Running a Tackle Shop in February Sucks
- alexosen
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Today we are covering:
Waiting for March (But Not Sitting Idle)
Catch Of The Month Contest
Live Bait Update
Give Your Old Gear a Second Cast
Waiting for March (But Prepping for Stripers Now)
Hey guys, Mr. Sweeney here at Sweeney’s Sports.
Let me tell you something no tackle shop owner wants to admit:
Running a tackle shop in February sucks.
I haven’t gone fishing in four weeks. Not because I couldn’t. Just life, business, winter mode. And despite what you’re seeing online, this isn’t some magical “best time of year” bite. The fishing is… okay. You might grind out one or two. But it’s cold. It’s slow. And most people are focused on everything except fishing right now.
Sometimes two or three hours go by in the shop without a single customer.
That’s the reality.
What Winter Really Looks Like
It costs about $600 a day to keep this place open - payroll, rent, utilities, software, everything.
Yesterday we made $200.
That’s not a complaint. That’s our winter reality.
To survive winter in retail, you get creative:
Bring in new product
Optimize backend operations
Tighten expenses
Prep for spring
We just received big shipments for Pure Fishing and P-Line. Spring is coming. We’re preparing for it.
How You Can Help (If You Want To)
If you’re local - stop by and say hello. Buy anchovies. Grab a new rod. Talk fishing.
If you’re not local:
👉 Visit ShopSweeneys.com for gear
👉 Check out CatchHappy.co for curated striper setups
👉 Grab a few Wild Things and get ready for March
Every little bit helps more than you know.
Salmon Season Update Coming
I’m attending dinner with the Striped Bass Association this week and sitting next to Vance Staplin, the new president of the Salmon Association.
My goal? Get real information on what kind of salmon season we’re about to have.
There are a lot of fish returning - that’s good news. Whether we get a few days, a month, or a full season… that’s still unfolding.
I’ll report back in the next update.
Big Announcement Mid-March
We’re making some layout changes in the shop.
And there’s a big announcement coming mid-March.
Something that we believe will help us not just survive - but maybe even thrive in this space.
Until then:
Go fishing!
We’ll see you in the shop, online, or in the next video.
— Mr. Sweeney
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! 🏅.
If you’d like to participate, it’s simple:
Share a photo of your catch to your Instagram stories
Tag @sweeneys_sports
Each entry gives you a chance to be featured and win a $30 gift card.
A big thank you to everyone who submitted this month - we truly appreciate your participation and can’t wait to see what you reel in next. Keep the photos coming! 🎣
Live Bait Update
We’re stocked up on fresh live bait and ready for the current river and lake conditions.
Currently Available:
Live Minnows
Medium
XL
Jumbo
Pile Worms
Frozen Section
Frozen Roe (Tips and Curing Recipe Here)
Cure Ghost Shrimp (Excellent for Sturgeon and Striper)
Tray and Bag Anchovies
Minnows have been producing well for Napa River stripers and Lake Berryessa trout and catfish, while Roe and Cured Ghost Shrip continue to be a go-to option for bank fishing for sturgeon and striper.
Availability can change quickly, so if you’re planning a trip, swing by early or give us a call to make sure we’ve got exactly what you need.
Give Your Old Gear a Second Cast
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 Used Gear Buy Back Program.
Whether you’re upgrading your setup, cleaning out the garage, or just want to trade unused gear for something new, we make it easy.
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 toward new equipment.
It’s a win-win — clear some space, get fair value, and help give good gear a second life with another angler. Stop by Sweeney’s Sports, Napa today and find out what your old rods and reels are worth!
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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