Behind the Tank: Live Bait Operations at Sweeney’s Sports
- alexosen
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Behind the tank: : The Grass Shrimp Story at Sweeney’s Sports
2nd Annual Striper Meetup at Sweeney's Sports
Live Bait Update
Give Your Gear a Second Cast
Catch of the Month Contest
Behind the Tank: The Grass Shrimp Story at Sweeney’s Sports
If you’ve ever bought grass shrimp for fishing, you know they’re one of the best baits around—irresistible to striped bass, sturgeon, and even catfish at Lake Berryessa. But what you might not know is just how much work goes into getting those shrimp from the water to your hook.
At Sweeney’s Sports in Napa, we take pride in running a full live bait operation, and grass shrimp are by far the most challenging bait we deal with. Here’s a look behind the curtain.
The Pickup in Petaluma
It all starts with a call from Kenny, our grass shrimp guy in Petaluma. Once he’s got a batch ready, we hit the road. By the time we’re on the highway with aerated coolers in the back, the clock is ticking—the shrimp are sensitive and need the right conditions to survive the trip.
We fill the transport cooler with river water to match the environment they came from. Each setup has aerator cords running to the truck’s power supply, keeping the water oxygenated and cool. Temperature is everything: in the morning that same water might be 52–53 degrees, so we do everything we can to avoid shocking the shrimp.
Salinity & Temperature Control
Back at the shop, the work really begins. We transfer the shrimp from the transport cooler to our blue bait tanks scooping one small batch at a time, but only after carefully matching salinity and temperature. Even a small mismatch can kill them fast.
We use a salinity reader to dial it in, and we’re careful not to throw ice directly into the tank. Instead, we adjust things slowly so the shrimp don’t go into shock. After a lot of trial and error, we’ve got the process dialed—but it still takes precision every single time.
Daily Culling
Even with all that effort, there’s still morning work to do. Each day we spend 20–30 minutes “culling”—scooping out dead shrimp with a net. Why? Because when one dies, it releases chemicals into the water that can quickly wipe out the rest of the tank.
This step is critical to keeping them alive and healthy. It’s also one of the hidden costs that makes grass shrimp more expensive than other baits.
Why the Price?
Between gas for the Petaluma runs, saltwater, aerators, tanks, and the daily labor, the costs add up.
Do you have an idea how much a buck of salt cost? Check it out, you'd be in shock too :) We need a lot of salt to keep our tank's salinity just right.
It’s not a sob story—it’s just the reality of live bait operations.
So, when you see the price on a bag of grass shrimp, you’re really paying for the behind-the-scenes work that makes sure they’re alive, kicking, and ready for your fishing trip.
The Payoff
Once you hit the water, it’s all worth it. Grass shrimp are deadly for stripers and sturgeon in the Napa River, and even catfish at Berryessa. As one customer told us, “I slay catfish at Berryessa with grass shrimp.”
From live minnows to ghost shrimp, and pile worms, every bait we sell has its own process—but grass shrimp take the crown for being both the hardest to keep alive and the most effective on the water.
Live Bait Operations at Sweeney’s
That’s why we call it Live Bait Operations—because it’s more than just selling bait. It’s about sourcing, transporting, and caring for delicate species so that when you walk in, you’ve got the best shot at catching fish.
So next time you swing by Sweeney’s and grab a bag of grass shrimp, you’ll know the story behind them—and the effort that went into keeping them ready for your next big catch.
2nd Annual Striper Meetup at Sweeney’s Sports
At Sweeney’s Sports, fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Join us as we kick off Napa River striper season with our 2nd Annual Striper Meetup!
Meet and swap stories with fellow anglers, get insider tips from the pros, explore the latest striper gear, and take advantage of exclusive in-store specials.
And if you’re hungry, stick around for our optional pulled pork sandwiches and refreshing drinks—perfect fuel for a day of fishing talk.
About the event
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!
📅 Date: September 12, 2025
Location: Sweeney’s Sports, Napa
Register Now for Free.
Live Bait Update
In-Stock
Medium Minnows
XL Minnows
Grass Shrimp
Pile worms
Give Your Gear a Second Cast
Got old rods, reels, or tackle sitting around collecting dust? It's time to give your gear a second cast — and get rewarded in the process.
At Sweeney’s Sports in Napa, we’re now offering cash or store credit when you bring in your quality used fishing equipment as part of our growing Used Gear Buy Back Program. Whether you’re upgrading your setup, cleaning out the garage, or just want to trade unused gear for something fresh, we make it easy.
Why Trade In?
Get Cash or Store Credit — your choice. Store credit gets you the best value, but we’re happy to pay cash for eligible gear.
Support Local Anglers — your used gear gets a new life in the hands of someone who’ll actually use it.
Help the Planet — reduce waste and keep great equipment in circulation instead of the landfill.
Make Room for What’s Next — clear out old gear and get ready for your next big catch.
What We’re Looking For
We’re buying rods, reels, tackle, fly gear, and select accessories that are in good working condition. Think quality over quantity — if it’s something you’d still fish with, chances are someone else would too.
How It Works
Bring your gear to the shop – anytime we’re open.
We’ll inspect it within a few days and give you a no-pressure offer.
You choose cash or store credit
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it helps build a stronger fishing community.
Bonus: Trade-In Fridays
Want the best deals? Swing by on Trade-In Fridays — our new drop-in days where you can bring gear, hang out with fellow anglers, and score exclusive trade-in bonus.
Catch Of The Month Contest
Win a $30 gift card!
Show us your most impressive fishing moment by tagging @sweeneys_sports in your Instagram post or story. The grand prize? A $30 gift card and a feature on our social networks! 🏅.
📸 Cast your entry by sharing your photo and get ready to be a part of our winner's circle .
Let's make waves together! 🌊
P.S. We’re excited to announce the launch of ShopSweeneys.com!
Why shop on https://www.shopsweeneys.com/? Besides supporting your local shop,
Competitive Pricing and Vast Inventory
Ships Fast from our Warehouse in Sacramento
Buy Online, Return to the Store
Free Shipping for Orders Over $50 (some restrictions apply)
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.
