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Holidays Gift Guide and Berryessa Quarantine Update

Hello friends,

 

In this edition, we'll be covering:

 

  • What's new in the shop gift guide

  • Lake Berryessa quarantine update


What's new in the shop Gift Guide


Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler 

 

Why it's a great gift: The perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. This cooler keeps ice cold for days, making it ideal for fishing trips, camping, or tailgating parties.












Simm's Wintertime Gloves


Why it's a great gift: Keep warm and dry on the water with Simm's high-quality winter gloves. These gloves are designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide optimal comfort and protection.














Lew's HyperSpeed Baitcast Reel

 

Why it's a great gift: For the angler who demands precision and power, the Lew's HyperSpeed baitcast reel is the perfect choice. Its lightning-fast retrieval speed and smooth casting make it a top pick for any serious fisherman.
















Calcutta Tackle Bag

 

Why it's a great gift: Organize your gear with style and efficiency. Calcutta tackle bags are built to last and provide ample storage space for all your fishing essentials.
















Fishpond Fly Fishing Net


Why it's a great gift: Elevate your fly fishing experience with a Fishpond fly fishing net. Crafted from premium materials, these nets are both functional and stylish.


















Lamson and Redington Fly Reels


Why it's a great gift: Give the gift of smooth, reliable performance with a Lamson or Redington fly reel. These high-quality and reasonably priced reels are built to last and will enhance any angler's experience.







Visit Sweeney's Sports today to discover these and other great gift ideas for the angler in your life.



Lake Berryessa Quarantine Update


By Alex, Sweeney Sports and Catch Happy



As boaters adjust to the new quarantine regulations, it’s clear that this, unfortunately, is the new norm. At Lake Berryessa’s Markley Cove, a new decontamination unit is operational, and I volunteered as the guinea pig to test the system. The goal? A seamless process that lets you fish without a 30-day red tag quarantine. Once decon is complete, your boat is ready to launch at Lake Berryessa.


After retrieval, the staff at Markley Cove will green-tag your boat so you'll be able to launch at Berryessa anytime in the future. The downside to this process is that your boat needs to be on the trailer and ready for green tagging by 5 pm, or whenever the concessionaire closes.


If you’re curious, here’s the gist: schedule an appointment through the Solano Water Agency. While this week’s slots are full, next week’s should open soon. Other sites, like Pleasure Cove and possibly Putah Creek, will follow. Detailed breakdowns are available on my blog at SweeneySports.com or on the Catch Happy YouTube channel.


The Threat of Invasive Mussels


Drew, a marine biologist overseeing this project for Solan Water Agency, shared insights about the golden mussel, an invasive species posing a grave risk. These mussels reproduce at alarming rates—one female releases up to a million eggs annually—and can overrun ecosystems with up to 150,000 mussels per square meter. Predators simply can’t keep up.

While the new quarantine process works at Lake Berryessa, Drew highlighted challenges in unifying regulations across California lakes due to various agencies managing each reservoir. For example, Lake Berryessa falls under a federal water project, while Comanche is managed by East Bay MUD. Each agency dictates its policies, but Lake Berryessa serves as a hopeful example of progress. The alternative seems to be a complete closure of our lakes to boaters, which is what's happening at Lake Hennessy, Camanche, and New Melonis.


Staying Safe and Responsible


The golden mussel issue extends beyond adult mussels. Larval mussels, which travel in water systems, can linger in boat engines, ballast tanks, and livewell plumbing for up to 30 days. To mitigate this:


  • Clean, drain, and dry your boat after every use.

  • Avoid moving boats from the Delta to other lakes unless they’ve been decontaminated.


These steps help reduce the risk of spreading these invasive species and ensure we can continue enjoying lakes like Berryessa. While the situation may not be ideal, the new system at Lake Berryessa works. For those with concerns about their lakes’ closures, Drew encourages reaching out to managing agencies to advocate for policies that allow sustainable access.


Sweeney’s Sports is now authorized to apply the red 30-day quarantine seals. Boats must remain sealed for 30 days before launch. Please give us a call ahead to make an appointment. There is no cost to you. 707-255-5544


Tight lines, everyone! 🎣

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