Striper Fishing, March Classes, and Spring Clearance Sale
- alexosen
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Hello friends,
In this edition, we'll be covering:
How Trolling for Stripers Work
Lake Berryessa Fishing Meetup - March 14th, 6-9pm
Spring Clearance Sale
Fly Tying Course with David Dempsey
Catch of the Month Contest is On
Live Bait Update
How to Troll For Stripers, Napa River Meetup at Sweeney's Sports
Trolling for striped bass on the Napa River is a dynamic and ever-changing game. Unlike lake fishing, where patterns can hold for weeks, the river demands constant adaptation. Success requires an understanding of depth, lure action, and fish behavior, all while dealing with shifting tides. The key is to keep your lure near the bottom, ideally in the 8- to 10-foot range, where stripers are most likely to strike. A well-chosen lure, like the deep-diving Wild Thing, can be especially effective when it bumps the riverbed, kicking up silt and creating an irresistible commotion for ambushing fish.
When it comes to gear, a quality glass rod—such as those from Phenix XG4 or Okuma Guide Select - offers the right balance of stiffness and flexibility to keep control while trolling at speeds of 3.5 to 4.5 mph. Maintaining momentum is crucial, as stopping can mean losing a bite window. While only one rod per angler is allowed, having multiple anglers on board increases the chances of hooking doubles or even triples. Line length is another critical factor, with at least 80 feet behind the boat being ideal, though staggering different distances can help prevent tangled lines when fish strike.
Tides dictate where and how to fish. On an incoming tide, stripers follow baitfish pushing into the river, congregating in main channels and near the mouths of sloughs. Watching sonar closely helps locate these drop-offs where fish stack up. Stripers push further into the sloughs on an outgoing tide. They typically school up by the cuts that drain shallow pools into the sloughs.
The challenge—and thrill—of trolling here is that conditions constantly change, requiring anglers to read the water, adjust depths, and refine their technique on the fly. Mastering these fundamentals will drastically improve your success on the river, proving that the Napa River is just as rewarding as any high-end fishing destination.
Our Next Lake Berryessa Fishing Meetup is on March 14th
At Sweeney's Sports, we believe fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life. And like any great adventure, it’s best shared with a community of like-minded anglers. Our fishing-themed meetups offer anglers a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the sport we love. Together, we can make every cast more rewarding! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just curious about fishing on Lake Berryessa—or beyond—this event is for you!
Spring Clearance Sale
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Sweeney’s Beginner Fly Tying Course
Learn the Art of Fly Tying from a Local Legend! Creating your own flies isn’t just rewarding—it’s the key to catching more fish! In this 8-week beginner fly tying course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of tying your own patterns, with a focus on entomology, materials, and technique.
About the event
Sweeney’s Beginner Fly Tying Course
Instructor: David Dempsey
Dates: Weekly, March 19 – May 7, 2025
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Sweeney’s Sports, Napa, CA
Price: $225 per student
Class Size: Limited to 10 students (minimum of 6 required)
Catch of the Month Contest
Congrats to Jeffrey for winning the February Catch of the Month contest.
What a beast!
For March, share 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 on February 28th.
🗓️ Let's make waves together! 🌊
Live Bait Update
Live Pile Worms
Live Blood Worms
Fresh Frozen Ghost Shrimp
Large Minnows (effective for trout/striper/catfish)
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.
Comentários