Herring
American Shad
Family Clupeidae, HERRINGS
Alosa sapidissima
Description:
Color of back green or greenish blue with silvery sides, white underneath (colors darken when fish enters fresh water to spawn); belly with scutes forming distinct keel; one or more dark spots in a row behind operculum; lower jaw with pointed tip that fits into v-shaped notch in upper jaw.
Similar Fish:
Other species of Alosa (shad and herring) and Brevoortia (menhaden). Menhaden, which are often referred to as "shad," have a rounder lower jaw tip. American shad is an east coast species replaced on the Panhandle coast by Alabama shad.
Where found:
OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River.
Size:
Most catches 2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds.
Remarks:
Anadromous species, coming into fresh water to spawn; young remain in fresh water to length of 2 to 4 inches, then move out to sea; plankton feeder, but strikes small,bright spoons or flies; their roe (as many as 30,000 in a single female) is prized, the flesh full of fork bones.
