Shad, hickory Alosa mediocris

Mitchill, 1814

CLUPEIDAE FAMILY
Also called bonejack, fall herring, hickory jack

Hickory shad are an anadromous species that are found along the western Atlantic coast, from Maine to the St. John’s River in Florida. They can also be found in tidal rivers and tributaries, particularly during late spring and early summer. Common food items include squid, small fish, small crabs and other crustaceans, and even fish eggs.

Don’t let the species name fool you; there is nothing mediocre about the sporting qualities of this small herring. Hickory shad, like their larger cousins the American shad (Alosa sapidissima), are spirited fighters on light tackle, and can be fooled by small jigs and flies

Shad, American Alosa sapidissima

Wilson, 1811

CLUPEIDAE FAMILY
Also called common shad, Atlantic shad, Connecticut River shad, North River shad, Potomac shad, Susquehanna shad, white shad, Delaware shad, alose

The American shad occurs natively east of the Appalachians along the Atlantic coast of North America from Sand Hill River, Labrador to the St. John's River, Florida. Also, in the St. Lawrence River to Lakes Huron and Erie. Between 1871 and 1881 it was introduced into the Sacramento River, California and is today up and down the Pacific coast as far south as Bahia de Todos Santos in upper Baja California, Mexico and as far north as Alaska and the Kamchatka Peninsula, on the Asiatic side. Like the salmons, the American shad is an anadromous fish that ascends coastal rivers to spawn.

This is a silvery fish with a single dorsal fin in the middle of the back. There is a large black spot directly behind the top of the gill cover, followed by 4 27 spots, which are generally smaller than the first. Sometimes there may be a second row of spots below the first, and more rarely, a third row below the second.

They closely resemble the hickory shad, Alosa mediocris. The most important physical distinction is in the lower jaw. In the American shad this jaw fits easily into a deep notch under the upper jaw, whereas, in the hickory shad the lower jaw protrudes noticeably beyond the upper jaw. Also, the American shad grows cnsiderably larger. Both occur up and down the coasts, but the American shad is predominant in more northerly climates and the hickory shad is predominant in southern climates.

The American shad is highly regarded by some as a game fish and its white, flaky flesh supports a considerable commercial fishery. The roe is esteemed by some as a substitute caviar

Pellona, Amazon Pellona castelnaeana

Valenciennes 1847

CLUPEIDAE FAMILY
Also called sardinata, apapa, yellow apapa,

This South American species occurs in the Amazon system (Iquitos on Peruvian Amazon and Ambyiacos River in Ecuador to Manáos and perhaps Pará), the Guianas (Lake Amuku area where the Amazon and Essequibo systems join in wet years). It occurs in rivers, apparently not entering the sea, although presumably tolerating at least some salinity at the Amazon mouth.

Amazon pellona or sardinata belong to the same family as sardines and the American shad. It closely resembles a giant American shad. But, growing up to 20 lb (9.1 kg), they greatly exceed the maximum expected weight of 12 lb (5.4 kg) for their North American cousin.

They are schooling fish that feed on the surface near the river banks and deep channels, often herding baitfish upon which it feeds. Amazon pellona are vigorous fighters capable of powerful sustained runs and frequent jumps. Once hooked, the fish frequently leaps four or five feet up into the air, putting on amazing aerial displays. When tired, they turn their sides to the current, which adds to their ability to resist being landed. They take a variety of baits and lures, especially on top, and present a unique challenge for the baitcasting, spinning and fly fishing enthusiasts.

Targeting this species will add greatly to the experience of anglers in South American