Locals refer to their early 'Spuds and herring' economy and fishermen call them the King of the Sea or Ree ny Marrey in Manx Gaelic. In the 1840's records show that almost twelve million herring a year made their way from sea to local table. Traditionally, you would place mashed potato on a wooden platter with your herring with a small cup of butter. You would then dip both the herring and potato in the butter. Fingers rather than cutlery were best!

Herring live for about twenty years in the North Irish Sea. June to August is the best time to catch them as their oil content builds to a maximum before spawning. In September and October, the shoals move to the South East of the Isle of Man and the Co. Down coast to spawn. After that they are known as 'spent' and are unsuitable for kippering.