Sand Lance

Sand Lance

Ammodytes americanus

Size: to 8"

Habitat: inshore waters, from surface to bottom

Notes: The Sand Lance is an important link in the marine food chain. It is a major part of the diet of many commercially important fishes, as well as whales and seals. Sand Lances form huge schools to feed on phytoplankton and have the ability to dive into the bottom sediments to escape predators. I have never seen a live one, but they are common in the bellies of other fishes that you may catch.

Sand Lance
Schooling Sand Lances
Sand Lance

by Captain Adam Nowalsky
copied from charter boat Karen Ann II

boat

As a charter boat operator, it is my job to ensure that my fares adhere to the current fishing regulations. While the current regulations are posted on my website for passengers to see, many people show up not knowing beforehand what the regulations are, and in some cases, that regulations even exist. This is likely because the fisheries management process can be difficult to understand, resulting in very few people getting involved. Hopefully, this article can help de-mystify the process.