The poutassou, also known as blue whiting in Europe, is a saltwater and brackish fish belonging to the Gadidae family. In Quebec, it is mainly found in the waters of the St. Lawrence estuary and the Gulf. Although it is not a prime target for sport fishing due to its low fighting ability, it is sometimes accidentally caught by anglers targeting other species. The poutassou is particularly valued for its delicate flesh, often used in the food industry. Its distribution is primarily coastal, although it can be found in deeper waters depending on the season.

The poutassou has an elongated and slender body, typical of the Gadidae family. Its color is generally silver with bluish reflections on the back, giving it a shiny appearance. The belly is lighter, almost white. The pectoral fins are relatively long, and its caudal fin is forked. Its mouth is wide, slightly tilted downward, which is characteristic of fish that feed near the bottom. Young poutassous resemble adults, although they are often paler and less marked. During the spawning period, males and females do not show significant visible differences to the naked eye.

In Quebec, the poutassou is primarily found in the salt and brackish waters of the St. Lawrence estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is more abundant in coastal regions where the waters are colder and rich in nutrients. Although its presence is less frequent in inland waters, it can sometimes be observed in transition areas between fresh and saltwater. The general distribution range of the poutassou also extends to the North Atlantic, where it is more commonly fished.

The poutassou prefers cold waters, typically between 8 and 12 °C, and is often found at depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters. It favors areas where the bottom is made up of sand or mud, allowing it to feed easily. Underwater structures like sandbanks and artificial reefs can also harbor poutassous. During the spawning period, they tend to move closer to shore to lay their eggs in shallower waters.

The life cycle of the poutassou begins with a spawning period that usually occurs in spring. Females lay pelagic eggs that float in the water column, often carried by currents. After hatching, the larvae drift until they reach a sufficient size to start feeding actively. Growth is rapid during the first years, and sexual maturity is reached between 1 and 3 years. The longevity of the poutassou is relatively short, with an average lifespan of 6 to 8 years.

Spring → Spawning and laying → Summer → Rapid growth of young → Autumn → Accumulation of reserves → Winter → Reduced feeding

The poutassou is a schooling fish, often forming large schools that move together in search of food. It is not particularly territorial and is relatively indifferent to environmental disturbances such as noise or changes in light. However, it may be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and pressure, which can influence its vertical distribution in the water column. Weather conditions, such as wind and rain, have little direct impact on its behavior.

The diet of the poutassou varies depending on its stage of development. Fry primarily feed on zooplankton, while adults consume a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. In summer, when food is abundant, it actively feeds to build up energy reserves. In winter, its feeding is more reduced, and it may even stop feeding for short periods if conditions are too harsh.

In spring, the poutassou moves closer to shore for spawning, making it more accessible to anglers. The best times to fish for it are early morning or late afternoon. In summer, it remains active throughout the day, but ideal fishing conditions include overcast skies and a light breeze. In autumn, it begins to move to deeper waters, making it harder to catch. Winter is a less favorable time for fishing poutassou due to its reduced activity and tendency to seek refuge in less accessible areas.

For poutassou, lures in silver or blue colors are ideal, as they closely mimic its natural prey. In clear water and sunny weather, prioritize silver lures to reflect light. In murky water or overcast conditions, bright-colored lures like yellow or orange may be more effective. At greater depths, phosphorescent lures can attract the attention of fish.

To fish for poutassou, a light to medium rod of 6 to 7 feet is recommended, with a moderate action to feel the bites well. A reel size 2000 to 3000 with a 6 to 10 lb line is sufficient. Use hooks size 4 to 6 and a fluorocarbon leader for more stealth. Small sinker heads and soft lures work well for this species.

The poutassou should be handled with care to avoid causing it stress or unnecessary injuries. Use wet hands or gloves to grip it and minimize the time spent out of the water. For a successful release, ensure that the fish is well oxygenated before letting it go. If you want to take a photo, do it quickly to avoid prolonging its exposure to air.

Natural predators of the poutassou include larger fish such as cod and gray seals. Seabirds, such as gannets, may also prey on young poutassous when they are close to the surface.

The poutassou is not considered a threatened species in Quebec. However, it is important to respect current fishing regulations to maintain healthy populations. It is generally advised to release accidentally caught specimens when fishing for other species.