Anglers from around North Carolina converge on Roanoke Rapids, NC every spring. They come to take advantage of the running of the rock fish. The annual upstream migration of the striped bass brings fishermen to the Roanoke River in Halifax County to pull “stripers” over 18” to take home and prepare.
In this episode, Carol Jones Shields, director of Roanoke River Partners invites producer Joe O’Connell into her home to prepare the season’s first rock fish stew. It’s a recipe remembered, created, and adapted. Shields’ recipe is unique to her family, while the meal is everywhere in Halifax County come springtime.
Credits
Produced by Joseph O’Connell, with Evan Hatch and Joy Salyers.
Underwritten by Resourceful Communities, and the North Carolina Folklife Institute.
Photograph by Carol Jones Shields
Interview with Carol Shields by Evan Hatch (NCFI, 2015)
Additional field recordings by Joe O’Connell (NCFI, 2016)
Music by Joe O’Connell
