The silver hake, also known as northern hake, is a marine fish species prized by sport fishermen for its delicious flesh. In Quebec, it is mainly caught in the salty and brackish waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic coast. Although it is not as popular as other sport fish like salmon or striped bass, it offers an interesting challenge for anglers due to its moderate fight and presence in often hard-to-reach waters.

The silver hake has an elongated, fusiform body covered with small silver scales that give it its name. Its head is relatively large with a prominent mouth equipped with sharp teeth, adapted to its carnivorous diet. The dorsal fins are well-developed, with the first dorsal fin being shorter than the second. Its caudal fin is slightly forked, giving it some agility in the water. Young hakes are often more slender and less robust than adults but retain the same silver coloration. There is no marked sexual dimorphism between males and females, even during the spawning period.

In Quebec, the silver hake is primarily found in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is also found along the Atlantic coast, particularly in bays and estuaries where the water is more brackish. The species is less abundant in the waters further north due to colder temperatures that do not suit its ideal habitat. However, populations may vary depending on climatic conditions and prey availability.

The silver hake prefers deep, cool waters, generally between 50 and 200 meters deep. It is often associated with sandy or muddy bottoms where it can camouflage and hunt its prey. The ideal temperatures for hake range from 6 to 12 °C, which explains its presence in the colder waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Anglers will look for it near underwater structures such as reefs or wrecks, where it finds shelter and food.

The reproduction of silver hake occurs mainly in spring and summer, when water temperatures begin to rise. Females release pelagic eggs that float in the water column until hatching. The larvae develop quickly and reach sexual maturity in 2 to 3 years. Growth is rapid during the first years, then slows as they reach adulthood. The average lifespan of silver hake is 5 to 8 years. Timeline: Spring → Spawning → Summer → Growth → Autumn → Foraging → Winter → Resting state.

The silver hake is a social fish, often found in schools, especially during spawning periods. It is not particularly territorial, but it can become more aggressive when hunting in groups. Hake is sensitive to changes in light and prefers darker waters or shaded areas, making it more active at dusk and dawn. Weather conditions such as wind and pressure can influence its activity, although these effects are less pronounced than in other fish species.

Young hakes primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans. As they grow, their diet becomes more carnivorous, including small fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Adults are opportunistic predators that adapt their diet based on prey availability. In winter, when food is scarcer, they may settle for smaller, lower-quality prey.

In spring, the silver hake becomes more active with rising temperatures, coinciding with the spawning period. The best times for fishing are early morning and late afternoon when light is lower. In summer, it is often found in deeper waters to avoid higher surface temperatures. Autumn is a transitional period where it prepares for winter, seeking to accumulate fat reserves. During winter, its activity decreases, but it remains possible to fish for it in deep waters where it stays.

In clear waters, silver or metallic blue lures are effective for imitating the natural reflections of baitfish. In murky water or overcast conditions, prefer brighter colors like yellow or orange to attract the hake's attention. Phosphorescent lures can also be useful in depth or low light.

A rod of 1.8 to 2.4 m with moderate to heavy power and fast action is recommended for silver hake. Use a sturdy reel, preferably an open spool model, with a line capacity of 20 to 30 lb. Hooks sized 1/0 to 3/0 are suitable for this species, accompanied by a fluorocarbon leader to minimize visibility.

Handle the hake carefully to avoid damaging its delicate skin. Use a damp cloth to hold it and minimize time out of the water. For a successful release, ensure that the fish is well oxygenated before letting it go. Take photos quickly to reduce stress.

In Quebec, the main predators of silver hake include seals and large predatory fish such as the Greenland shark. Seabirds, like gulls, may also target young hakes or weakened fish at the surface.

Silver hake is not currently endangered in Quebec, but populations are monitored to prevent overfishing. It is important to adhere to current regulations regarding minimum sizes and catch quotas. Releasing small individuals contributes to the conservation of the species.