A Brief History of Hunting Creek Fisheries, Inc.

Frederick Tresselt (1896-1978) founded Hunting Creek Fisheries. After graduating from Cornell School of Agriculture he was employed by the New Jersey State Fish Hatchery in Hackettstown, New Jersey, as a biologist.

After visiting a friend in Maryland, where he saw many farmers growing goldfish as a cash crop, he became intrigued by the idea of growing goldfish as a business and made plans to purchase property in Maryland. The first ponds were built by shovel, wheelbarrow and horse-drawn scoop, and by 1924 he produced his first crop of goldfish, thereby creating Hunting Creek Fisheries. Fred and his wife Helen worked together toward making the business a success.

Above, aerial views of Hunting Creek Fisheries fish breeding ponds.

In 1950 Fred's son Ernest F. Tresselt became a part of the company. The next few years saw production concentrated on growing goldfish, with several new varieties added each year or so, including Red Fantails, Shubunkins, Black Moors, and Calico Fantails.

In 1962 the company changed from a sole proprietorship to a corporation. Upon Fred's retirement, Ernie became president. By 1972 Ernie's son John Frederick Tresselt started working for the company full-time. In 1974 Drusilla Tresselt and Raymond W. Klinger also joined the family business.

The company produced its first crop of Koi around 1968. Today there are 14 varieties of goldfish, many color varieties of Koi, as well as golden orfe, are being grown at Hunting Creek Fisheries. Hunting Creek Fisheries has remained a family-owned business since 1924. Today there are five family members actively involved in the business, with several part-time members as well.