Ordering Information
$34.95, 7″ x 10″, hardcover, 240 pages, 147 images
Publication date: February 14, 2025
ISBN: 978-1-963714-05-0
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On the Fish
The Harpoon Swordfishing Vessels of the New England Fleet, 1850-1975
by Russell E. Cleary
On the Fish is a factual, rigorously researched, and generously illustrated survey of the vintage inshore boats and offshore vessels—sail and power—that New England seaports sent in pursuit of swordfish, all utilizing the hand-thrown harpoon, during the fishery’s 100+ years run. It is a book for the recreational or commercial saltwater fisherman; the marine historian; the outdoor adventurer, and anyone curious about the lives, accomplishments, and events experienced by many of the participants in the harpoon sword fishery sailing from Atlantic North America.
Reader Comments:
“On the Fish is a first-rate detailed history of the hand-thrown harpoon fishery for swordfish as it was developed by New England settlers in the late 1700’s. For the next 250 years, this resource friendly fishing gear provided consequential income for several hundred Northeast fishermen….harvesting only fish that had already spawned.
Cleary’s book provides great pictures of the “striker” on the pulpit with harpoon and crew in the critical jobs in the mast or behind the wheel spotting swordfish and coming upon the fish without detection or spooking.
With countless interviews of Captains, crew members and families, On the Fish provides insightful personal descriptions of the dangers and benefits of the fishery and on the families as well. “
—Rich Ruais, Executive Director of the American Bluefin Tuna Association 1991 to 2018
“If not for the dedication and research of author Russ Cleary, the history of the harpoon sword fishery might have gone the way of Ahab and the White Whale. At the urging of friends and participants in the archaic wooden shaft and bronze dart sword fishery, Cleary has put together an informative and entertaining collection of historical data, photos and first hand interviews with tales of this once popular fishery. I can still envision Captain Dave Brayton on the edge of the stand of his Xiphias Gladius glancing back to ensure that the basket of line and the wooden keg were properly set to pay out smartly once his dart pierced the great blue-black gladiator he was preparing to strike. I believe that he is smiling down with appreciation for Cleary and this essential tome. You will enjoy this well written book!”
–Charley Soares, author and award-winning outdoor writer and field editor for The Fisherman Magazine
“It is such a good piece of work…I never read something more accurate… This is absolutely the true gospel for swordfishermen.”
—Jim Crawford, swordfisherman, active over five decades, Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
“Well-written and expertly researched, Cleary’s On the Fish provides an insightful glimpse into the history, past and present, of a significant and popular New England fishery. An excellent read for anyone interested in fishing, history, or the maritime world.”
—Joe Ritter, Programs Manager, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
“It’s all there.”
—Jim Morgan (1924-2018), life-long fisherman, boat captain and owner, Chilmark, Massachusetts
About the Author
Russell Cleary is a native of the region he writes about in On the Fish. Born in 1950 in Boston, he has been a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, except for undergraduate college at Rollins in Florida, and Colby in Maine. Now retired, his employment included several years shoreside in financial services; many years at sea, either commercial fishing from New England ports such as Gloucester, Fairhaven, and Menemsha, or working as a merchant mariner in petroleum transport for companies based in Philadelphia, Houston, and New York; and participation in evacuating by sealift injured and stranded victims from Lower Manhattan, on September 11, 2001.
As a volunteer, Cleary has advocated for enlightened marine fisheries policy for the benefit of all user-groups. His hobbies have included recreational fishing, hunting, and clay target shooting with vintage side-by-side shotguns.
