Ray Species | Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Ray Species

Ray Species

aka Batoidea

Often mistaken for skate, ray species tend to be much bigger, are kite-shaped and possess stinging spines. Top sub-species include Blonde Ray, Common Eagle Ray, Common Stingray, Sandy Ray, Spotted Ray, Starry Ray, Thornback Ray and Undulate Ray. Preferring sandy, muddy or light shingle seabeds, most ray species are found in sub-tropical seas of the Mediterranean but the less common species are found around the UK and European waters. Rays are identified by its flat body shape, tail, ray-like fins and cartilage or lacking skeleton.

FactThere are more than 600 species in 24 families of rays in the world's oceans with most rays communicating via body movements (tilting or lifting tails and wing-like fins)or making grunting and clapping noises, with a few ray species emitting mild electrical waves and vibrations to communicate.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

Sandy, muddy beds, near rock marks in warm subtropical waters.

Bait

Bait

Worms, crabs, mackerel & squid.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Warmer waters in the southwest of the English Channel and the Irish Sea, but avoid the cooler waters of the North Sea.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

Most species of Rays have mighty jaws consisting of several rows of blunt teeth. This, paired with its ability to dig into the weed bed, can make them a challenging catch. Anglers should be careful handling any rays due to the stinger or thorns. Thick gloves are advised. These are found in sandy, both shallow and deep water right above sand and mud. The best baits to use range from small fish strips releasing scent to ragworms and shellfish. A typical setup used to catch rays is the basic leger rig method. Commonly used to set hook baits, preferably circle hooks, on the weed bed with the rig. The hook and swivel need to have a distance of about 1ft, which will allow the line to pass through the weight, reducing suspicions and baiting without feeling any resistance. It is always essential to remember that rays are playful and do not bite instantly, giving them some time and not reeling back or tightening the line too early or at the first sign of movement. Tightening the reel should be done once the line is pulling away hard and consistently. Rays travel in groups once one is caught; the possibility of another catch is high, but within a time frame before the group travels again. To unhook them safely, using long nose pliers and a cloth or thick gloves, finding their barbone and holding them by the tail will be crucial not to get stung. Turning it over on its back, removing the hook using the pliers, and simply returning them into the water, carefully watching its tail.

Video

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Thornback Rays, Skate, Roker - Boat Fishing Rigs, Tips & Tactics!

For this latest episode we headed back down to Essex to fish with our good friend Phil White, aboard his boat the Chinook III, with one species in mind, the Thornback Ray or Skate/Roker as it’s also known.The spring months can be an excellent time...

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