Spotted Ray
Ray
A smaller ray with a greyish body covered in numerous small, well-defined dark spots, distinctly smoother-skinned than the thornier thornback ray.
Facts
- One of the smaller UK ray species commonly caught from shore, rarely growing much beyond 2kg.
- The dense small-spot pattern is the clearest way to tell it apart from the blotchier thornback ray.
- Feeds mainly on small crustaceans and worms, making it a reliable catch on standard bait rigs.
UK fishing rules
No statutory UK-wide recreational size limit currently applies — check local IFCA byelaws for any regional ray-specific rules.
Where to catch Spotted Ray (2 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criccieth | Wales | Jun–Sep | fish or squid bait fished hard on the bottom over clean patches |
| Selsey Bill | South East | May-Oct | Fish bait on a pulley rig cast beyond the boulders |