A day at the Ray's (pic)

[Fisherman Paul]

Fishing buddy and i went to a beach were we have had
Thornback Ray every year from the shore at low water today and
from the first cast rods started bending, 8 rays in total
here is a pick of one.

Wind was in the west, in our faces but it was dry and we
were catching fish. Happy days.

Rod used was my penn affinity 15' twin tip.
Reel was my 25 year old penn 750ss.
Bait used was frozen mackerel.

[ChileRelleno]

Sounds like a great day catching...  Sharkbait! 

Naw, really sounds like a good day of catching.

[newport]

How much do they differ from skates? I think i heard somewhere that their skin is more like a sharks, which is like sandpaper. I was also wondering about the smoothhound sharks you guys target. do they have sharp teeth? I watch a lot of UK distance casting and fishing videos and those two species have always made me wonder about them. Thanks

[Fisherman Paul]

Sounds like a great day catching...  Sharkbait! 

Naw, really sounds like a good day of catching.

On my 15' rod it really does bend over with these guys (light tip)
great fun, they are a beautiful fish, all fish returned.

[Fisherman Paul]

How much do they differ from skates? I think i heard somewhere that their skin is more like a sharks, which is like sandpaper. I was also wondering about the smoothhound sharks you guys target. do they have sharp teeth? I watch a lot of UK distance casting and fishing videos and those two species have always made me wonder about them. Thanks

A skate is 100-200lb+ in weight, a thorn back ray were i fish
is between 4-9lb in 5-6lb being the norm.

Were i live no smoothhound fishing beaches sadly.

Thorn backs are beautiful fish to catch on a light set up rod,
not to stiff a tip is the key.



Most fish are at your feet from the shore or a lob (hint hint)
my pb cast is 207 yards measured, but that's with no bait, traces
etc, if you can cast 100 yards on the beach you will cover
all your fishing, any further get a boat.