Are rarely angled for in Northern waters, but taken in large numbers with gill-nets, as they ascend rivers from the sea. These they enter and descend for the purpose of spawning, and after annual ocean visitations the Shad return, in separate divisions, to their native streams. Up-river Shad are marketable ; down-rivers out of condition and not captured. They enter the Hudson in March or April, and descend in May and June. Epicures prize the unctuous females and their roe. Male Shad are smaller fish ; but their flesh is firmest and finest grained. Connecticut River Shad have a predominant reputation for flavor. Usual weight from three to five pounds.Within the past few years net-fishing has been recklessly pursued, and the fish are becoming less numerous. We first hear of Shad on our coasts in January and February, when they ascend the Savannah River. Thereafter they advance northward, and are announced as successively entering the North Carolina sounds, Norfolk Bay, James River, Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Delaware River, Hudson River, Connecticut River, and so on as far as the waters of Maine. For angling use a strong Trout-rod,long line and large, gaudy fly.