The sand lance is a small marine fish primarily found in the cold coastal waters of the North Atlantic. Although it is not a popular target for sport fishermen in Quebec, it plays an essential role in the ecosystem by serving as prey for many predatory fish and seabirds. This fish is particularly interesting for fishermen as live bait, especially to attract larger species such as cod or mackerel. Its distribution in Quebec is mainly limited to the Gulf of St. Lawrence region, where it is abundant in shallow sandy waters.

The sand lance has an elongated and sleek body, reminiscent of an eel, but with a more pronounced stiffness. It generally measures between 10 and 20 cm in length. Its color ranges from silvery gray to pale green on the back, with silver sides and a white belly. This camouflage allows it to blend into the sand when it buries itself to escape predators. It has a small mouth with no prominent teeth and relatively small pectoral fins. Its scales are tiny and nearly imperceptible to the touch. Young sand lances closely resemble adults, but they are often more translucent. There is no noticeable difference between males and females, even during spawning.

In Quebec, the sand lance is primarily found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its surroundings, notably around the Magdalen Islands. It is also present along the Gaspé coast. Its distribution is limited to coastal areas where the bottom is sandy, as it buries itself in the sand for protection. It is rarely found in deeper waters or rocky areas. Outside Quebec, it can be found in the North Atlantic, from New England to the Barents Sea.

The sand lance prefers shallow coastal waters, typically between 1 and 30 meters deep. It is often found in areas with a bottom composed of fine sand, allowing it to quickly bury itself to hide from predators. The ideal temperatures for the sand lance are between 10 and 15 °C, which corresponds to summer conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It generally avoids areas with high turbulence or strong currents, preferring calm waters where it can easily feed on plankton and small crustaceans.

The spawning of the sand lance primarily occurs in winter when adults gather in large groups to lay their eggs in the sand. The eggs are adhesive and attach to the substrate, protecting them from currents and predators. After hatching, the larvae drift in the plankton before metamorphosing into juveniles and joining adult populations. Growth is rapid, and sexual maturity is reached in one to two years. Adults typically live up to three to five years. Spring: Rapid growth of juveniles → Summer: Peak feeding activity → Autumn: Preparation for spawning → Winter: Spawning and laying.

The sand lance is a schooling fish that lives in large shoals, which helps reduce the risk of predation. It is not territorial and constantly moves in search of food. Sensitive to changes in light, it often buries itself in the sand during the day to avoid predators and primarily emerges at night to feed. Weather conditions such as wind or atmospheric pressure have little effect on its behavior, but it avoids overly turbulent waters.

The diet of the sand lance primarily consists of zooplankton and small crustaceans. Young sand lances mainly feed on crustacean larvae and small copepods. As they grow, their diet expands to include amphipods and other small marine invertebrates. In summer, when plankton is abundant, the sand lance can consume large amounts of food to build up reserves for winter. In winter, its feeding activity decreases, and it relies more on its reserves.

The sand lance is active year-round, but its feeding behavior varies with the seasons. Spring: Warmer temperatures increase its feeding activity. Summer: This is the period of highest activity, with intense feeding at night. Autumn: It begins to reduce its feeding in preparation for winter. Winter: It focuses on spawning and eats less. The best times to observe it are early in the morning and late in the evening when feeding activity peaks. It is less sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, but calm, windless days are ideal for seeing it active.

Since the sand lance is primarily used as bait, selecting lures for fishing it is not common. However, to attract predators that feed on sand lances, use silver or white lures that mimic their natural shine. In clear water, metallic lures work well, while in murky water, brighter colored lures may be needed to attract attention.

For fishing the sand lance as bait, a light rod is sufficient, measuring 1.8 to 2.1 meters with a soft action to feel delicate bites. A small open-faced reel is ideal, spooled with 4 to 6 lb line. Size 8 to 10 hooks are appropriate for its small mouth. Use a light leader to minimize visibility in clear water.

The sand lance is fragile, so handle it gently to avoid damage. If you want to release it back into the water, do so quickly and avoid holding it out of the water for too long. To take a photo, hold it gently and ensure your hands are wet to avoid damaging its sensitive skin.

The main predators of the sand lance in Quebec include striped bass, cod, and mackerel. Seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, are also major consumers of sand lances, especially when they gather in schools at the surface.

The sand lance is not considered a threatened species in Quebec. It plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as a food source for many predators. There are no strict regulations on its capture, but it is always important to respect quotas and local rules to ensure the sustainability of populations.