The longfin hake, although not widely known to the general public, is a fish that piques the interest of specialized saltwater and brackish water anglers in Quebec. It is primarily sought after in the deep waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its catch is not as popular as that of more iconic species like striped bass or mackerel, but it offers an interesting challenge due to its elusive nature and often difficult-to-access habitat. This fish stands out for its long fins and benthic lifestyle, making it an intriguing target for anglers looking for new experiences.

The longfin hake has an elongated and relatively slender body, typical of members of the Phycidae family. Its coloration ranges from light brown to grayish on the back, becoming paler on the sides and belly. Patterns may include irregular darker spots. Its mouth is wide, with a prominent lower jaw, and it is equipped with small sharp teeth. The pectoral fins are long and often reach the base of the anal fin, which is a distinctive feature. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts: the first is short and the second is long and low. The caudal fin is slightly forked. The scales are small and smooth, which can give the skin a slippery appearance. Young hakes resemble adults, although their fins may appear proportionally larger. Differences between males and females are not visually evident, even during spawning.

The longfin hake is primarily found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its surroundings. It prefers deep waters, often beyond 100 meters, which limits its distribution to areas where these conditions are met. Although its presence is confirmed in several parts of the St. Lawrence, it is not abundant and can be difficult to locate. It is not found in the inland waters of Quebec or in rivers, as it is strictly marine or brackish.

The longfin hake primarily inhabits rocky or sandy seafloors, often at depths of 100 to 400 meters. It prefers cold waters, with an ideal temperature between 39 and 54 °F. It is often associated with underwater structures like reefs or areas where the bottom shows topographical variations. To locate it, look in areas with moderate currents, as it likes to stay in hollows where it can camouflage and wait for its prey. Anglers should be prepared to explore remote and difficult-to-access areas to maximize their chances of success.

Spawning of the longfin hake generally occurs in the spring, when temperatures begin to rise slightly. Females release their eggs into the water column, where they are fertilized by males. The eggs float with the current until hatching. The larvae are planktonic before transforming into juveniles that descend to the bottom as they grow. Sexual maturity is reached at around 2 to 3 years old, depending on environmental conditions. The longevity of this fish is relatively short, between 5 and 7 years, which means it must spawn multiple times throughout its life to maintain populations. Timeline: Spring → Spawning and egg-laying → Summer → Rapid growth of juveniles → Autumn → Migration to deeper waters → Winter → Benthic life and feeding.

The longfin hake is generally solitary, although it may occasionally be found in small groups, especially during the spawning season. It is not particularly territorial, but it defends its immediate space against intruders. It is sensitive to changes in light, preferring low-light conditions, which explains its increased activity at dawn and dusk. Weather conditions such as wind and barometric pressure have little impact on its behavior, as it lives in deep waters where these factors are mitigated.

The diet of the longfin hake mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, and benthic invertebrates. Young hakes primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans, while adults prefer larger prey like shrimp and small bottom fish. Its diet varies little throughout the seasons, although the availability of prey may influence its dietary choices. It primarily hunts by ambush, using its long pectoral fins to stabilize its position on the bottom while waiting for prey to pass by.

Fishing for longfin hake is more productive in spring and autumn, when the fish move to more accessible waters to spawn or feed. In summer, they may be found deeper, making them harder to catch. The best times for fishing are generally early in the morning and late in the afternoon, corresponding to their peak activity. Weather conditions have little direct impact on their behavior, but calm seas facilitate access to their deep habitats. Anglers should be prepared to adapt their strategy based on depth and visibility conditions underwater.

For longfin hake, lures should primarily mimic natural prey. In clear water, use natural colors like gray, brown, and green. In murky water, opt for brighter colors like yellow or orange to maximize visibility. Phosphorescent lures can be useful in deep or low-light waters. Depth plays a crucial role: at great depths, lures with metallic reflections are effective to capture light and attract attention.

To target longfin hake, a fishing rod of 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters) is recommended, with a medium to heavy power and moderate action to feel the bites at depth. A spinning reel or heavy baitcasting reel is ideal, loaded with 20 to 30 lb line to withstand tough conditions. Size 3/0 to 5/0 hooks are appropriate, depending on the bait used. A 20 lb fluorocarbon leader helps prevent break-offs on rocky structures.

Handling the longfin hake should be done carefully to avoid injuring them. Use wet hands to minimize damage to the scales and skin. If you wish to release it, do so quickly and gently, supporting it under the belly. For a photo, hold it horizontally and avoid squeezing it too tightly. Ensure it is breathing well before releasing it.

Natural predators of the longfin hake include larger fish like halibut and certain shark species present in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Seals can also pose a threat to hake populations in some areas.

The longfin hake is currently not considered a threatened species in Quebec, but it is subject to regulations regarding commercial and recreational fishing, including quotas and minimum size limits. Catch-and-release is encouraged for specimens that are too small or during spawning periods to maintain healthy populations.