Thornback Ray

The most common ray around the UK coast - a cartilaginous fish, related to the sharks rather than the flatfish. Thornbacks move inshore from spring and feed hard on crab and fish baits through the summer, with fish over 20lb taken from the shore. Mind the tail spines.

Where and when

	Detail
Habitat	Sandy and muddy ground, estuaries, shallow inshore marks
Best time	Evening/Night
Category	Specimen

Baits and tactics

• Tactics: Beach casting, Leger, Running leger
• Baits and flies: Peeler Crab, Mackerel, Squid, Sandeel

Tackle that suits

	Detail
Hooks	2/0-4/0. Strong forged. Strong specimen hooks
Mainline	0.30-0.35mm. 15-20lb. Heavy mono for distance casting
Hooklength	0.30-0.35mm. 12-18". Heavy mono traces
Shotting	4-6oz grip leads on open beaches. Running leads in calmer estuaries.
Field notes	Rays feed on the flood tide - fish the incoming tide; Peeler crab and mackerel strips are the main baits; They are bottom feeders - keep the bait close to the seabed; Summer and autumn are prime - rays feed hard in warm water; Expect a strong, steady fight - rays run hard; Use strong tackle - big rays are powerful for their size

More sea species

European Bass

Surf beaches, estuaries, rocky headlands, harbour walls

Cod

Deep water, wrecks, rough ground, open beaches in winter

Mackerel

Open water, harbours, piers, headlands

Pollack

Reefs, wrecks, kelp beds, harbour walls, rocky coastlines

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