The American anglerfish, also known as the monkfish, is a fascinating fish from the salt and brackish waters of Quebec. Although less popular than other species for sport fishing, it piques the interest of anglers due to its unique appearance and ecological role. Its reputation as an opportunistic predator and its ability to camouflage itself in the ocean floor make it intriguing for those looking to diversify their fishing experience. It is mainly found along the coasts and in estuaries where it blends into the sand and rocks, patiently waiting for its prey.

The American anglerfish has a truly distinctive appearance. Its body is flattened and wide, allowing it to blend perfectly into its environment. It has a large mouth filled with sharp, inward-curving teeth, ideal for capturing unwary prey. Its skin lacks traditional scales but is covered with small tubercles and protrusions that give it a rough texture. Its color ranges from brown to greenish, with marbled patterns that help it camouflage on the ocean floor. The pectoral fins are broad and fleshy, allowing it to move slowly along the bottom. Males and females are similar in appearance, but females tend to be slightly larger.

In Quebec, the American anglerfish is primarily found along the Atlantic coast, particularly in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the estuaries. It prefers shallow waters but can also be found at depths of up to 200 meters. Due to its preference for salt and brackish waters, it is absent from the inland lakes and rivers of Quebec. Its distribution is fairly uniform along the coasts, although it may be more abundant in certain areas rich in prey.

The American anglerfish likes to hide in sandy or rocky seabeds, where it can effectively camouflage. It is often found at depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters, although it may sometimes approach the shore when searching for food. It prefers cool waters, with ideal temperatures between 5 and 14 °C. Estuaries and bays are prime habitats, as they offer an abundance of food and optimal camouflage conditions.

The reproduction of the American anglerfish occurs in spring. Females lay floating eggs that drift with the currents. These eggs hatch after a few weeks, releasing larvae that develop in the surface waters before migrating to deeper bottoms. Young anglerfish grow quickly and reach sexual maturity between 3 and 4 years. They can live up to 10 years under optimal conditions.

Spring: Spawning → Summer: Rapid growth of juveniles → Autumn: Migration to the bottom → Winter: Bottom dwelling and increased feeding.

The American anglerfish is a solitary and territorial fish. It spends most of its time motionless on the bottom, patiently waiting for prey to approach. Due to its discreet nature, it is little affected by noise or weather changes. It is mainly active at night when light is low, allowing it to better utilize its camouflage to capture prey.

The diet of the American anglerfish mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Young fish feed on small crustaceans and fish larvae, while adults prefer larger prey such as flatfish and squids. Their hunting technique relies on surprise, using their camouflage to approach their prey before quickly gulping it down with their large mouth.

In spring, the anglerfish is more active due to the spawning season, making it more accessible to anglers. In summer, it moves to deeper waters to avoid higher temperatures. Autumn is a time of great feeding activity as it prepares for winter. In winter, it remains active but is harder to locate due to its preference for deep, cold waters. The best times to fish for it are early morning or late evening, especially on overcast or rainy days, as it is more active when there is less light.

For clear and sunny waters, use lures in natural colors like brown or green to mimic the environment. In murky waters or overcast conditions, opt for brighter or luminescent shades that catch the anglerfish's attention even in low visibility conditions. Lures mimicking flatfish or squids are particularly effective.

A sturdy rod of 2.1 to 2.4 meters with medium to heavy power is ideal for anglerfish. Choose a spinning reel with good line capacity, as you'll often be fishing in deep waters. Use a braided line of 20 to 30 lb for its strength. Circle hooks in sizes 5/0 to 7/0 are recommended for better hook-ups and successful releases. A 40 lb fluorocarbon leader is advisable to withstand the anglerfish's sharp teeth.

When handling an anglerfish, be cautious of its sharp teeth and rough skin. Use gloves to avoid injury. For a successful release, minimize time out of the water and support the fish under the belly. If you take a photo, do it quickly and gently return the fish to the water so it can swim away healthily.

Natural predators of the American anglerfish include large predatory fish such as sharks and seals. Seabirds, like cormorants, may also prey on young anglerfish when they are at the surface.

The American anglerfish is currently considered a stable species in Quebec. However, due to commercial fishing, its population is monitored to prevent overexploitation. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release to help maintain healthy populations. It is important to respect local regulations regarding minimum size limits and quotas.