The thorny skate, Amblyraja radiata, is a fascinating species found in the salt and brackish waters of Quebec. Although it is not considered a sport fish due to its low fighting ability, it piques the interest of anglers curious to discover the diversity of marine species in the region. Its presence in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its estuaries makes it a relatively accessible target for those venturing out to sea or in coastal waters. The thorny skate is also of great ecological interest, playing a role in the marine food web. Its distribution in the cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic, including the Quebec coast, makes it an intriguing species to observe and study.

The thorny skate has a characteristic flattened body, with wing-like pectoral fins that allow it to glide gracefully along the seabed. Its color ranges from light brown to gray, often speckled with darker patterns that provide excellent camouflage on the ocean floor. The mouth of the skate is located on the ventral side, typical of skates, allowing it to efficiently feed on benthic prey. Its tail is relatively long and tapered, adorned with small spines that give it its name. These spines are more pronounced in younger individuals and tend to fade with age. Males and females are similar in appearance, but males have claspers, modified structures near the pelvic fins used during reproduction.

In Quebec, the thorny skate is primarily observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as in its estuaries and adjacent bays. It is particularly abundant in shallow coastal waters but can also be found at greater depths. This species is well adapted to the cold conditions of the North Atlantic and prefers temperate to cold waters. Although it is less common in areas further south, it is widely distributed throughout the northwest Atlantic, from the east coast of Canada to Greenland and Iceland. The thorny skate is absent from freshwater, strictly limiting itself to salt and brackish environments.

The thorny skate primarily inhabits sandy or muddy seabeds, where it can camouflage itself to protect against predators and hunt for prey. It is often found in shallow areas, between 20 and 200 meters, although it can venture to depths of up to 500 meters. The ideal temperatures for this species range between 2 and 10 °C, typical of the cold waters of the North Atlantic. It is more frequently observed near the coast, in bays and estuaries, where current and food availability are favorable. Anglers should look for this species in areas where the bottom is rich in invertebrates, its main food source.

The reproduction of the thorny skate generally occurs in spring and summer when water temperatures are milder. Females lay eggs encapsulated in horny capsules, often called 'mermaid purses.' These eggs are deposited on the seabed and hatch after several months. Young skates, called juveniles, emerge fully formed and immediately begin feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates. Growth is relatively slow, and sexual maturity is reached around 5 to 7 years. In winter, the thorny skate tends to move to deeper waters to avoid freezing surface temperatures.

The thorny skate has a rather discreet and solitary behavior. It spends most of its time buried in sand or mud, with only its eyes and spiracles protruding to observe its surroundings. Although it is not particularly territorial, it can be sensitive to disturbances, especially loud noises and sudden movements. Changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature can also influence its activity, prompting it to move to deeper or more sheltered waters in unfavorable conditions.

The diet of the thorny skate mainly consists of benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms. Young skates primarily feed on small crustaceans, while adults can target larger prey like flatfish and cephalopods. In winter, when food availability is reduced, it may decrease its metabolic activity and settle for smaller, easier-to-catch prey. Seasonal variations also influence its diet, with more active feeding in spring and summer.

In spring, the thorny skate begins to become more active as water temperatures warm, improving its chances of finding prey. The best times to observe it are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when light is low. In summer, it remains active, but higher temperatures may push it to seek refuge in deeper areas. In autumn, it prepares for winter by increasing its energy reserves. Finally, in winter, the activity of the thorny skate decreases significantly, and it retreats to deeper waters to avoid extreme cold. Weather conditions, such as strong winds and storms, can also influence its seasonal distribution.

For the thorny skate, lures are generally not used, as it prefers natural baits. If you want to experiment, choose natural colors that mimic benthic prey such as shrimp or small fish. In clear waters, neutral and discreet colors may be more effective. In murky water, opt for brighter shades to attract attention. Depth does not influence color choice as much, but make sure your lure or bait reaches the bottom where the skate feeds.

To fish for the thorny skate, a sturdy fishing rod of 2.1 to 2.7 meters (7 to 9 feet) is recommended, with medium to heavy power. A medium-sized open or closed reel will do, with a line of 20 to 30 lb to withstand rough bottoms and the skate's spines. Use circle hooks in sizes 4/0 to 6/0 to ensure a solid catch without excessively injuring the fish. A steel leader may be useful to prevent the skate from cutting the line with its teeth.

Handling the thorny skate requires caution due to its dorsal spines. Use a cloth or gloves to hold it and avoid touching the spines. For release, support the fish under the body and gently let it swim out of your hands. If you want to take a photo, do it quickly to minimize stress. Ensure the skate is well submerged before releasing it.

The aquatic predators of the thorny skate include large fish such as the Greenland shark and certain species of seals. Seabirds, such as cormorants, may also prey on young skates. These interactions are an integral part of the marine ecosystem, maintaining population balance.

In Quebec, the thorny skate is not currently considered threatened, but it is subject to fishing pressures in other regions of the North Atlantic. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release to contribute to the conservation of the species. Local regulations may include catch restrictions, so always check the rules before fishing.