Blonde ray
Raja brachyura
How to catch it
METHODS
Bottom fishing Surfcasting
NATURAL BAITS
Sand eel Squid Mackerel strip Peeler crab
BEST TIMES
Morning Afternoon Dusk
The blonde ray matures late, has low reproductive capacity and is Near Threatened (IUCN); landing rules differ between countries, so check the local rules and release the big fish in particular. It is a rare shore catch; most are taken from boats over and along the slopes of sandbanks. The classic bait is a large sandeel tipped with squid on a 6/0 Pennell rig, on a 4–5 ft trace of at least 60 lb (ideally 100 lb) mono, as their jaws crush lighter line. The first knocks may be the fish searching for the bait by scent, so don't strike at once: wind and lift when you feel weight.
Source: British Sea Fishing · Sea Angler · Inland Fisheries Ireland
Regulations
No verified regulation record has been entered for this species yet. Check the current official rules for your area before fishing.
Regulation information is not legal advice. Rules vary by country, region and season; every record shows its source and last verification date. Always check the current official regulations yourself.