As the sun sets over the Delaware River, Steve Meserve and his crew prepare for a traditional shad fishing evening. Utilizing handmade oars and a seine net, they aim to catch shad that typically gather off Lambertville, N.J., before migrating upriver to spawn. While the experience remains a cherished local tradition, the fishery has seen drastic changes, declining from annual hauls of over 9,000 shad to just hundreds today. The enthusiastic fishing sessions, driven by volunteers, highlight the unpredictability and communal joy tied to each catch.
The Lewis fishery, which once thrived, now struggles with a catch dwindling from 9,000 shad a year to just hundreds, reflecting a stark decline.
Every haul is like Christmas morning. You never know what you're going to get. It can be 50 fish, or nothing at all.
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