Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Striper Meetup Recap
Trout Meetup Registration
Live Bait Update
Win a Berryessa Adventure Aboard Catch Happy HQ
Updated Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
Striper Meetup Recap
Last week's Striper Meetup was a fantastic success! The positive feedback from attendees has been overwhelming, and we're thrilled to announce that we’ll continue hosting these species-specific meetups on a bi-weekly basis.
A Night of Great Food, Drinks, and Conversation
After a warm welcome from Alex, attendees who opted for dinner and drinks indulged in smoked pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw. The combination of great food, quality wine, and good company set the perfect tone for the night.
Learning from the Experts
The evening kicked off with a presentation by Cole Kipsey, who shared his expertise on catching Stripers on the fly. He broke down his fly fishing techniques and strategies for having 20-fish days on the river, leaving attendees eager to test out their skills.
Next, Alex took the stage to discuss trolling and bank fishing gear and techniques. With plenty of curiosity in the room, the session naturally evolved into an engaging Q&A, where participants got answers to their most pressing fishing questions.
Saving the best for last, Austin Bator and Jeffrey Swank delivered an advanced Striper class, diving deep into the art of reading the river, identifying the best fishing spots, and perfecting timing for optimal catches. They also provided a comprehensive breakdown of their gear setups, giving everyone valuable insights into their approach.
Building a Stronger Angler Community
While the official meetup ended at 9 PM, the enthusiasm in the room kept the conversations going. We finally wrapped up and started cleanup around 9:30 PM, reluctant to end such a great gathering.
These meetups are more than just educational—they're about strengthening our angler community, fostering new connections, and honing our craft. We can't wait to do it again on February 7th.
A Quick Recap Video
Trout Meetup - Friday, February 7th, 6 PM - 9 PM
14 spots remaining. Waitlist after.
Learn from each other sharing insights and techniques for Trout fishing.
Explore gear and products designed to enhance your success on the water.
Enjoy Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches and drinks while socializing with like-minded anglers.
This is your chance to build meaningful connections and pick up a few tips and tricks from fellow anglers.
Event Details:
Maximum attendance: 20 people
Registration: Free.
Optional BBQ Sandwich & Drink Ticket: $30.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Live Bait Update
Live Ghost Shrimp
Pile Worms
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
Medium Minnows
Win a Free Berryessa Fishing Adventure aboard Catch Happy HQ
Introducing Free remote video expert consultations for www.shopsweeneys.com customers. Need help to pick out the ideal rod, reel, lures, tackle, etc? Set up a free remote consultation with one of our experts here.
How to win a Berryssa adventure with Alex and Paul?
Make a purchase of $50 or more on https://www.shopsweeneys.com/ between January 24th- February 10th and you'll be entered into a drawing to win Berryessa Fishing Adventure with Alex. One lucky winner + friend will be announced on February 11th!
What kind of adventure is it?
Join us aboard our North River Seahawk for a fishing and culinary adventure on Lake Berryessa on Friday, February 21st.
Itinerary
6:30 am - Boat Launch
We'll launch at Markley Cove and run to the trolling grounds. The next five hours will be spent trolling for trout using downriggers and lead-core setups with planer boards. We'll be making countless adjustments until we dial them in. It's game on from there.
Noon - Lunch
What could be better than grilling up a gourmet lunch? Grilling it on the boat! Alex and Paul will prepare a delicious BBQ lunch while keeping our lines wet in a serene cove.
1:30 pm - Chasing Giants in the Coves
Hopping coves, reading sonar, and soaking live minnows under bobbers and on the bottom rigs are the name of the game. Our target? 20+ lbs cats and giant bass.
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Lake Berryessa Fishing Report
Updated Lake Berryessa Fishing Report – January 2025
Lake Berryessa has flipped, and the trout bite is red hot, with fish feeding actively in the top 15 feet of water! The colder water temperatures have the trout in high gear, favoring faster presentations. Here’s what you need to know for a successful trip:
Bank Fishing Tips
Lures: Cast and retrieve lures like Kastmasters, Little Cleos, or other spoons at a steady, fast pace. Aim to cover water and target areas near drop-offs or rocky shorelines.
Bait Fishing:
Use live large minnows under a bobber, set 4-6 feet deep. Focus on shallow coves or areas with visible fish activity.
Blow up a worm (inflate it with air) and suspend it on a bottom rig with a 5-6 ft, 6 lb test leader for excellent results. Use this technique near points or underwater structures.
Trolling Tips
Gear: Leadcore line with planer boards is the standout setup right now. This allows you to target trout effectively at varying depths.
Rigging:
Attach a 25 ft, 10 lb fluorocarbon leader to your leadcore line.
Let out 2 colors (leader + 60 ft), clip on the planer board, and troll at 2.7-3.2 mph.
Lures: Green or orange T-Bone lures, Speedy Shiners, or Optimizer Junior spoons are highly effective. Experiment with colors and patterns to match the light and water clarity.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for detailed instructions and adventure trips.
Napa River Fishing Report
Best Fishing Times
Target the top of the outgoing tide for the first 2-3 hours. The last 2-3 hours of the incoming tide could be productive as well.
Bait Fishing Tips
To catch large fish, make your bait offering irresistible:
Live Ghost Shrimp, Pile Worms, and Cut Anchovies will do the trick.
For anchovies:
Cut off the head and tail.
Score the body with a bait knife, thread it onto the hook, and secure it with magic thread.
Ensure the bait is snug against the shank, with the hook tip fully exposed.
At Sweeney’s Sports, we stock a huge selection of Striper-specific lures and are always happy to provide advice. Stop by to stock up before your next trip!
P.S. We’re excited to announce the launch of ShopSweeneys.com! Now you can explore our top gear, tackle, and more—handpicked for your next fishing adventure—all online. Whether you’re gearing up for the Napa River or beyond, we’ve got everything you need to make each trip a success. Check it out!
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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