In this new video, you'll go underwater to watch as a massive school of menhaden (pogies) actively filter-feeds along the ocean bottom.
After watching, I feel you will have a better understanding why menhaden are often referred to as the "vacuum cleaners" of the ocean!
I used underwater cameras to film this school of menhaden last week on August 13th in Cape Cod Bay. In total, I estimate there were probably tens of thousands of menhaden filter-feeding in the area.
Please click play below to watch now! 
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Deciphering Menhaden Behavior
When I originally spotted this school of menhaden, I got very excited, because oftentimes striped bass, bluefish, tuna and even whales can be found feeding on the menhaden.
Unfortunately, it did not appear that there were any predators in the area. However, when I got home and reviewed the footage, I did spot one big solitary striper, which showed a slight interest in my live-lined pogie.
This makes sense because I would imagine the menhaden only feel safe enough to filter-feed when there is a small likelihood of being attacked and eaten by a predator.
For example, if there were a lot of stripers in the area, then I'd imagine the menhaden would be too nervous to filter-feed. Instead of feeding, the pogies would probably be huddled tightly together, in a defensive mode.
You can see the difference below.
"Feeding Mode"
"Defensive Mode"
In Conclusion
I think the moral of the story is that we as anglers can get an idea of whether stripers, bluefish or tuna are in the area, by observing the behavior of the menhaden.
If the pogies are tightly packed together and acting nervous, then there are probably stripers, bluefish, tuna, whales or seals nearby. If the pogies are filter-feeding, then they are probably not about to be attacked.
Of course this is all just my personal speculation.
What do you think?
Please let me know by commenting below.
Tight lines! 
I once saw a video interview if the man in charge of the salmon fishery on lake winnepsauke. When asked how he managed the salmon fishery he replied that he didn’t. He said he managed the smelts! Menhaden are the smelts of the ocean and the striper fishery.! Great video.
That is a good point Charley about the smelts! Thanks for the comment, and I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Great video of the pogies. When I have seen them close to the surface I have noticed that they quickly jump or move at the surface of the water when stripe bass are below. It looks like your taking a hand and skipping it across the top of the water as they respond to the bass below.
I’ve seen that behavior too many times Jerry. With a little practice, it is definitely possible to decipher whether there are any bass and bluefish around, based on the behavior of the pogie school.
Thanks for your comment, and good luck if you make it out fishing this week!
Great stuff! Interesting & informative. Thanks Ryan
Glad you enjoyed the video Jeff! Thanks for watching. ??
Is the water is warm .hypoxia
Yes hypoxia can definitely be an issue Andrew. I just read here that the Hudson river saw a lot of menhaden dying back in July due to lack of oxygen.
Thoroughly enjoy your videos Ryan and appreciate your commentary. Hoping to catch my first Albie very soon!
I’m glad you are enjoying the videos Frank. Thanks for watching them! Albies should be arriving within a couple of weeks. I’m chomping at the bit too. ?
That is really cool . I did know the smaller fish fed that way.
Glad you enjoyed the video Brian. Good luck out there this week!
Ryan: I’ve been a member for a long time and remember when you flew your first drone. Your underwater photography is on par with the Discovery Channel and National Geographic and your drone shots of schooling bass is spectacular. Keep up the great work. I know that I’m not the only one that appreciates your talent and efforts.
Joe, I agree with your comment. Perhaps Ryan can follow in the steps of Curt’s TV AMERICAN SPORTSMAN – “ FISHING THE ATLANTIC” ?!
LOL, I don’t know about that Bob, but I will certainly keep on trying! I’m having a lot of fun filming the wildlife here on Cape.
Thanks Joe for the nice comment! I am happy you are enjoying the content, and I really appreciate having you as a member of MFCC for all these years. I will definitely keep it up, and hope to capture more exciting images throughout late summer and into the fall. Good luck out there this week if you get a chance to go fishing! ?
Ryan, excellent work once again. Great to witness as you transform your fishing skills to marine photography !
I am definitely having more fun filming the fish, as opposed to catching them! I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. lol
This is awesome info! Thank you!
My pleasure Doug! Thanks for checking out the video!
Great photography. A couple of weeks ago I saw what I think were pogies feeding at the surface with their mouths open. I’d never seen anything like it. I was questioning whteher they were pogies or not. I could send you the video I took on my I-Phone. Do they open mouth feed at the surface as well?
Hey Rick, they do open mouth feed on the surface as well. These fish were also open mouth feeding on the surface. In hindsight I wish I took some video of the pogies on the surface. It was pretty cool watching them swim along with their mouths open and the top third of their bodies out of the water.
Who needs Jacques Cousteau…haha….You capture some AWESOME video’s! The filter feeding pogies was so cool!!
LOL, I’m pumped you are enjoying the videos Pete! I will keep them coming!