He came in after watching a YouTube video on striper fishing the Napa River, carrying what he lovingly described as a “pretty old POS rod,”

We brought along an underwater camera and one of the newest snares we’ve been testing at the shop: the Glider Snare

So today, Axel Tackle and I decided to test how much weight Mr. Sweeney’s Leader could actually withstand in a controlled (but pretty wild) setup.

This morning, we launched with a simple goal: Test the three most effective striper techniques - trolling, casting, and live bait - and see which one produces the best fish.

I start with scaling the fish. The skin is perfectly edible, delicious, and full of nutrients. I don't want to waste it.

The combination of the skirt, the split-tail trailer, the color contrast, the deep rattle, and that bill-driven dive gives stripers exactly what they’re looking for.

“In low-light conditions, darker flies with a bigger silhouette stand out best. Once the sun’s up, lighter colors like white over chartreuse produce more bites. If it doesn’t have chartreuse, it’s of no use.”

Fishing from the bank can be both a relaxing and rewarding experience, especially when targeting striped bass.

When you’re fishing from the bank, distance matters.You’re not dropping your bait right off the boat — you’re launching it toward mid-channel.That’s why an 8 to 9-foot rod is the sweet spot.

The Golden Boy Aruku Shad series has quietly become a local legend among anglers who know how to put stripers in the boat when others are left guessing.

We’ve all been there — your favorite rod loses a guide insert, and suddenly your line frays every time you cast. Usually, that means retiring the rod altogether.

Striper season is here, and it’s time to hit the bank! Whether you’re fishing the Napa River or your favorite local spot, this is the perfect time to gear up, hang out, and hook into some hard-fighting stripers.

There’s something satisfying about improving your fishing setup — especially when the result makes life on the water that much smoother.

Trolling for striped bass is one of the most effective—and exciting—ways to target these powerful fish across rivers, bays, and coastal waters.

Each week, our team finds videos that inspire us, teach us something new, or just flat-out make us want to grab a rod and hit the water. 

Targeting structure from his kayak and using a steady retrieve with triple-jerks—just like bass fishing.  

If you’ve ever wanted to fish more lines with fewer downriggers, the Chamberlain stacker is your best friend. With just two downriggers, you can run four rods effectively, covering different depths and maximizing your odds of landing fish.  

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 growing Used Gear Buy Back Program.

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 growing Used Gear Buy Back Program.

Alex and the Catch Happy crew turned a freshly caught Lake Berryessa king salmon into an unforgettable dinner - and you can, too!