The silver hake, although not well-known among sport fishermen, is a species of interest for those who care about marine biodiversity in Quebec. This fish from the Gadidae family primarily inhabits the salt and brackish waters of the Atlantic coast, notably found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its popularity as a sport fish is limited, as it does not provide a great fight, but it can be an interesting catch for those looking to diversify their catches. The silver hake is often caught inadvertently when targeting other more prized marine species.

The silver hake has an elongated and slender body, typical of members of the Gadidae family. Its dominant color is a bright silver, from which it gets its name, with slightly yellow or greenish reflections on the sides. Its belly is paler, often white or cream. The fins are relatively small; the dorsal fins are separated into two distinct sections, and the anal fin is long. Its head has a lower mouth with small barbels that help it detect prey on the seabed. The scales are small and well-adhered, providing a smooth texture to the touch. Young hakes may display more pronounced patterns and brighter colors, while adults have a more uniform appearance. There are no notable differences between males and females during spawning season.

In Quebec, the silver hake is primarily found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its surroundings. It can also be encountered in the brackish waters of estuaries and coastal bays. Although it is present in these areas, it is not abundant and is often caught as a bycatch. Its distribution extends from the northeastern coast of the United States to the colder waters of Atlantic Canada, but it is less frequent in inland waters.

The silver hake prefers cold, brackish waters, often at depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters. It is generally associated with rocky or sandy seabeds, where it can hide and hunt for its prey. It is more active at night, during which it moves in search of food. The ideal water temperature for this species is between 4 and 12 °C, which explains its presence in northern regions. To fish for it, it is best to target areas with submerged structures such as reefs or rock piles.

The silver hake primarily spawns in the spring when water temperatures begin to rise slightly. The female lays her eggs in rudimentary nests dug into sand or gravel. The eggs hatch after a few weeks, releasing larvae that drift with the plankton before settling to the bottom and starting their growth. Young fish reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 4 years of age. The longevity of the silver hake is relatively short, rarely exceeding 7 years. Spring: Spawning and laying → Summer: Rapid growth of young → Autumn: Preparation for winter → Winter: Reduced activity, slowed metabolism.

The silver hake is a rather solitary fish, although it can be observed in small groups when feeding. It is not particularly territorial but prefers areas where it can easily camouflage. It reacts little to changes in light, being more active at night. Noise and sudden weather changes can make it more wary, but it is not very sensitive to fishing pressure, making it an accessible target for anglers. It primarily feeds by rummaging on the seabed, using its barbels to detect its prey.

The diet of the silver hake mainly consists of small benthic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, marine worms, and mollusks. Young fish primarily feed on zooplankton and small crustaceans, while adults prefer larger prey found by rummaging on the seabed. In winter, their metabolism slows down and they reduce their feeding activity, eating less frequently. In spring and summer, their feeding activity increases significantly, coinciding with the increased availability of prey.

Fishing for the silver hake is possible year-round, although the best times are spring and summer when the fish are more active and feeding more. In autumn, their feeding activity begins to decrease, and in winter, although they are still present, they are less inclined to bite. Weather conditions have little influence on their behavior, but a cloudy or rainy day can enhance their activity. The best times to fish for them are early in the morning and late in the evening, especially if you're looking to catch them near the surface.

For the silver hake, natural baits like pieces of fish, worms, or shrimp are often more effective than artificial lures. If you choose lures, opt for natural colors like white, silver, or blue, especially in clear weather or in clear waters. In murky water or overcast conditions, brighter colors may help attract attention, but effectiveness remains limited compared to natural baits.

To fish for the silver hake, a fishing rod of 6 to 7 feet with light to medium power and moderate action is recommended. A spinning reel size 2000 to 3000 with a line of 6 to 10 lb is sufficient. Use hooks size 4 to 6 with a fluorocarbon leader for more stealth. Weights should be adjusted according to depth and current to keep the bait near the bottom.

The silver hake is relatively easy to handle due to its smooth skin. For catch and release, ensure to minimize the time out of the water and handle the fish with wet hands to preserve its protective mucus. If you wish to take a photo, do it quickly and gently return the fish to the water, supporting it until it swims off by itself.

Natural predators of the silver hake include larger fish such as cod and some sharks. Seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, can also prey on young hakes when they venture near the surface.

The silver hake is not considered a threatened species in Quebec, but it is subject to general fishing regulations to ensure sustainable population management. Catch and release is encouraged to preserve stocks, especially in areas where it is less abundant.