Bill "Hooker" Harwell

 

   My name is Bill “Hooker” Harwell, a lifelong fisherman on many venues, I have embraced two irrefutable facts.  The best time to go fishing is when you can and safety should always come first.

 

   I have been fishing Lake Conroe since 1997, professionally since 2009.  It’s a great lake with many excellent angling opportunities for a variety of species.  Crappie are always at the top of my list.  I am deeply dedicated to my pursuit of them and have put forth countless efforts in the context of brush piles, spawning structures, timing, also including attracting techniques and bait catching and other tricks.  I am the only guide I know of who fishes at night, and I do so often in my pursuit of Crappie. If crappie are on the top of your list, you would do best to book a trip between late January through late June (March through May being the best time).

 

   Catfish are bountiful on Lake Conroe and can usually be harvested easily year round.  Also in abundance are the variety of sunfish species aka Perch.  The fast fishing and considerable sport on light tackle these fish provide are always a good time.  Although I do not target them specifically, we often catch Hybrid Stripers on our Crappie trips.  I jokingly call them Conroe Tunas in light of the drag screaming runs they will produce on light tackle.  Bring your A game when they run through.  A thirty inch fish on 8 pound test will thoroughly challenge your angling skills.  If Black Bass are at the top of your list, I can accommodate you.  I’m a “catch and release into the grease” kind of guy and five fish is hardly enough to make some oil stink at the end of the day.

 

   I fish from a 20’ Sea Ark Tunnel Hull.  A sturdy fishing platform, she is safe, reliable, legal and well lit for nighttime excursions.  Bait and tackle are included on every trip and unlike other guides I do not charge extra for live minnows.  I limit passengers to 3 people that ensures my ability to effectively manage boat operations and keep everyone fishing.  It also allows me to give a more personalized fishing experience.

 

   Individuals of all ages and skill levels are welcome.  From the serious Crappie fisherman to those who want to catch large fish on light tackle, and of course the inexperienced, and children.  I wholeheartedly believe in taking children fishing because after all “Give a man a fish you’ve fed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish, you’ve fed him for a lifetime.”