Sharks & Rays

Thornback ray (roker)

Raya de clavos

Raja clavata

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

5–12 lb.

Depth

10–200 ft.

Best time

Night from shore; daylight from boats.

Found in

10 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: A diamond-shaped ray with a short snout, a brown to gray upper side covered in light and dark spots, and rows of big thorns (with button-like bases) along the back and tail. The underside is white.
Typical size: 5–12 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft long and over 20 lb.
Diet: Crabs, shrimp, sand eels and small fish.
Behavior: Lies on sand, mud and gravel and moves inshore into estuaries and bays in spring.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from United Kingdom & Ireland, France, Spain & Portugal (Azores, Madeira & Canaries), Italy & Malta, Greece & the Adriatic, Turkey, Cyprus & the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea & Caspian, Northern & Central Europe, Scandinavia & Iceland (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) and Morocco & West Africa. Sandy and muddy bottoms from Norway to South Africa, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea; the Thames estuary and the Bristol Channel are famous UK spots.
Habitat: Sandy and muddy bottoms from Norway to South Africa, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea; the Thames estuary and the Bristol Channel are famous UK spots.
Depth: 10–200 ft.
Fishing depth: On the bottom.
Best season: Spring to autumn in the UK (March–June is peak).
Best time: Night from shore; daylight from boats.
Best tides: The flood tide over sandbanks.
Best weather / conditions: Calm, settled days.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

Also at Bass Pro Shops: Rod Reel Line Rig Weight Hooks Bait

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Sandy and muddy bottoms from Norway to South Africa, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea; the Thames estuary and the Bristol Channel are famous UK spots.
Rig up: 12 lb class boat rod or a standard beach rod. 30–50 lb mono.
Pick your bait: Peeler crab, sand eel, mackerel strip and squid. Lures: Not used.
Fish it: Fish a crab or fish bait hard on the bottom and give the ray time: it first smothers the bait, then moves off, which is when you lift.
Time it: Night from shore; daylight from boats. The flood tide over sandbanks.

Fishing techniques: Fish a crab or fish bait hard on the bottom and give the ray time: it first smothers the bait, then moves off, which is when you lift.
BigJoe's tip: The bite feels like weight being added to the line. Wait until the rod tip pulls down steadily before you lift.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Good eating when fresh.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Ray wings are excellent: skin them and fry or poach, as in French 'raie au beurre noir'.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp thorns on the back and tail; hold it by the edges of the 'wings' and use gloves.
Regulations: Minimum sizes apply in some UK areas and EU countries; skates and rays are under catch quotas. Many anglers release them. Every country sets its own rules: sea fishing licenses or registration in some countries, a national or regional license plus a local permit for fresh water, and minimum sizes everywhere. Check before you fish.
Conservation: Release the big females, which carry the eggs ('mermaid's purses').

Tap an area to open its fishing map.

Sources & photo credits