Thornback Rays. A great choice to target early in the year.

Fishing for thornback rays from the shore can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. These fish are often considered one of the best early season species to target, as they are available to catch before other summer species start to arrive. In this guide, we will discuss the best rigs, bait, and techniques to help you catch more thornback rays from the shore.

Identification of Thornback Rays

Thornback rays are a type of skate that is found in the coastal waters of the UK. They have a distinctive diamond-shaped body with a spotted grey-brownish coloration that makes them easily identifiable. They have a wingspan of up to 1 meter and weigh between 2 to 6 kilograms. The underside of the thornback ray has a distinctive rough texture due to the presence of small spiky thorns.

Seasonal Habitat

Thornback rays are commonly found inshore during the spring season. They are often located around rocky and sandy areas, estuaries and harbors. During the spring, thornback rays are more active and move closer to the shore to feed. As the summer progresses, they move to deeper water, making spring the best time to target this species.

Rigs

When targeting thornback rays from the shore, the running ledger rig is the most commonly used rig. This rig comprises of a swivel, a short length of line, a bead to protect the knot, a lead weight, and a long hook trace with a hook. The hook trace is usually made with a 50lb line with a length of around 1meter. This rig is effective as it allows the bait to move along the seabed, deceiving the thornback ray into thinking it is natural prey.

Another rig that you can use when targeting thornback rays from the shore is the pulley rig. This rig is designed to prevent the lead weight from snagging on rocks and makes casting easier. The rig comprises of a swivel, a short length of line, a bead to protect the knot, a lead weight, and two hook traces with hooks. The hook traces are made with 30lb or 40lb line, with a length of around 50cm-1 meter. This rig is effective when fishing in rocky areas and can increase your chances of catching a thornback ray.

An adapted pulley rig called a pulley dropper rig is also getting more popular. This basically gives you a longer snood which sits flat to the bottom.

Bait

When targeting thornback rays from the shore, the most commonly used bait is fresh or frozen mackerel. This bait is effective as it has a strong scent that attracts thornback rays from a distance. Other baits that can be used include squid, herring, sandeel, and peeler crab. Peeler crab is regarded as one of the most effective baits for thornback rays but requires a lot of preparation and patience to use effectively.

Techniques

When fishing for thornback rays from the shore, it is important to use the right techniques to increase your chances of catching a fish. The first step is to find a good location. Thornback rays are usually found in areas with hard or mixed ground, such as rocky or sandy areas. Fishing in deep channels and estuaries can also increase your chances of catching thornback rays.

Another important technique when targeting thornback rays is to cast your bait as far as possible. This technique can increase the chances of your bait being discovered by thornback rays swimming in deeper water. Make sure the bait lands gently in the water, and the line does not slack.

It is also important to keep the bait moving. Thornback rays are opportunistic feeders, and they are attracted to the movement of their prey. By keeping your bait moving, you can increase your chances of attracting a thornback ray. However, you should also vary the speed of your movement as thornback rays can be wary of overly aggressive or fast-moving bait.

Conclusion

Fishing for thornback rays from the shore can be a fun and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. By using the right rigs, bait, and techniques, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish. Remember to locate a good area with hard or mixed ground and cast your bait as far as possible. Using fresh or frozen mackerel can increase your chances of catching thornback rays. Additionally, don’t forget to vary the speed and movement of your bait to attract thornback rays effectively. Overall, with a bit of practice, anglers can enjoy a successful day catching thornback rays from the shore.