Transparent Minnows, Glass Fish and Anchovies!

There is an old saying that..you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. I am here to inform you that this is not the truth..you can. I tend to learn something new every day. It astounds me just how much I have to learn about the Bay and Bayou even though I have lived here all of my life. As you know, I fish almost daily. When I fish, I use live bait that I catch from the pier. There are masses of small mullet, bull minnows, menhaden and shrimp that are free for the catching. There is also a small fish that I grew up knowing by the name of "transparent minnow". This is a tiny fish that never gets more than about five inches long. As far as I know, my dad might have given it the moniker of transparent minnow. If he did I am sure he called it this because of its appearance. It is clear..or at least somewhat clear. It does have a silvery stripe that runs the length of its body. I have always followed Dad's lead and stuck with this name. Then I heard a new name for the little fishy! Glass Fish! Well, I can see how this name would be appropriate. It also fits.. glass fish.. yep.. good name for it, too! So, now I have two names for the same little fish that would not be much good for anything but maybe bait. Wait! Not so fast! While looking up the identity of an entirely different species of fish..I stumbled upon a picture of my wee, little transparent minnow. Lo and behold! My little fishy is none other than a silverside! Woot! Three names for such a tiny tidbit! Ok, I can see this regarding what I said about the silver stripe it bears. This is a fitting name! Now this is where it gets a bit dicey.. there seems to be a whole slew of different types of these guys! There are over a hundred different kinds! Wow..but guess what else?? Transparent minnow, glass fish, silverside ..and now.. ANCHOVEY?? Yes, it is so true! My little minnows are anchovies! The same ones that are found on pizza and in Caesar salads. The same ones that are used as a main ingredient in the production of Worcestershire sauce! Wow.. what famous little fishies they are! Anchovies.. wow! Anchovies.. something I do not eat.. well, maybe as Worcestershire sauce but not any other way! I have just never been able to bring myself to try them but now I have another reason not to eat them! They are too pretty!

This evening is down right pleasant. The temperature is in the low seventies and there is a light rain! Earlier today while I was on the pier, I watch the storm clouds roll in giving me hope that rain would soon be pelting my rooftop. Perfect weather for the garden! The cabbages, greens and peas will be happy. These are all up about three inches tall and were in dire need of a good watering. It is supposed to be in the thirties this weekend but hopefully this will not be a problem. Until then, I will just appreciate the rain!