Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Striper MeetUp - January 24th, 6-9pm
What's new on the website
Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
Join Us for Our First Striped Bass Meetup at Sweeney’s Sports!
At Sweeney's Sports, we believe fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life. And like any great adventure, it’s best shared with a community of like-minded anglers. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Angler Meetup series, a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the sport we love.
Starting in January 2025, Sweeney’s team will host a series of themed Meetups, each focusing on a specific fish species or fishing technique. These events are designed to bring our fishing community together, build skills, and share knowledge in a fun and friendly environment.
Kicking things off is our Striped Bass Meetup, happening Friday, January 24th, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Whether you’re a seasoned striper angler or just curious about catching Striped Bass on the Napa River—or beyond—this event is for you!
What to Expect:
Meet Fellow Anglers: Connect with others who share your passion for fishing.
Explore the Latest Gear: Check out cutting-edge tackle and tools for striped bass fishing.
Learn & Share: Exchange tips, tricks, and locations for targeting stripers.
Stay Informed: Discuss the latest Fish & Wildlife regulations and updates.
Enjoy Great Food & Drinks: Oso Moody’s BBQ will be serving freshly smoked pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, paired with beers and wines (optional food & drink ticket available for $30).
Plan Future Adventures: Help us organize group fishing trips and events.
Shape Our Inventory: Share your input on the products and gear you'd like to see in the shop.
Cost & Registration:
Free Admission: The meetup is free to attend, but prior registration is required.
Optional Food & Drink Ticket: For $30, enjoy a delicious BBQ meal and drinks.
Join us as we celebrate the sport of fishing, share knowledge, and build a stronger angling community. Together, we can make every cast more rewarding!
Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!
What's New on the Website?
Targeting Stripers from the Bank
Stripers demand strong, versatile gear. These setups will help anglers cast far and fight hard.
🎁 Good Bank Fishing Setup:
Rod: Daiwa VIP Saltwater Rod – A durable, multi-purpose rod perfect for stripers.
Reel: Shimano Cardiff A Casting Reel – Smooth, strong, and dependable for long battles.
🎁 Great Bank Fishing Setup:
Rod: Phenix M1 Inshore Casting Rod – Lightweight, responsive, and powerful for serious anglers.
Reel: Daiwa Lexa Casting Reel – High-capacity and smooth performance for heavy-duty fishing.
Crabbing Essentials
🎁 Must-Have Gear:
Rod: Okuma Crab Snare Rod – Designed for crabbing, with strength and flexibility.
Reel: Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel – Perfect for surf casting crab snares.
Crab Snares: Promar Weighted Crab Snare – Essential for catching Dungeness and rock crabs.
🎁 Ready to shop? Check out these items and more at Sweeney’s Sports.
Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
Lake Berryessa
Bank/Cove Fishing
Trout:
• Large Minnows Under Bobber: Set 5-8 feet down with a bobber stopper. This approach is great for catching large trout.
• Blown-Up Worms: Suspend worms 4 feet off the bottom by inflating them with air. A fun and effective method.
• Sliding Rig: Use a large minnow on a sliding rig, paired with a 3-foot leader, for action off the bottom.
Catfish:
• Chicken Liver Free-Spool: Marinate the liver (garlic works wonders) and tie it with magic thread to let it free fall through the water column.
• High/Low Rigs: Combine worms or liver on hooks for smaller cats.
• Sliding Rig with Large Minnow: Double your chances of catching big cats and trout.
Trolling
Downriggers:
• Fish up to 95 feet deep and target bait balls near the dam or island areas.
• Maintain speeds of 2.7-3.1 mph with 80-100 ft backsets.
• Lures: Speedy Shiners, Tbone Tackle Spoons, and UV Optimizer Juniors in varied colors (orange, green, black).
LeadCore Lines:
• Use 25-50 ft leaders and let out 2-2.5 colors of lead core for top 20-foot depths.
• Maintain the same trolling speed of 2.7-3.1 mph.
• Lures: Rapalas, Speedy Shiners, and Optimizer Juniors.
Napa River
Stripers in Numbers: Striped bass are abundant in the system, and timing your trip with the tides is crucial.
Bank Fishing
• Use live bait like ghost or grass shrimp. Anchovies or sardines cut bait is another great option.
• Time on the water is key – patience rewards those who persist.
Boat Fishing
• Trolling: Use Wild Things or Rattle Traps at 3-3.5 mph. Target depths of 8-10 feet and let your deep-diver lures bump the bottom.
• During incoming tides, concentrate on main channels and slough mouths; on outgoing tides, venture deeper into the sloughs.
• Drifting Minnows: Pair with cannonball weights (2-4 oz) for effective results, transitioning between sloughs and the main channel.
Pro Tips for Both Locations
1 Color Matters: Experiment with lure colors during the early hours. Once you identify a productive shade, switch all lures to that color.
2 Tide Strategy for Napa River: Adjust your trolling speed based on tide direction. Against the tide often yields bigger catches.
3 Lure Scenting: Enhance your presentation with scents like sturgeon frenzy or sardine oils.
Make the most of this early season bite, and happy fishing!
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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