Brooklyn is home to many fishing spots, some of which were once hubs of commercial fishing. One such place is Sheepshead Bay, a location that was extremely popular among fishermen. It even got its name from the sheepshead fish, a species that was abundant in the bay. What made this place so attractive to anglers? More details can be found on brooklyn-name.com.
The Early History of the Bay
Sheepshead Bay was once part of Coney Island Creek and an independent village where fishing was the primary occupation. In the summer, crowds of men would gather along the water’s edge with homemade fishing rods. The expansion of what would become Brooklyn led to the growth of the fishing industry, as the increasing population demanded more food.
In 1880, the Coney Island Jockey Club established a racetrack in the bay. The influx of horse racing enthusiasts brought more visitors to the area, who, in turn, became fascinated by the fishing culture of Sheepshead Bay. Restaurants sprang up like mushrooms after the rain, and naturally, their specialty dishes were fish and various seafood delicacies. Most of these establishments were located along Emmons Avenue.
Business was booming, and the bay was even dredged to allow for the safe passage of fishing boats. This led to the introduction of ferry services in the early 1900s. In 1916, the city deepened the channel to improve access to the bay, transforming Sheepshead Bay into a fully-fledged fishing hub. This move not only strengthened its fishing industry but also contributed to its economic development.
A New Era
As Sheepshead Bay grew in popularity, the number of residential buildings increased as well. Many property owners needed space to dock their boats, which led to the emergence of Brooklyn’s first yacht clubs in the 1930s. One of the oldest yacht clubs, Club Miramar, opened in 1932 on Emmons Avenue. The bay’s fishing culture gradually shifted toward recreational boating, with luxury yachts and sporting regattas becoming common sights.
During World War II, Sheepshead Bay served as a naval base. Although commercial fishing was no longer as prominent, the fishing trade persisted—soldiers needed food, and local fishermen found work supplying them. After the war, the yacht clubs resumed operations.
Fishing made a strong comeback in Sheepshead Bay in the 1960s. A woman named Edna “Lady Di” played a key role in re-establishing the local fishing culture by introducing new fishing regulations. In 1962, a man named Mr. Moran caught a cod weighing a total of 44 pounds, adding to the bay’s reputation as a prime fishing location. Around the same time, new bait and tackle shops opened in the area, with “Bernie’s Bait and Tackle” becoming one of the most popular.
One of the most fascinating marine creatures in Sheepshead Bay is the whale. The bay offers sightseeing tours where visitors can observe these majestic marine mammals, making it unnecessary for New Yorkers to travel far north to see them.
A Changing Community
By the late 20th century, Sheepshead Bay experienced an influx of immigrants from post-Soviet countries. This migration was largely due to its proximity to Brighton Beach. As a result, the neighborhood maintained a relatively low crime rate compared to other parts of Brooklyn, largely due to its predominantly white population.
Over time, Sheepshead Bay became a retirement-friendly area, which led to a decline in recreational fishing. The city government had to take measures to revitalize the waterfront.
The increase in tourism and leisure activities spurred the growth of the hospitality and restaurant industry. Many restaurants, much like in the old days, continued to specialize in seafood dishes—after all, the fresh catch was readily available.
Emmons Avenue is home to a famous fish market where visitors can buy a variety of seafood. This market plays a crucial role in sustaining the local fishing industry. Even in the 21st century, despite the dominance of industrial fishing, small private fishing boats and independent vendors continue to operate in Sheepshead Bay.