Blonde Ray
Ray
A large, pale sandy-coloured ray with numerous small dark spots scattered evenly across its back and a relatively rounded snout compared to other UK rays.
Facts
- One of the larger UK ray species, with specimens regularly exceeding 8kg from productive marks.
- The pale, evenly-spotted colouring helps it blend into sandy seabeds where it lies partly buried.
- Favours clean sand and gravel ground, often close to reefs or wrecks where it can also shelter.
UK fishing rules
No statutory UK-wide recreational size limit currently applies, though local IFCA byelaws sometimes add extra ray/skate protections — check regional rules before retaining any.
Where to catch Blonde Ray (2 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbles Pier | Wales | Jun–Sep (historic) | Sandeel or mackerel strip cast well out for a chance of ray. |
| Penarth Pier | Wales | Jun–Oct | Cast well out over sand/mud with sandeel or fish strip. |