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,”

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.

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

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

Whether you're drifting the Napa River for stripers or dropping lines into Lake Berryessa for crappie,

We just published a full breakdown of how the Golden Mussel invasion is affecting boat launches across Northern California.Sacramento River—and don’t want to spend more than $150

If you're chasing striped bass this spring from the banks of the Napa River, San Francisco Bay, or the Sacramento River—and don’t want to spend more than $150

The countdown is on! 🌸 Join us for the Spring Festival at Sweeney’s Sports on Saturday, May 3rd — here’s why you don’t want to miss it:

Running a small retail business like mine takes everything you’ve got. Over the years, I’ve focused on creating strong relationships with our community, curating gear that fits real fishing needsof grit.

Striped Bass Action from the Shore: Shore anglers are enjoying a strong bite right now. The top-producing baits include anchovies, pile w

If you're looking to target Striped Bass on the Napa River, trolling is one of the most effective methods to cover water and find fish.