Steelhead Fishing Tips, New BNR Tackle & Club Meeting on the 30th
Today we are covering:
How to Rig Soft Beads for Steelhead: Tips from Fishing Guide Robbie George
Fishing Club Meeting on October 30th - 6pm-8:30pm
Catch Of The Month Contest
Live Bait Update
How to Rig Soft Beads for Steelhead: Tips from Fishing Guide Robbie George
Steelhead fishing is on our minds at Sweeney's Sports, and we're getting serious about having the right tackle for it.
For years, we've carried bits and pieces of steelhead gear, but we never had a dedicated selection that we were really proud of. That's changing. We've just brought in a new lineup of BNR Tackle, including soft beads, egg patterns, worms, jigs, floats, and other steelhead essentials.
To help us introduce the gear and explain how to use it, I invited our good friend and experienced Northern California fishing guide, Robbie George of The Bend Company, to the shop.
And since Robbie was here, I figured we'd put his knowledge to work.
Why Soft Beads Work for Steelhead
When salmon spawn, some of their eggs get carried downstream by the current. Steelhead and trout naturally feed on those drifting eggs, which is exactly what soft beads are designed to imitate.
BNR Tackle offers a wide variety of sizes and colors, from natural egg patterns to mottled and brightly colored attractor patterns.
One of the big advantages Robbie pointed out is their neutral buoyancy. Rather than immediately sinking to the bottom, these soft eggs are designed to drift naturally with the current, helping create a convincing presentation.
They also come with pre-made holes and T-stops, making them relatively easy to rig and change when conditions call for a different color or size.
How to Rig BNR Soft Beads for Steelhead
Robbie walked us through the entire process, right at the counter.
Here's the basic setup he demonstrated:
Start with your leader. Robbie used 15-pound monofilament for the demonstration, although he typically recommends 8–15 pounds depending on water clarity, fish size, and location.
Install the T-stop. Thread the leader through the included T-stop tool and pull the stop onto your line.
Tie on your hook. Robbie demonstrated with a size 4 circle hook and a clinch knot.
Slide on the soft bead. Feed the bead down the leader and seat the T-stop into the bead's pre-made hole.
Position the bead. Robbie prefers approximately two finger-widths between the egg and the hook, where permitted by local regulations.
Complete the float rig. Attach the leader to your main line and add the appropriate weight and float for the water you're fishing.
One feature I particularly liked was how easily you can change bead colors or sizes. You can reuse the T-stop rather than rebuild the entire setup every time.
Robbie's Steelhead Rod, Reel, and Line Recommendations
After learning how to rig the beads, I wanted to know what Robbie actually uses on the water.
For his conventional steelhead setup, he recommends:
Rod: An 8'6" Daiwa North Coast steelhead spinning rod
Reel: 3500–4000 size spinning reel
Main line: 50-pound braided line
Leader: Approximately 10–15-pound monofilament for his typical coastal setup
Now, the 50-pound braid caught me by surprise.
I asked Robbie why he'd use such heavy main line for steelhead, particularly when the leader is much lighter.
His answer was about line control.
Robbie explained that heavier braid helps him manipulate and mend the line while float fishing. This allows him to control the float's movement and keep his bait drifting naturally through productive water.
It's an interesting technique and a good example of why getting advice from someone who regularly fishes these rivers can make a difference. It's Robbie's preferred approach, not a universal requirement for every steelhead setup.
Come See Our New Steelhead Tackle Selection
Whether you're putting together your first float fishing setup, experimenting with soft beads, or looking for a new rod and reel, stop by the shop. We can help you select tackle, match your line and leader, and get your rig ready.
And if you'd rather learn directly from Robbie on the water, you can find him through The Bend Company Fly Fishing.
A big thank-you to Robbie for sharing his knowledge and helping us bring more steelhead fishing expertise to Sweeney's.
Tight lines!
Mr. Sweeney's
(707) 255-5544
Before fishing, check the current regulations for your specific river, including seasonal closures, gear restrictions, and California steelhead report card requirements.
Napa Fishing Club: Sturgeon & Striped Bass Fishing — October 30
Join us for the next Napa Fishing Club meeting on Friday, October 30, from 6:00–8:30 PM at Sweeney’s Sports!
This month, we're diving into two of the Napa River's most exciting game fish: sturgeon and striped bass!
Pizza and drinks are included!
📅 Friday, October 30 | 6:00–8:30 PM
Sweeney's Sports – Heritage Suites
835 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA
Admission:
Napa Fishing Club members: FREE
Non-members: $15 per person
Not a member yet? Join the club at the meeting and attend for free!
The Napa Fishing Club is all about bringing our fishing community together, sharing knowledge, and helping the next generation discover fishing.
See you October 30!
Catch Of The Month Contest
Want to be our next Catch of the Month winner? Entering is easy:
Share a photo of your catch on Instagram.
@sweeneys_sports in your post or Tag story.
At the end of the month, finalists will be featured in our Instagram Stories for the community to vote.
If you’re the winner, don’t forget to stop by Sweeney’s Sports to pick up your prize!
The winner receives a $30 Sweeney’s Sports gift card and a feature on our social media.
Keep fishing, keep sharing, and send us your best catch for a chance to win next month!
Live Bait Update
Available this week:
Pile worms
Grass Shrimp (Likely available starting Friday)
Medium Minnows
And if you're not sure what to run—stop by the shop and let’s talk strategy.
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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