Bat Ray

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Oregon south to Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters on sandy and muddy bottom in 1–150 feet. Very common in San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay, and coastal lagoons — one of the most common rays in California.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–70°F. A nearshore and bay species found in shallow to moderate depths over sandy and muddy bottom. Forages by excavating craters in soft bottom with its wings — disturbing clams and worms. Common sight in Southern California bays.

Size & Weight: Typically 10–50 lbs. Maximum approximately 200 lbs and 6-foot wingspan. World record: 181 lbs. An impressive, powerful fighter that makes long runs and dives when hooked on heavy surf tackle. Venomous tail spine — handle with care. Good eating — the wings are cut into rounds similar to scallops.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Heavy jigs bounced on bottom occasionally produce incidental catches.

Best Baits: Fresh whole clams are the top bait in California bays. Fresh pile worms are excellent. Ghost shrimp produce consistent results. Fresh squid on a heavy surf rig near the bottom of bays and nearshore areas. 30–50 lb tackle is recommended for larger fish.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Oregon south to Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California. Found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters on sandy and muddy bottom in 1–150 feet. Very common in San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay, and coastal lagoons — one of the most common rays in California.

55°F–70°F. A nearshore and bay species found in shallow to moderate depths over sandy and muddy bottom. Forages by excavating craters in soft bottom with its wings — disturbing clams and worms. Common sight in Southern California bays.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures. Heavy jigs bounced on bottom occasionally produce incidental catches. Best Baits: Fresh whole clams are the top bait in California bays. Fresh pile worms are excellent. Ghost shrimp produce consistent results. Fresh squid on a heavy surf rig near the bottom of bays and nearshore areas. 30–50 lb tackle is recommended for larger fish.

1 fishing location where you can catch Bat Ray

Typically 10–50 lbs. Maximum approximately 200 lbs and 6-foot wingspan. World record: 181 lbs. An impressive, powerful fighter that makes long runs and dives when hooked on heavy surf tackle. Venomous tail spine — handle with care. Good eating — the wings are cut into rounds similar to scallops.

1 official record on file for Bat Ray