S.I. Historical: Weakfish / Cornell Co-op Ext’s ‘Marine Meadows’ & Eelgrass | Exhibit: Impressionists

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The Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) or Sea Trout, is a ray-finned fish that is deeply intertwined with Shelter Island’s maritime heritage and the ecology of the region. In fact, the word Chequit comes from a native name for the species. But don’t let the name “weakfish” fool you—this catch is tenacious and known for its fight. The name actually comes from the tendency of its jaws to rip when hooked.

Oral histories and memoirs from our archives tell us that historically, the abundance of weakfish in the waters surrounding Shelter Island was staggering. Henry Cooke White (1861-1952), an avid angler and talented impressionist painter, recalled being drawn to Shelter Island for its weakfish population as early as 1901, when West Neck Creek “was teeming with weakfish on each flood tide.”

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Audio recording of a 1989 Historical Society meeting revealed fond memories of weakfishing from childhood in the early part of the 20th century. One voice remembered fishing with his father in Gardiner’s Bay and catching 12 pound “tiderunners” (adult weakfish). “It was the Wild West,” he joked, recalling how, instead of rods, they’d use simple twine and bait. “Boys would stand on the bank and twirl their lines over their heads and cast…then haul in the weakfish hand over hand,” he said.

Weakfish population trends are an indicator of the ecological health of local waters. The shallow eelgrass-rich waters surrounding Shelter Island are a critical habitat for weakfish during their spawning season. Unfortunately, local eelgrass has been depleted by factors like pollution, increased water temperatures, and habitat destruction. Consequently, from the 1980s until recently the once plentiful weakfish population has dwindled noticeably.

Cornell Cooperative Extensions Marine Program and other local organizations have been using innovative methods to restore the vital eelgrass meadows through restoration work and community workshops. Local fishermen will tell you they’re already beginning to see weakfish make a comeback!

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Our “Generations of Shelter Island Impressionists” exhibit will be on view through October 11th. Come see for yourself one Shelter Island family’s connection to weakfish through their art, handmade fishing poles, family photo albums and memoirs.

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