Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
What's on Sale in the Shop?
Striper and Trout Meetup Updates
Live Bait Update
How to Fish for Winter Trout
Buy Online Get Free Line at www.shopsweeneys.com
Lake Berryessa and Napa River Fishing Reports
What is on Sale in the Shop?
 | Okuma Citrix Ci-364a Casting Reel RH Regular Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $150.00 |
 | Galvan Rush LT 8 Black Regular Price: $370.00 Sale Price: $300.00 |
 | Simm's Daymaker Landing Net - Medium Black Regular price: $199.95 Sale price: $170.00 |
ALL WATERFOWL GEAR 30% OFF
Striped Bass Meetup - Friday, January 24th, 6 PM - 9 PM
1 spot remaining. Waitlist after.
Our goal and hope is to bring the fishing community together to collectively improve our craft and increase the enjoyment of our hobby. We'll hear experts presenting interesting striper fishing ideas, review fishing products, and socialize around Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches and drinks.
Learn from each other sharing insights and techniques for Striped Bass 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.
If registrations exceed 20, we'll add your name to the waiting list—there’s always a chance of cancellations. We’ll contact you closer to the date to confirm attendance and optional food/drink tickets.
Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Trout Meetup - Friday, February 7th, 6 PM - 9 PM
20 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 (Available starting Friday, Jan 17th after 10 am)
Pile Worms
Blood Worms
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
Medium Minnows
How to Fish for Winter Trout
Here is our detailed how-to video for Lake Berryessa.
A Successful Day Trolling at Lake Berryessa
Welcome back, anglers! Today’s adventure started off at the beautiful Markley Cove at Lake Berryessa. We started early, casting live minnows under bobbers at 4-foot depths—simple yet satisfying. Once the sun rose, it was all about trolling with precision.
Trolling Setup
Downriggers: Set at 6-15 feet depth, going down to 60 occasionally to target bait balls.
Lead Core Lines: Paired with planer boards for spread, fishing 10-15 feet deep.
Key Lures: T-Bone Tackle in green and orange proved to be the stars of the day.
Catch Highlights
Despite scattered fish activity, we reeled in beautiful rainbows by experimenting with depths, colors, and setups. The lead core with planer boards consistently delivered, and a flasher setup with a kokanee-style leader tipped with red worms also worked well.
Key Takeaways
Experiment with colors: Green and orange dominated today.
Be patient and precise with setups, especially when using planer boards.
Fish were spread out, requiring us to adapt and move frequently.
Lake Berryessa delivered yet another memorable day! Whether you're trolling or casting, it’s all about finding the right pattern. Thanks for joining us—see you at Sweeney’s Sports or in our next video. Tight lines! 🎣
If you are looking for the setups we used in this video, please see below.
Buy Online, Get Free Line
Support your local shop through the tough winter. You scratch our back and buy a full setup on our website (Rod+Reel), we'll scratch your back and spool it up with a monofilament fishing line for FREE.
Downrigger Rod and Reel Setup
Rod - Click Here
Reel - Click Here
Leadcore Rod and Reel Setup
Rod - Click Here
Reel - Click Here
Planer Boards - Click Here
Leadcore Line - Click Here
Bring your setup and proof of purchase to the shop and we'll spool it up with a monofilament line.
Winter Trout Trolling Lures
Grab greens, oranges, fire tigers, and some silver/gold.
If you don't love your purchase from www.shopsweeneys.com, bring it back to the shop for a full refund or exchange.
Lakey Berryessa Fishing Report
The lake has flipped, and the trout bite is red hot in the top 15 feet of water! The colder water temperatures mean trout are active and prefer a faster presentation. Here’s what you need to know:
Bank Fishing Tips
Cast and retrieve lures like Cast Masters or similar spoons at a steady, fast pace.
For bait fishing:
Use live large minnows under a bobber, set 4-6 feet deep.
Blow up a worm and suspend it on a bottom rig with a 5-6 ft, 6 lb test leader for great results.
Trolling Tips
Leadcore line with planer boards is the top method right now.
Attach a 25 ft, 10 lb fluorocarbon leader to your leadcore line.
Let out 2 colors (leader + 60 ft), clip the planer board, and troll at 2.7-3.2 mph.
Use lures like green or orange T-Bone, Speedy Shiners, or Optimizer Junior.
Trout are spread out across the lake but hungry. This type of bite is expected to last through March or longer.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for detailed instructions and adventure trips.
Napa River Fishing Report
Anglers are reporting boat and bank limits on Striped Bass, making this an ideal time to get out there.
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:
Blood worms, pile worms, and tray anchovies are top options.
I caught this striper on cut anchovy fishing the outgoing tide after work for a couple of hours.
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.
Lure Fishing Tips
Cast rattle traps and swimbaits in various colors for best results.
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.
Comentarios