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You are Invited to Spring Festival - May 3rd, 2025


Hello friends,

 

In this edition, we'll be covering:


  • What's New in the Shop

  • Spring Festival - You are Invited!

  • Napa River Fishing Report

  • Live Bait Update


What's New in the Shop? 


Okuma Cavalla 2-Speed 


The Cavalla 2-Speed Lever Drag Reels are a compact-bodied machine built to handle the toughest of conditions. This reel is built with 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame and side plates. The rigid 1 piece frame continues around to the non-handle side plate. This rigid frame combined with a cold forged, type-II anodized machined aluminum spool gives you a sleek and rugged weapon.


Berkley Fusion 19 Hooks 

The Berkley Fusion19 hooks aren't just one type of hook – it's a comprehensive series built to cover a wide range of fishing techniques and target species. From finesse presentations to heavy-duty applications, there's a Fusion19 hook designed for the job. But what unites them all is a commitment to sharpness, strength, and a black finish that offers enhanced corrosion resistance.



Pflueger President Spinning Reel 


The Pflueger President continues to be "The Smart Choice" in performance and value. The President features a lightweight graphite body and rotor, an aluminum braid-ready spool, and an aluminum handle with a soft touch handle knob. Smooth and reliable performance is driven by the 9+1 stainless steel bearing system (20 size is 6+1 SS Bearings) and the Total Line Control System which reduces line twists, wind knots and provides exceptional line management for all types of line. 


  • 10 Stainless Steel Bearing System

  • 20 Size is a 7 Stainless Bearing System

  • Lightweight Graphite Body And Rotor

  • Aluminum Braid Ready Spool

  • Total Line Control System-Reduced Line Twists And Wind Knots

  • ​Slow Oscillation

  • Aluminum Handle With Soft Touch Handle Knob


    Costa Sunglasses 


    We are pleased to announce the arrival of a comprehensive line of Costa Sunglasses at our store. For many years, Costa has distinguished itself as an industry leader, particularly within the angling community. Their reputation is built upon a commitment to high-performance eyewear designed to meet the rigorous demands of outdoor environments.

    Costa Sunglasses are engineered to provide exceptional clarity, polarization, and UV protection, crucial factors for individuals who spend extended periods on the water or in bright sunlight. The brand offers a diverse array of frame styles and lens colors, ensuring a tailored fit and optimal visual acuity for various conditions and activities. Whether you require specialized eyewear to enhance your fishing experience by cutting glare and spotting fish, or durable, stylish sunglasses for everyday wear, Costa has a solution.


    We invite you to visit our store to explore the full selection and discover the Costa difference. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting the ideal frame and lens combination to suit your specific needs and preferences. Experience the superior quality and performance that Costa Sunglasses deliver.


Spring Festival at Sweeney's Sports


🌟 Hosted on May 3rd, 10am-5pm, it’s a Celebration of All Things Local & Outdoors


This isn’t just a sale — it’s a full-on celebration of fishing, community, and spring in Napa. Bring your family, bring your fishing buddies, and get ready for a day packed with action, learning, and fun.


🎣 Why Attend the Spring Festival at Sweeney’s Sports?

Whether you're a seasoned angler, weekend warrior, or just curious about the outdoors, the Spring Festival at Sweeney’s is the can't-miss community event of the season!

Here’s why you’ll want to join us:






🛍️ Shop Exclusive Deals You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

We're bringing out storewide discounts, rare super specials, and event-only gear bundles to help you stock up for the season. From freshwater finesse to saltwater strength — we’ve got you covered.


🎟️ Win Big in Our Raffle (Just RSVP!)

Score a chance to take home high-end fishing gear, branded swag, and more. Entry is free — just make sure you RSVP to get your name in the hat!


🎣 Learn, Explore, and Level Up Your Skills

Enjoy free classes and live demos throughout the day. Our experts and brand partners will be sharing hands-on tips, rigging tricks, casting techniques, and local knowledge to help you fish smarter.


🍻 Hang Out, Eat Up, and Soak in the Vibes

We’ll have delicious food, cold drinks, and good music flowing all day. Come meet fellow anglers, talk shop, and enjoy the laid-back, family-friendly vibe Napa’s fishing community is known for.


🤝 Meet the People Behind Your Favorite Brands

Get face-to-face with reps from top outdoor and fishing companies. Ask questions, check out the latest gear, and maybe even test a few things out. It's your chance to connect directly with the folks who make the gear you trust.



Napa River Fishing Report March-April 2025



Current Conditions

  • Water Temperature: 60–62°F, ideal for Striped Bass and Sturgeon activity.

  • Debris Alert: Recent storms have washed debris into the river, making trolling more difficult. Anglers are losing lures, so caution is advised when fishing near the bottom.


Striped Bass Fishing:

  • Bank Fishing:

    • The bite is strong, especially using natural baits like anchovies, pile worms, blood worms, ghost shrimp (live or cured), and live grass shrimp.

    • Anglers using split tail or bullheads as live bait are also seeing success. But you have to catch your own live bait first.

    • Using Large Live Minnows can also be effective.


Need help picking your next bank fishing spot? Jump to our blog post here.

Learn how to bank fish for stripers Here.


  • Boat Fishing:

    • Trolling is working well with deep-diving lures.

    • Speed: 3.8-4.5 MPH water speed. Add 1.5 MPH if moving with the tide, subtract if moving against the tide.

    • Troll Wild Thing deep divers set 100-140 feet behind the boat, and the Spro “Golden Boy” or similar with 100+ feet back set.

    • Striped Bass are holding near the banks, using structure and brush for ambush points. Deep divers create noise and movement, increasing the chance of strikes.



Sturgeon Fishing:

  • High Activity: Multiple Sturgeon were seen caught over the weekend.

  • Best Baits: Roe, pile worms, blood worms, and ghost shrimp.

  • Catch & Release: The Napa River remains a catch-and-release fishery for Sturgeon, but the fight is worth it. These powerful fish provide an exciting challenge for anglers.


Final Thoughts

Fishing conditions are improving as the water warms up. We expect similar conditions to hold through the end of April. Despite debris making lure fishing tricky, Striped Bass are biting well, and Sturgeon activity is high. Whether from the bank or a boat, now is a great time to get out and fish!



Live Bait Update



  • Live Pile Worms

  • Live Blood Worms

  • 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,


  1. Competitive Pricing and Vast Inventory

  2. Ships Fast from our Wharehouse in Sacramento

  3. Buy Online, Return to the Store

  4. 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.

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