The traditional and perhaps best way to eat shad is still the Native American method of “planking.” Season fillets with strips of bacon or salt pork and hefty doses of Old Bay, then nail them onto an oak board. Place the boards around a large pit fire, angled about 60 degrees and 18 inches away from the flames.

Since setting up a backyard planking pit might not be reasonable for every home cook, try this tasty, traditional recipe by baking them in cream.