It seems as though a bunch of hunters are excited about trying out the new Benelli Vinci up at Black Point Sports Club on Saturday, August 8th - we've already received a bunch of signups through the website and in the shops. With the logistics of moving shooters through a 25 round of the Sporting Clays course and the number of Benellis which the Factory Rep will be bringing, there is a limit to the number of slots - so if you are interested in attending, don't delay!
You can sign up via our website -
www.westernsportshop.com/benelli
Downloadable signup sheet - Feel free to copy, share and post!
www.westernsportshop.com/anonftp/pub/hunt/benelli_blackpoint2009.pdf
Please note - this is a private event and there will be no "day of" signups. Attendees will be limited to those who have signed up and paid in full before August 8th.
If you missed the earlier announcement, when Benelli brought out their new line of Vinci series shotguns, we had tremendous interest among customers (and staff). This new model incorporates a radically redesigned action system that assures smooth operation in the field. The few we've received so far have normally sold within the first week of putting them on the shelf. But, the question has remained - Where do you try these out?
We're throwing a "hands-on" event at the Black Point Sports Club, which will take place on Saturday, August 8th. The Benelli factory rep will be on hand with the Vinci, plus Benelli's lineup of other models. Attendees will have the opportunity to shoot a 25 shot round at Black Point's Sporting Clays stations (with an option for 50 if you wish), using the Benelli models.
If you attend, you'll have the opportunity to try out the various actions, see for yourself how the recoil reduction systems will help your accuracy and have a chance to ask all the Benelli questions you can come up with. In addition, since you'll be out there enjoying the day, we're arranging for lunch.
Price includes shells, the use of the clays course and the meal - $50 per attendee.
(Please note, attendee’s under the age of 18 must posses a valid California Hunting License and be directly supervised by an adult.)
This event will be limited and spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (and we'll create a waiting list if the number of slots fill up).
Again - To reserve space right now, you can sign up on our website - www.westernsportshop.com/benelli
You will be contacted with specific times and directions before the event.
For more information about Benelli, visit the Benelli USA site.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
August 8 - Save the Date!
One of the most interesting developments to come down the pipe for hunters has been the Benelli Vinci series of shotguns. This new model incorporates a radically redesigned action system that assures smooth operation in the field. The few we've received so far have normally sold within the first week of putting them on the shelf.
But, the question has remained - Where do you try these out?
That's a darned good question. (Even if we asked it ourselves...)
We're just putting the finishing touches on a "hands-on" event at the Black Point Sports Club, which will take place on Saturday, August 8th. The Benelli factory rep will be on hand with the Vinci, plus Benelli's lineup of othe models. Attendees will have the opportunity to shoot a 25 shot round at Black Point's Sporting Clays stations (with an option for 50 if you wish), using the Benelli models.
If you attend, you'll have the opportunity to try out the various actions, see for yourself how the recoil reduction systems will help your accuracy and have a chance to ask all the Benelli questions you can come up with.
In addition, since you'll be out there enjoying the day, we're arranging for lunch.
Now, there will be a moderate charge to cover the costs of shells, the use of the clays course and the meal. We're just finalizing the price and will confirm that this week.
The more important thing is that the facilities limit the number of attendees - we need to know how many people will attend. Spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (and we'll create a waiting list if the number of slots fill up).
To reserve space right now, you can follow this link:
http://www.westernsportshop.com/benelli
Look for updates soon! Don't miss this unique event!
But, the question has remained - Where do you try these out?
That's a darned good question. (Even if we asked it ourselves...)
We're just putting the finishing touches on a "hands-on" event at the Black Point Sports Club, which will take place on Saturday, August 8th. The Benelli factory rep will be on hand with the Vinci, plus Benelli's lineup of othe models. Attendees will have the opportunity to shoot a 25 shot round at Black Point's Sporting Clays stations (with an option for 50 if you wish), using the Benelli models.
If you attend, you'll have the opportunity to try out the various actions, see for yourself how the recoil reduction systems will help your accuracy and have a chance to ask all the Benelli questions you can come up with.
In addition, since you'll be out there enjoying the day, we're arranging for lunch.
Now, there will be a moderate charge to cover the costs of shells, the use of the clays course and the meal. We're just finalizing the price and will confirm that this week.
The more important thing is that the facilities limit the number of attendees - we need to know how many people will attend. Spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (and we'll create a waiting list if the number of slots fill up).
To reserve space right now, you can follow this link:
http://www.westernsportshop.com/benelli
Look for updates soon! Don't miss this unique event!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Father's Day Coupon - Hot Savings!
Just in time for Father's Day, here's a web-only coupon to use in either of our two stores! Special deals on spotting scopes, fillet knives, shooter's glasses and every new book that we have in stock!
Simply follow these easy steps -
1 - Click here - http://westernsportshop.com/coupons/wssweb_062109.pdf
(If that link doesn't work, just copy and paste it into you browser)
2 - Print out your coupon
3 - Bring your coupon to either of our two locations.
4 - Save Big!
Coupons are valid through Sunday, June 21st only, and all items are strictly limited to stock on hand. So, what are you waiting for?
See ya at the stores!
Simply follow these easy steps -
1 - Click here - http://westernsportshop.com/coupons/wssweb_062109.pdf
(If that link doesn't work, just copy and paste it into you browser)
2 - Print out your coupon
3 - Bring your coupon to either of our two locations.
4 - Save Big!
Coupons are valid through Sunday, June 21st only, and all items are strictly limited to stock on hand. So, what are you waiting for?
See ya at the stores!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thoughts on Father's Day
We never really planned it that way, but we noticed in the first few years of running Western Sport Shop that Father's Day was always one of our busiest Sundays. We would see a ton of folks coming in - young children "bringing" their fathers into the store to take them fishing up at the lakes, or a couple of recent college grads getting what they needed to take their dads for a day throwing clays and comparing scores, or we'd see an older customer being taken care of by their son, returning a favor played out many, many years before when the son was wide-eyed and excited about spending the day with his father.
A month or so ago, when we were planning staffing and upcoming events, the question came up about doing something special for Father's Day. There were questions about bringing in some special merchandise or doing something new and different. A long pause occurred, and then one of our newer team members said, "Western is the special thing...."
The rest of us thought about that for a while, and realized how accurately that seemed to describe things. Sure, we'll do something on Father's Day*, but it helped remind all of us how many generations have intersected at Western Sport Shop - there are adults who some of us remember as young children, dear friends of the field and stream who have left us, many companions who have grown to know us like family, all from the simple act of spending time together in the outdoors.
In the meantime, if you want to get ready a little early, let us know what you want to do - fishing, hunting or fly fishing, where you want to go and what you want to pursue - and any of us will be happy to spend some extra time with you making sure you have all the things you need to have a great day afield.
*And we'll announce that here or via our email newsletter.
A month or so ago, when we were planning staffing and upcoming events, the question came up about doing something special for Father's Day. There were questions about bringing in some special merchandise or doing something new and different. A long pause occurred, and then one of our newer team members said, "Western is the special thing...."
The rest of us thought about that for a while, and realized how accurately that seemed to describe things. Sure, we'll do something on Father's Day*, but it helped remind all of us how many generations have intersected at Western Sport Shop - there are adults who some of us remember as young children, dear friends of the field and stream who have left us, many companions who have grown to know us like family, all from the simple act of spending time together in the outdoors.
In the meantime, if you want to get ready a little early, let us know what you want to do - fishing, hunting or fly fishing, where you want to go and what you want to pursue - and any of us will be happy to spend some extra time with you making sure you have all the things you need to have a great day afield.
*And we'll announce that here or via our email newsletter.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Spring Fishing Bonanza!
Bay And Ocean Report
Surf striper action has begun with a bang, as several large schools of big stripers are working their way up the coast starting in Monterey where surf casters report hot action during the low light hours on big surface poppers like the 7" Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper in white with a red head, or 8" Chesapeak Bay Custom Poppers in pink bait fish and black back bait fish. When the sun is out, it's time to break out the iron - 3 to 4oz Kastmasters, Micky Jigs, and Sumo . These fish are on the move too, as reports are beginning to come in to Pacifica and Ocean Beach as well. Also several surf casters are reporting to their amazement that white sea bass are appaerently schooling up with the bass or at least near them and several have been landed.
Striper fishing in the bay has been a different story, with reports of sporadic "hit or miss" fishing from Sausalito to Buck's Landing, but Red Rock has been a bright spot fishing well on the north and south side depending on the tide. Hair raisers, Swimbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Yozuri Crystal Minnows, and Lucky Craft Pointer 128s in Auorora Black or American Shad.
Live bait is still unavailable, but trollers are doing very well for Halibut along South Hampton Shoal, Berkley Flats, Outer Richmond Harbor and off Paradise Park. Best bets are either herring behind a dodger, or herring in a rotary salmon killer rigged to a rotary flasher. If you want to catch jacksmelt on a sabiki rig, or buy shiners, you can drift the Marin Islands and the main bay the same way you drift anchoveys. Another method is the "power drift" (moving the boat just fast enough to make your line enter the water diagonaly) with a hootchie rig over frozen anchoveys or plastic worm tails.
Freshwater Report
One month since the state ban on stocking trout in Bon Tempe was lifted, the lake has been stocked twice and anglers are reporting limits on Power Bait, 1/4oz Kastmasters , and 1/4oz Panther Martin spinners. Bon tempe has yet to produce a big trout eating bass for the guys who throw big trout swimbaits like the Storm BBZ-1 or Hud, but now that the trout are back it's only a matter of time.
Stafford Lake is producing bass in the 3/4 to 2lb range on Senkos, drop-shotted worms, and down sized spinnerbaits, but some of the regulars are getting better quality fish with frogs, flipping jigs, swim jiga, big cranks, big c-rigs and swim baits.
Look for an improving bite on early morning top water as well as an improving bite on windy afternoon spinnerbait, and swim jig fishing aswell.
Kent Lake is still fishing great and the top baits are 6" Senkos, Football head jigs, and Swim jigs. Look for an improving early morning bite on big walking baits and wake baits.
Lake Berryessa is still a play ground for guys who want numbers of bass and a shot for a big one on top. Best baits are the drop shott, the football head jig, the Zara Super Spook, and the 6" Hud.
Last but not least, a quick congratulations for Jeffrey Russel who won a very stingy derby at the Marin County Bass Club Tournament held at Stafford Lake last month. And also to Chris "Flipper" Franks for sticking a monster bass on Lake Berryessa during his last tourney there.
FREE Topwater Techniques and Jig Fishing Clinics -
June 17th and 18th
If you want to reliably catch largemouth bass, you need to be on top of your techniques. It's surprising to meet so many anglers who have great results when their main (or only) technique is producing, but suddenly start catching zip when conditions and seasons change. Of course, one of the things I love to do is share these other ways of fishing with anglers who want to learn. My goal is to have you catching quality fish year round.
Two of the most needed skills you need right now are Effectively Fishing Topwater Baits and Jig Fishing.
On Wednesday, June 17th I will be giving a free Topwater clinic at the Western Sport Shop in San Rafael. The clinic will start at 6:30 and go about an hour.
(Map to location shown below)
View Larger Map
On Thusday June 18th I will be giving a free clinic on jig fishing at Santa Rosa store starting at 6:00pm .
(Map to location shown below)
View Larger Map
Both clinics are free and open to the public. Please try to attend one or the other and your results will benefit!
Surf striper action has begun with a bang, as several large schools of big stripers are working their way up the coast starting in Monterey where surf casters report hot action during the low light hours on big surface poppers like the 7" Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper in white with a red head, or 8" Chesapeak Bay Custom Poppers in pink bait fish and black back bait fish. When the sun is out, it's time to break out the iron - 3 to 4oz Kastmasters, Micky Jigs, and Sumo . These fish are on the move too, as reports are beginning to come in to Pacifica and Ocean Beach as well. Also several surf casters are reporting to their amazement that white sea bass are appaerently schooling up with the bass or at least near them and several have been landed.
Striper fishing in the bay has been a different story, with reports of sporadic "hit or miss" fishing from Sausalito to Buck's Landing, but Red Rock has been a bright spot fishing well on the north and south side depending on the tide. Hair raisers, Swimbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Yozuri Crystal Minnows, and Lucky Craft Pointer 128s in Auorora Black or American Shad.
Live bait is still unavailable, but trollers are doing very well for Halibut along South Hampton Shoal, Berkley Flats, Outer Richmond Harbor and off Paradise Park. Best bets are either herring behind a dodger, or herring in a rotary salmon killer rigged to a rotary flasher. If you want to catch jacksmelt on a sabiki rig, or buy shiners, you can drift the Marin Islands and the main bay the same way you drift anchoveys. Another method is the "power drift" (moving the boat just fast enough to make your line enter the water diagonaly) with a hootchie rig over frozen anchoveys or plastic worm tails.
Freshwater Report
One month since the state ban on stocking trout in Bon Tempe was lifted, the lake has been stocked twice and anglers are reporting limits on Power Bait, 1/4oz Kastmasters , and 1/4oz Panther Martin spinners. Bon tempe has yet to produce a big trout eating bass for the guys who throw big trout swimbaits like the Storm BBZ-1 or Hud, but now that the trout are back it's only a matter of time.
Stafford Lake is producing bass in the 3/4 to 2lb range on Senkos, drop-shotted worms, and down sized spinnerbaits, but some of the regulars are getting better quality fish with frogs, flipping jigs, swim jiga, big cranks, big c-rigs and swim baits.
Look for an improving bite on early morning top water as well as an improving bite on windy afternoon spinnerbait, and swim jig fishing aswell.
Kent Lake is still fishing great and the top baits are 6" Senkos, Football head jigs, and Swim jigs. Look for an improving early morning bite on big walking baits and wake baits.
Lake Berryessa is still a play ground for guys who want numbers of bass and a shot for a big one on top. Best baits are the drop shott, the football head jig, the Zara Super Spook, and the 6" Hud.
Last but not least, a quick congratulations for Jeffrey Russel who won a very stingy derby at the Marin County Bass Club Tournament held at Stafford Lake last month. And also to Chris "Flipper" Franks for sticking a monster bass on Lake Berryessa during his last tourney there.
FREE Topwater Techniques and Jig Fishing Clinics -
June 17th and 18th
If you want to reliably catch largemouth bass, you need to be on top of your techniques. It's surprising to meet so many anglers who have great results when their main (or only) technique is producing, but suddenly start catching zip when conditions and seasons change. Of course, one of the things I love to do is share these other ways of fishing with anglers who want to learn. My goal is to have you catching quality fish year round.
Two of the most needed skills you need right now are Effectively Fishing Topwater Baits and Jig Fishing.
On Wednesday, June 17th I will be giving a free Topwater clinic at the Western Sport Shop in San Rafael. The clinic will start at 6:30 and go about an hour.
(Map to location shown below)
View Larger Map
On Thusday June 18th I will be giving a free clinic on jig fishing at Santa Rosa store starting at 6:00pm .
(Map to location shown below)
View Larger Map
Both clinics are free and open to the public. Please try to attend one or the other and your results will benefit!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Rickey's Recommended Hot Spots
Another Friday and a ton of options. Hopefully, you've got your gear primed up, packed up and ready to roll for another weekend of angling!
Been hearing good things up in the Tahoe region, particularly improving conditions on the Truckee. But, not quite enough to provide definite destinations. If you are in that region, consider some recon loops above Boca, as flows are still a little high below that. Drifting smaller nymphs in the AM would be a good way to scare up some fish.
The Pit has continued to be excellent, in #3, 4 and 5. PMD's in almost any flavor you can find seem to be producing fish, and tungsten beadhead attractor patterns will certainly produce as well.
But, my pick this weekend is the McCloud. As temps stabilize, the best bets will be stones and PMD's.
Been hearing good things up in the Tahoe region, particularly improving conditions on the Truckee. But, not quite enough to provide definite destinations. If you are in that region, consider some recon loops above Boca, as flows are still a little high below that. Drifting smaller nymphs in the AM would be a good way to scare up some fish.
The Pit has continued to be excellent, in #3, 4 and 5. PMD's in almost any flavor you can find seem to be producing fish, and tungsten beadhead attractor patterns will certainly produce as well.
But, my pick this weekend is the McCloud. As temps stabilize, the best bets will be stones and PMD's.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Quick Picks for the Big Weekend
It's a great time to get out and wet a line - customers and guides have been
relying upon the Blue Winged Olive (BWO), Baetis and Caddis pupa emergers. Water conditions continue to look good at most of the destinations like Hat Creek.
Speaking of Hat Creek, if that's your destination, the salmon flies are coming off like helicopters, so stock up on this key pattern. Use some Pale Morning Dunns around the flats, and pay attention to lighting changes - if it clouds up a bit in the morning, we've had folks doing well with BWO's.
If I could get away this weekend (gotta work sometimes!) I'd head for the Pit, probably 3 & 4, start fishing with PMD's and BWO's on Saturday. Then I'd spend the night at Deer Creek Campground, get up and fish Pit #5 and 6 on Sunday. Monday would be all day on the Feather River, before heading home on Tuesday.
So, someone's got to do that for me and at least bring in some good photos of the great fishing! Enjoy!
relying upon the Blue Winged Olive (BWO), Baetis and Caddis pupa emergers. Water conditions continue to look good at most of the destinations like Hat Creek.
Speaking of Hat Creek, if that's your destination, the salmon flies are coming off like helicopters, so stock up on this key pattern. Use some Pale Morning Dunns around the flats, and pay attention to lighting changes - if it clouds up a bit in the morning, we've had folks doing well with BWO's.
If I could get away this weekend (gotta work sometimes!) I'd head for the Pit, probably 3 & 4, start fishing with PMD's and BWO's on Saturday. Then I'd spend the night at Deer Creek Campground, get up and fish Pit #5 and 6 on Sunday. Monday would be all day on the Feather River, before heading home on Tuesday.
So, someone's got to do that for me and at least bring in some good photos of the great fishing! Enjoy!
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