How To Use Live Bait for Striper, Crappie, and Sturgeon in Napa and Lake Country Waters
- alexosen
- May 22
- 4 min read
Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
Live Bait Fishing Techniques
Trade Your Gear on Fridays at Sweeney’s!
Fly Fishing News
Live Bait Update
How to Use Live Bait
Firstly, we are super excited to finally get our hands on LIVE GRASS SHRIMP for you. Your weekend just got a lot more interesting!
Whether you're drifting the Napa River for stripers or dropping lines into Lake Berryessa for crappie, few techniques rival the effectiveness of live bait. This guide covers the best live bait options for our local fisheries — including large and medium minnows, pile worms, and live grass shrimp — and how to rig them for optimal success.
🐟 Large Minnows for Striped Bass (Napa River & Lake Berryessa)
Best Use Case: Spring and fall when stripers are on the move. Larger minnows trigger aggressive feeding responses, especially in slightly stained water.
Rigging Method: Sliding Sinker Rig (Carolina Style)
Hook: 1/0 to 3/0 octopus or circle hook
Leader: 18–24 inches of 15–20 lb mono or fluorocarbon
Main Line: 20–30 lb braid
Weight: 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, sliding above a swivel
Pro Tip: Hook the minnow through both lips (upward) for drifting, or through the back behind the dorsal fin for stationary fishing.
🎯 Medium Minnows for Crappie (Lake Berryessa & Lake Hennessey)
Best Use Case: Spring spawn (March–May) when crappie school in shallow cover, or late fall when they group up near submerged structure.
Rigging Method: Slip Bobber Rig
Hook: Size 2 to 6 Aberdeen hook
Bobber Stop: Adjustable for depth control
Leader: 6 lb mono
Split Shot: Pinched about 6 inches above the hook
Pro Tip: Set your bobber to suspend the minnow just above brush piles or sunken trees. Hook the minnow just behind the dorsal for best movement.
🪱Pile Worms for Striper & Sturgeon (Napa River)
Best Use Case: Cooler months or dirty water when scent matters most. Pile worms excel in both active and passive bites from stripers and bottom-dwelling sturgeon.
Rigging Method: 3-Way Swivel Rig
Hook: Size 2 to 1/0 baitholder
Leader: 12–18 inches of 15–25 lb mono
Weight: Sliding Swivel with 2oz-4oz Sinker
Main Line: 30 lb braid or mono
Pro Tip: Thread the worm onto the hook to cover most of the shank, but leave the tail wiggling freely for added action.
🦐 Live Grass Shrimp for Striper & Sturgeon (Napa River)
Best Use Case: Summer through fall when shrimp are naturally abundant in the river. Grass shrimp are a striper favorite and a reliable sturgeon option when other baits fail.
Rigging Method: Snell Rig or Circle Hook with Magic Thread
Hook: Size 1 to 1/0 circle hook
Leader: 18–24 inch fluorocarbon, 15–25 lb
Main Line: 20–30 lb braid
Weight: 1–4 oz sliding sinker or fixed pyramid, depending on current
Pro Tip: Run the hook through the tail or collar (just behind the head) to keep the shrimp lively. Use Magic Thread to secure multiple shrimp or prevent flinging off.
Final Thoughts
Live bait fishing isn't just about catching — it’s about matching the hatch and understanding how local fish respond to movement, scent, and presentation. Stock up on fresh minnows, pile worms, and grass shrimp at Sweeney’s Sports, and don’t forget to check with the shop for the latest rigging tips or bite reports.
🎣 Got a question or photo of your best catch? Tag us @Catch_Happy_Outdoors and @Sweeneys_Sports — we love sharing local success stories.
Sweeney’s Second Cast™ – Trade-In Fridays
🎣 Trade Your Gear on Fridays at Sweeney’s!
Welcome to Sweeney’s Second Cast™ — our dedicated day for used gear trade-ins and store credit.
Here’s how it works:
🔁 Bring in your rods, reels, or tackle.
💳 Get store credit.
⏳ Valuations may take a few days — instant trades available only if staff time allows.
Whether you're upgrading or clearing space, we're here to help your gear find a second life.
🗓️ Fridays Only
📍 Sweeney’s Sports, Napa
🕙 11am–6pm — No appointment needed
All gear must be clean and in working condition. Questions? Just ask!
Fly Fishing News
🪶 New Fly Arrivals Just Landed!
Fresh fly shipment is in! Stock up on proven patterns like:
Flashtail Clousers
Poppers
Dry flies
No See Ums
Stoneflies
Leeches
Stimulators
Pat’s Rubber Legs
San Juan Worms
Perfect timing for spring action on the Napa River and local lakes.
🎣 Thomas & Thomas Rods — Now in Stock
Looking to level up your striper game? We just received 8wt, 9wt, and 10wt rods from Thomas & Thomas on consignment. These legendary rods include aluminum tubes and are deeply discounted.
✅ Come test cast our demo $219
🏃♂️ These won’t last—first come, first served!
Live Bait Update
Live Pile Worms
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
Jumbo Minnows
Medium Minnows
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 Wharehouse 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.
