the “Our Dogs” section).

Josh Bertrand
Growing up in Northern New England, Josh found a passion for fishing by fly fishing smaller streams and lakes with his dad. After moving to Arizona in 1998, Josh fished his first bass tournament, and was hooked for life. His tournament fishing resume includes nearly a dozen first place finishes along with over 30 top 10 finishes over the past few years. He is also a FLW/TBF Regional championship and National Championship Qualifier. He is a regular on the WONbass tour and the FLW Stren series. When he’s not on the water, you'll find him following MLB Baseball or NHL Hockey games, taking night classes in pursuit of a bachelors degree in business, or preparing for his next fishing trip. Josh is truly one of the nicest and most dedicated guides we have seen in some time, and clients will love his easy going manner. Josh is a pro-team member of Southwest Boats and Ranger Boats, GLoomis rods, Shimano reels, Sunline, and The Orvis Company.

Steven Brewer
Born in Simi Valley, California but raised in Phoenix, Stephen comes from family deep rooted in Arizona fishing. His father Phil has been a local tournament legend since the 70’s, and Stephen has been quick to pick up from his dad. He started fishing at the young age of 4 with his dad, and quickly became a force on the local tournament scene. At such a young age, Stephen has already logged several first place finishes, and two angler of the year titles. Stephen plans on guiding for The Hook Up once he finishes school. For now, customers can find Stephen working in the shop most weekends, and can get a deep understanding of current baits and techniques effective on Arizona waterways, fresh off the local tournament scene.

Our Dogs

Stormy
The best fishing dog in Arizona! Stormy whines every morning she gets left behind and cant wait for that occasional off day when she gets to go fishing. Stormy knows the sound of a hook set and trembles with excitement when a fish jumps or screams drag. Often found leaping off the side of the boat after the fish, Stormy also loves stalking bluegills and bass on the boat ramps. Stormy is the proud owner of Ben Koller.

Moose
A new addition to the family, Moose is Ben and Kelly Koller’s “souvenir” from their last trip to Montana. Although he hasn’t quite honed his fishing skills yet, Moose is an excellent jumper, and can be found launching himself off the boat docks after ducks while his big sister chases fish on the ramps.

Barkley
The most difficult thing about Barkley is keeping him onboard the boat when it slows to no wake. He can be found jumping off Dale’s boat on just about every chance he gets. Undoubtedly the best fisherman in the family, Barkley loves the Merry family fishing outings of bird chasing, fish catching, and kid soaking when he shakes.

Foster
Manny’s Australian Cattle Dog is almost nine months old and is a member of the Rusty Clan. Foster’s biggest thrill in life is hauling across the lake as fast as possible, and then diving in as the boat slows. He is also great at flushing quail, and is one of the only dogs we’ve ever seen actually remove teddy bear chollas (jumping cactus) with his teeth.

Photo Coming Soon

Fisher
The newest addition to The Hook Up Family, fisher is Brett Hite’s new master. It doesn’t take long to melt around chocolate lab puppies, but a few minutes of biting and playing with Fisher, and it’s easy to see that Brett’s going to have his hands full.

Annie
The Griffith family dog is a nut about the lake, and an even bigger nut around the kids. Annie can be found splashing around at every Griffith family outing, and is one of the sweetest labs you’ll ever meet.