The Bassing of New Hampshire: How Black Bass Came to the Granite State

by Jack Noon

In 1866 the New Hampshire legislature authorized the governor to appoint two commissioners on fisheries. The commissioners were to work towards restoring salmon and shad to the Merrimack River and the Connecticut River, but were also ^Sauthorized to introduce into our waters as they may deem best suited therefor, the spawn of the black-bass, land-locked salmon, and other varieties.^T Private efforts brought the first bass to the state -- to Rust Pond in Wolfeboro. The commissioners on fisheries began their bass stocking program in 1868. By 1880 they had introduced bass into over 140 New Hampshire lakes and ponds. The Bassing of New Hampshire chronicles the spread of bass throughout the their growing popularity, impact on native fish species, and influence on public attitudes as sport fishing emerged from earlier subsistence and commercial practices. The chapters on Sunapee, Winnipesaukee, Squam, Newfound, and Umbagog span the range of bass developments from 1868 to the present day. Two famous New Hampshire fishermen, Daniel Webster and Grover Cleveland, are also featured. Granite State fishermen will find much of interest in this book. Many details and accounts have been pulled from obscurity. Linked together, they resurrect an important part of the state^Rs long-buried fishing past. More than 100 illustrations have been selected from a variety of nineteenth century and early twentieth century sources and include landscape engravings, old-time lures, rods, and reels, and other artwork of interest to fishermen. Historians will appreciate the footnotes, extensive bibliography, and index. This is a book that belongs in the collection of every New Hampshire fisherman as well as others who are interested in the history of bass.

238 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999