The northern sand lance, scientifically known as Ammodytes dubius, is a small marine fish found in the salty and brackish waters of Quebec. Although it is not particularly prized for sport fishing due to its small size and low fighting ability, it plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as prey for many predators. Its distribution mainly extends through the cold waters of the North Atlantic, and in Quebec, it is often found in the St. Lawrence estuary. Fishermen frequently use it as live bait to attract more sought-after species like striped bass and mackerel. Its presence is a good indicator of the overall health of the marine ecosystem, as it is an integral part of the food chain.

The northern sand lance is an elongated and fusiform fish that can reach a maximum length of about 20 cm. Its body is slightly compressed laterally, allowing it to easily slip into the sand for hiding. Its color is generally silver with a bluish hue on the back, providing excellent camouflage in clear sandy waters. The sides and belly are pearly white. This fish does not have visible scales, which distinguishes it from many other marine species. Its mouth is small and terminally located, adapted for capturing prey in the sand. The fins are small and inconspicuous, with a single dorsal fin that extends over a large part of its back. It is difficult to distinguish males from females, especially outside the spawning period, as they show very little sexual dimorphism.

In Quebec, the northern sand lance is primarily found in the St. Lawrence estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is more abundant in areas with sandy bottoms, as it has the characteristic of burrowing into the sand to protect itself from predators. It is also found in some bays and estuaries where the water is slightly brackish. Its distribution is influenced by water temperature and food availability. Although its presence is less pronounced in very deep waters, it is often observed at depths ranging from the surface to about 50 meters.

The northern sand lance prefers cold marine waters and areas where the bottom consists of fine sand. It often inhabits shallow coastal zones, where it can quickly burrow to escape from predators. This fish is also present in estuaries where brackish water provides a rich feeding habitat. It is rarely found in stagnant or murky waters, as it depends on water clarity to feed effectively. The ideal temperatures for the northern sand lance are between 5 and 15 °C, which explains its presence in the colder waters of northern Quebec.

The life cycle of the northern sand lance begins with the spawning of eggs that generally occurs in winter, when adults gather in large schools. The eggs are laid in the sand, where they develop away from predators. The larvae hatch in spring and are pelagic, feeding on plankton. As they grow, the young fish begin to adopt a benthic lifestyle, burrowing into the sand for protection. They reach sexual maturity in one to two years and can live up to about seven years, although most do not exceed five years. Their growth is rapid during the first months of life, slowing down as they approach maturity. Spring: Hatching of eggs → Summer: Rapid growth and intense feeding → Autumn: Sexual maturity → Winter: Spawning and gathering.

The northern sand lance is a schooling fish, living in large schools that can number in the thousands. This strategy allows them to protect themselves against predators, as it is more difficult for a predator to target an individual in a large group. They are not very territorial and often move in search of food. The sand lance is sensitive to changes in light and temperature, preferring cloudy days or periods of low light to become active. They react little to underwater noises but are very sensitive to vibrations, which can prompt them to quickly burrow into the sand.

The diet of the northern sand lance varies with age. Young larvae primarily feed on plankton, including copepods and other small floating organisms. As they grow, adults adopt a more diverse diet, including small crustaceans, worms, and even fish eggs. Their hunting method involves burrowing into the sand and capturing prey that passes nearby. In summer, when food is abundant, they feed more actively, while in winter, their feeding activity decreases.

The northern sand lance is more active during the warmer months of spring and summer when food is abundant. During this period, it is easier to observe them in schools close to the coast. In autumn, their activity decreases slightly, but they continue to feed to prepare for the winter spawning season. Winter is a time for gathering and reproduction, where they come together in large schools to spawn. The best times to observe or fish for them are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer. They are less active in clear, sunny weather, preferring cloudy or overcast conditions.

For the northern sand lance, which is primarily used as bait, the choice of lures and colors is not as crucial as for other species. However, if you are looking to mimic the sand lance to attract predators, opt for silver or bluish lures that reflect light well in the water. In clear waters and sunny weather, silver lures are particularly effective. In cloudy cover or in murkier waters, lures with blue or green reflections may stand out better. Use small-sized lures to accurately mimic the silhouette of the sand lance.

The gear for fishing the northern sand lance or using it as bait is relatively simple. A light rod of about 1.8 to 2.1 meters with a fast action is ideal for detecting light bites. An open-face reel with a line capacity of 4 to 6 lb is sufficient. For line, use a clear monofilament line that is less visible in the water. Hooks size 10 to 12 are appropriate for capturing the sand lance or for using it as bait. A fluorocarbon leader can be useful to prevent the line from being too visible in the water.

When handling the northern sand lance, be careful not to damage its delicate skin. Use wet hands to reduce stress and avoid removing the protective mucus layer. If you plan to release it, do so quickly and carefully to ensure its survival. If you wish to take a photo, do so near the water so you can release it immediately afterward. The release should be gentle to avoid injuring it.

In Quebec, the northern sand lance is a prized prey for many aquatic and avian predators. Among fish, striped bass, mackerel, and halibut are common predators. Seabirds, such as gulls and terns, also dive for the sand lance. These predators play a crucial role in controlling sand lance populations and contribute to the balance of the marine ecosystem.

The northern sand lance is not currently considered an endangered species in Quebec. However, its population can be affected by environmental factors such as pollution and climate change. Sustainable fishery management and the protection of coastal habitats are essential to ensure its long-term survival. Fishermen are encouraged to respect local regulations and practice catch and release whenever possible to maintain healthy populations.