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Bringing Anglers Together: The Napa Fishing Club Begins
That spirit is what’s driving us to launch the Napa Fishing Club - a place where local anglers can connect, sharpen their skills, advocate for our fisheries,
alexosen
2 days ago1 min read


February Is Brutal for a Tackle Shop
February isn’t lights-out striper fishing.
It’s grind fishing. You might scratch out one or two. But it’s not wide open. And that’s okay.
alexosen
Feb 132 min read


Bag vs. Tray Anchovies: Which One Actually Gets Bit?
When you’re soaking bait for stripers or catfish, the bait isn’t doing any of the work for you - the scent is.
alexosen
Feb 53 min read


Help Us Stock the Right Gear For You at CatchHappy.co
I’m heading to an upcoming tradeshow with hundreds of outdoor and fishing brands represented - and I want your input before I go.
alexosen
Jan 291 min read


Napa River Winter Striper & Sturgeon Fishing Report
Reports from up and down the river have been encouraging, with stripers consistently showing and sturgeon anglers seeing steady activity. Here’s what’s working right now and conversations are back shortly.
alexosen
Jan 226 min read


A Working Week at the Shop
Weeks like this help keep the advice grounded and the recommendations real. Regular fishing content, reports, and conversations are back shortly.
alexosen
Jan 151 min read


The Perfect Winter Fishing Window Is Here
Winter fishing has a reputation problem. But every year, there’s a moment when everything lines up - and right now is one of those moments.
alexosen
Jan 82 min read


A Winter Shop Talk Fishing Report on Stripers and Largemouth Bass
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,”
alexosen
Dec 31, 20253 min read


We Used an Underwater Camera to Test a New Crab Snare
We brought along an underwater camera and one of the newest snares we’ve been testing at the shop: the Glider Snare
alexosen
Dec 19, 20252 min read


We Tested Mr. Sweeney’s Leader to the Breaking Point - Here’s What Happened
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.
alexosen
Dec 11, 20252 min read


3 Proven Ways to Catch Stripers: Trolling, Casting & Live Bait (Napa River Adventure)
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.
alexosen
Dec 4, 20253 min read


How to Catch & Cook Striped Bass (River-to-Table Napa Style)
I start with scaling the fish. The skin is perfectly edible, delicious, and full of nutrients. I don't want to waste it.
alexosen
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Why Wild Thing Lures Are So Effective for Catching Stripers
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.
alexosen
Nov 12, 20254 min read


How to Catch Stripers on the Fly - with Maury Hatch
“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.”
alexosen
Nov 1, 20252 min read


Mastering the Art of Bank Fishing for Striped Bass: A Beginner's Guide
Fishing from the bank can be both a relaxing and rewarding experience, especially when targeting striped bass.
alexosen
Oct 30, 20253 min read


How to Pick a Bank Fishing Rod for Striper Under $100
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.
alexosen
Oct 26, 20253 min read


The Gold Standard on the Water
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.
alexosen
Oct 24, 20253 min read


Fishing Live Minnows and 3D Printing Fishing Gear
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.
alexosen
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Striper Fishing Season is Here
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.
alexosen
Oct 9, 20252 min read


We Installed a Minn Kota Ulterra on Our North River, Kept the Anchor — Then Went Fishing!
There’s something satisfying about improving your fishing setup — especially when the result makes life on the water that much smoother.
alexosen
Oct 5, 20253 min read
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