Alosa Sapidissima - American Shad

April 28, 2006 —What would you say if I told you you could stick a net in the Hudson River and pull out a delicacy that devotees liken to ambrosia. I'm talking about shad.

The Latin name for this fish translates to “most delicious herring.” And each Spring, schools of shad that were born on the Hudson, return to the river to spawn.

Years ago, the annual arrival of this fresh, cheap and healthy source of food was cause for celebration. There were hundreds of commercial shad fisherman.

Today there are only about a dozen left keeping the tradition alive. John Mylod is one of them. Earlier this week, I joined him on a midday run on the Hudson, just off Poughkeepsie.

Links

2006 Shad Festivals - Hudson River Foundation

Shad Fact Sheet - Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries