Napa Outdoor Digest - February 9th, 2023

• Shop Updates

• Fishing Report

• Ryan says "Hello"

• We are Hiring

Shop updates

How far does a $20 bill go these days? Unfortunately, not as far as it used to. Inflation took a big bite out of our spending power over the last couple of years, but today is a new day.

We are rolling out the "Everything $20" display and stretching your dollar further.

Right now the display is packed with duck hunting gear closeouts. Items that would typically set you back $30-$80 are all priced at $20.

We'll continue to add deeply discounted merchandise to the display as items sell. Check out the $20 display the next time you are in the shop. You are sure to find some serious bargains there.

Speaking of bargains, the Gun Shop team is still running a 15% Off sale on all in-stock 6.5mm Creedmoor rifles. Here are just of the models on sale:

• Christensen Arms Ridgeline and Mesa

• Browning X-Bolt and X-Blot Pro

• Weatherby Mark V, Weather Mark, Midnight

Call the shop for details: 707-255-5544

In a market for a new gun safe? We are now stocking Surelock safes in the shop.

• Surelock Cadet 12 Gun Bronze Bevel - $899

• Surelock Cadet 18 Gun Bronze Bevel - $1199

• Surelock Cascade 24 Gun $999

Home/Business delivery is available.

We also just received a variety of gun box safes, including biometric products. Stop by the shop to see the full selection.

The Striper and Crappie bite is getting hot and we have just the ticket for you.

Medium and X-Large are available. We should have enough to last through the weekend.

Mediums - $7.99 Per Dozen

X-Large - $19.99 Per Dozen

Napa River Fishing Report

Napa River water has cleared up over the past week and we are getting reports of stripers being caught on cut anchovies and live bait like minnows, as well as split tails if you can find them.

We went out sturgeon fishing on Tuesday and marked a good concentration of them in the main channel, but couldn't get them to bite. We moved around between the rail bridge and the 37 highway bridge, finding flocks of them. Each time we anchored up and threw everything we had at them: Eel, ghost shrimp, grass shrimp, worms, in every imaginable combination. All we had to show for it was a couple of lazy bites. There were 4-5 other boats sturgeon fishing at a time and we didn't see anyone getting a solid hookup.

The water is still on the cool side, around 40 degrees. As the warmer, sunny days are rolling in the Sturgeon bite should start progressing as the water continues to warm up. Move around until you find them, once you find them sit on them and see if you can get them to bite. The Sturgeon bite will snap any day now. Perhaps this weekend? Let us know if you are able to get one in the boat.

The unintended consequence of getting skunked on Sturgeon was picking up a few Stripers on the sturgeon rigs, as a bi-catch. Anytime we had the Ghost shrimp baited the stripers went after it with gusto.

If you are going after the stripers on the river, live bait can work really well in the sloughs or the cuts by the ponds where water rushes in and out. Try cured ghost shrimp for bait fishing. It worked really well for us. Rattle traps and swim baits are always the next best option. It’s almost springtime and the Stripers are going to start moving up the river to spawn. Cover lots of water until you find them in schools.

Lake Berryessa Fishing Report

Lake Berryessa water has cleared up quite a bit and anglers fishing for bass are doing really well. Drop shotting and anything finesse works. Bass should start pushing up on beds here soon as spring comes around the corner. The trout action seems to be quite slow still. Move around to find the bait balls, if you are fishing the surface do 100-foot setbacks. If you’re using down riggers chasing the marks keep your setbacks to 45 to 50 feet. Troll speedy shiners and any kind of spoon or rapala.

All the surrounding lakes are doing really well for trout like new Melones and Lake Comanche.

Are you catching fish? Share your picture for a chance to win a $50 gift card. It's super simple. Just email your pic to team@sweeneyssports.com. We'll publish your catch on this blog and in our newsletter. Good luck!

Fly Fishing Report

Putah Creek flows are at 70 CFS. Voluntary closure is in effect to protect spawning reds.

We are bringing back our fly fishing classes. The first class will be held on March 18th, from 9 am to 12 pm, here at the shop.

Learn rigging techniques, rod setup, knot tying, and casting mechanics. The goal of the class is to set you up for a successful day on the water.

Instructor: Jose Rubio

More info to follow.

Hunting Varmints in Arizona

Ryan says hello from Arizona where he is hunting varmints with his CZ 527 chambered in 22 Hornet topped with a Leupold VX-3.

Great combination for chasing these desert varmints. We carry these above products in the shop. Come on in and talk with one of our firearms consultants.

Good hunting, Ryan.

We are Hiring

Do you love fishing? Do you like sharing your expertise and advice to help other people be successful on the water?

If the answer is yes to both, please consider joining the legendary Sweeney's Sports team. We are looking to hire a part-time fishing expert to work weekdays, 9-6, Mon-Thur with some flexibility.

Make extra money, get great discounts on products you love, and have fun at work. Please click here to apply.