Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Sweeney's Fall Festival is scheduled for October, 19th!
What's new in the shop
Meet Keith Bryan, owner of Powell Rods
Kokanee fishing in the fall with J&J
Fly Fishing Report
The next Striper Fishing Workshop - Sep 20th
Mark your calendars! Now that we are fully moved into our new awesome location we are ready to host our best event yet.
Fall Festival at Sweeney's Sport will be hosted on Saturday, October 19th, 2024
10am-5pm
Storewide discounts and super specials
Raffle for Yeti Coolers, Benchmade Knives, and more
Fun games for kids and adults
Food and drinks
Fishing and boating classes
Meet and chat with your favorite brands
What's new in the shop?
By Shane Latreille, Store Manager.
What’s New in the Shop
Custom Downrigger Weight
We have a great deal for you guys and gals. Custom 4 lb and 6 lb downrigger weights for $20 a piece. These are handmade in town by a close friend of the shop! These downrigger weights feature a slim design with a durable rear fin that will cut down on drag and hold a consistent line. With the price of lead rising, these downrigger weights are a steal!
New DIY Section
We have a solution for customers who prefer to make their own leaders and rigs. Sweeney’s is introducing a brand new DIY section. This section contains new beads, swivels, crimps leader material, and more!
Ande Mono Line
A medium soft monofilament with excellent tensile and knot strength and the very best abrasion resistant. Ande Premium Leader Line comes on 50 yard leader bracelets spools in tests from 20 - 150 lb.
Smelly Jelly
This is a gel based fish attractant that stays on baits very well. A single application lasts up to several hours, takes the scent below the surface where it belongs. Works on all baits and lures. The Ssuccess rates 200-300% better than other plastics. Non-toxic, bio-safe scents are very easy to apply. We currently carry Anchovy, Sturgeon Hammer, Sturgeon Feast, Trout Feast, Crawfish X-Thick and Salmon Feast.
Meet Keith Bryan, Owner of Powell Rods
By Alex Osenenko, Founder, Catch Happy Inc
Keith stopped by the shop for a chat yesterday. Join us on YouTube for a chat about Powell Rods craftsmanship, history, and a few tips on running a storied business.
Powell Rods: A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship
At Sweeney Sports in Napa, California, Keith Bryan, the owner of Powell Rods, shared the legacy of his brand with Catch Happy founder, Alex Osenenko. Powell Rods, the second oldest fishing rod company in the US, dates back to 1910. Originating in Marysville, California, the brand has made significant advancements, moving from bamboo to modern graphite rods. Keith highlighted the importance of material selection, rod design, and balancing performance with affordability, stating that Powell Rods are built with top-quality components such as Fuji Reel Seats and Guides, all while keeping prices accessible.
A Focus on Local Craftsmanship and Customer Service
Keith emphasized his passion for fishing and the importance of customer satisfaction. By offering a personalized, one-on-one purchasing experience at independent retailers like Sweeney’s, Power Rods prioritizes quality over mass production. With price points ranging from $150 to $200, Keith believes in providing high-end products for a fraction of the cost. His team backs these rods with a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring anglers, from tournament pros to weekend hobbyists, can trust the product.
A Niche Brand with a Big Impact
Though the bass fishing market is large, Keith pointed out that the industry is surprisingly small and interconnected. The durability, sensitivity, and strength of Powell Rods have gained a strong following, with many tournament winners swearing by the brand. By aligning with local retailers, Powell Rods fosters meaningful connections with customers, ensuring they feel the craftsmanship and care that goes into each rod before they buy. Keith noted, “We take care of the customer,” emphasizing his dedication to making fishing accessible without sacrificing performance.
Future Growth and Ongoing Innovation
While Powell Rods has maintained its integrity and high-quality craftsmanship, Keith continues to push for innovation. The brand’s evolution continues with new products in the pipeline, hinting at exciting future releases for dedicated anglers. Despite the challenges of running a medium-sized business, Keith is proud of the brand’s niche position in the fishing industry.
Powell Rods strikes a delicate balance between tradition, quality, and affordability. If you’re in the market for a fishing rod that combines over a century of experience with modern technology, Power Rods at Sweeney Sports is a must-visit.
This week in Fishing
Kokanee Fishing in the Fall
By Jessica Powell, J&J Tackle Company
Let’s discuss Kokanee fishing during the Fall and Winter at Bullard’s Bar! In recent years, some anglers have dubbed the Kokanee here as "Bullard’s Bardinkies" due to their smaller size. However, this season, catches have ranged from 9 to 14 inches. The fish appear to be starting their spawning process early, showing signs of turning red and developing hooked jaws. Fishing at Bullard’s Bar will be ongoing throughout the Fall and Winter, although many anglers will pause their fishing efforts for about six weeks to allow the fish to spawn before resuming Winter Kokanee fishing.
When we locate the fish at Bullard’s, we typically troll slowly at about 0.8 to 1.5 mph, occasionally increasing to 1.6 mph for a few seconds before slowing down again to grab their attention. If you spot fish on the sonar, try making a turn or zigzagging a bit to attract them. We've discovered that disengaging the downrigger and allowing the line to "flutter up" can often lead to a catch, and sometimes even result in a double! The choice of lure colors is variable, as it tends to change daily. Currently, the fish are quite deep, swimming below 100 feet. The abundance of fish here is impressive, and with a limit of 10, you’re likely to return with a full catch!
Pro Tip
Our J&J Turbojets, Hammered Jets, and Honeycomb Jets have proven to be very effective at Bullard’s Bar Reservoir and other Northern California lakes.
Stop by the shop and check out a selection of Kokanee and Trout dodgers by J&J Tackle Company.
Napa River Striper Fishing Workshop
On September 20th we're hosting our 2nd Striper Fishing Workshop.
If you own a boat or are interested in learning effective boat trolling techniques consider signing up for our Napa River Striper Fishing Workshop. Learn with and fish alongside the experts to conquer the waters with fellow enthusiasts. Expand your network and build relationships with your future fishing partners.
Agenda:
Captains and Deckhands Strategy Breakfast at Club Sweeney's 8am-10am
Meet at the Boat Ramp - 10:30am
Napa River Team Fishing Session - 10:30am-3pm (Outgoing tide)
We are looking for up to 5 captains to be matched with 5 deckhands.
Our workshop is ideal for both seasoned captains seeking to hone their expertise and aspiring deckhands eager to learn.
If you are interested in joining me for our next Napa River Striper Fishing Workshop, please fill out this form and let us know if you are applying as a Captain or a Deckhand.
Fly Fishing Report
By Pete Rodrigues
Putah Creek Fishing Report - Sept 12, 2024
Current Conditions:
- Flow: Receding flow currently 410 cfs.
Customer report of very good guided fishing bringing up impressive fish. Fish are more susceptible during higher flows. As the flows recede, access improves, but fish become more aware of your presence.
Recommended Flies
- Midges:
- WD-40
- Zebra Midge
- Jujubee Midge
- Sizes: #20-22 in various colors
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWO):
- Hogan’s S&Ms
- FB Pheasant Tails
- Quilldigon
- May It Be
- Micro May
- Juju Baetis
- Sizes: #18-20
As always,
We truly appreciate every time you walk through our doors. Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned dollars with us. It's a privilege to be of service.
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