The balaou, also known as Scomberesox saurus, is a small marine fish occasionally found in the salt and brackish waters of Quebec. Although it is not particularly prized for sport fishing due to its low fight, the balaou still attracts some interest among anglers seeking diversity or baitfish. Its distribution is mainly coastal, and it can be observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence as well as in some estuaries. Fishing for balaou is often a complementary activity for coastal fishermen targeting other more combative species.

The balaou is easily recognizable by its elongated and slender body, usually measuring between 8 and 16 inches. Its color is typically silvery with a slightly bluish back, allowing it to camouflage effectively in its marine environment. It has a pointed head with a prominent mouth lined with small sharp teeth. The fins are relatively small, and its tail is forked, giving it some agility in the water. The scales of the balaou are small and well-adherent, providing effective protection against predators. Young balaous closely resemble adults, although they are obviously smaller in size. There is no evident sexual dimorphism, even during spawning period.

In Quebec, the balaou is mainly found in the coastal waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in certain estuaries like the Saguenay River. Its presence is more observed during the summer months when water temperatures are milder. Although their abundance can vary from year to year, they are generally not considered abundant. The species is absent from freshwater and does not venture far from the shores, preferring to remain in marine environments where the water is slightly saline.

The balaou prefers salt and brackish waters, often frequenting shallow coastal areas where the water temperature ranges between 50 and 68 °F. It is generally found near beaches, bays, and estuaries, where it can feed on small crustaceans and plankton. It favors clear waters and avoids overly murky areas. During the day, it often stays near the surface but can dive to moderate depths to escape predators or to feed.

The life cycle of the balaou begins with spawning, which occurs in spring and summer in shallow coastal waters. The eggs are buoyant and hatch after a few days. The fry grow rapidly, reaching sexual maturity in one to two years. The longevity of the balaou is relatively short, about 2 to 3 years. During its life, the balaou goes through several growth stages:

Spring → Spawning and egg-laying → Summer → Rapid growth of juveniles → Autumn → Preparation for winter → Winter → Slowed life in deeper waters.

The balaou is a gregarious fish, often moving in schools to protect against predators. Non-territorial, it moves freely according to currents and food availability. The balaou is sensitive to light changes, staying near the surface in clear weather and diving deeper in overcast or windy conditions. It reacts little to noises, but sudden disturbances can cause it to flee.

The diet of the balaou mainly consists of plankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae. Young balaous feed almost exclusively on zooplankton, while adults diversify their diet with small fish and marine invertebrates. In summer, when food is abundant, they feed frequently, while in winter, their metabolism slows down and their consumption decreases.

The best time to fish for balaou is during the warm months of spring and summer, when the fish approach the shores to spawn and feed. The early morning hours and late afternoon are often the most productive, as the balaou avoids direct sunlight. In overcast or slightly rainy weather, the balaou may be more active, taking advantage of reduced visibility to feed. In autumn, activity decreases as the water cools, and in winter, the balaou moves to deeper waters, making it more difficult to catch.

For the balaou, favor small-sized lures in silver or bluish colors, which well imitate the small fish and crustaceans it feeds on. In clear water on sunny days, silver lures are particularly effective. In overcast weather or slightly murky water, opt for lures with luminous reflections or bright colors to attract the fish's attention.

For balaou fishing, a light rod of 6 to 7 feet is recommended, with a light to medium power and fast action to feel the bites well. A reel size 1000 to 2500, spooled with a 4 to 8 lb line, is ideal for this species. Small hooks size 8 to 12 are preferable, with a fluorocarbon leader for more discretion in clear water.

The balaou should be handled with care due to its delicate skin and small size. Use wet hands or a damp cloth to avoid damaging its scales. If you plan to release it, do so quickly and gently. For a photo, hold the fish close to the water to minimize stress.

In Quebec, the main predators of the balaou include larger fish such as mackerel and bass. Seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, are also frequent predators, watching for schools of balaous at the surface.

The balaou is not considered a threatened species in Quebec. There is no specific regulation regarding its capture, but it is always advisable to respect good sustainable fishing practices. Catch and release is encouraged to preserve local populations.