Delaware River shad fishing contest opens, with big payday on the line

One Family’s Relentless Pursuit Of The Bony, Oily, Elusive Shad

The sun was sinking behind the western bank of the Delaware River, bathing Lewis Island in golden light. From a lifetime of experience, Steve Meserve knew that shad were huddled on the Lambertville, N.J., side of the river, resting in the shadows before resuming their long journey upriver to spawn. “Let’s go,” Mr. Meserve said. With a long rope, three members of his crew towed an old rowboat about a quarter mile upriver. Mr. Meserve climbed in, …

Delaware River shad fishing contest opens, with big payday on the line

It’s the subtleties that can make the difference between catching no shad and potentially one worth about $20,000 this week in the Easton-Phillipsburg area.