Thornback ray

Raja clavate

A widespread species that can be found in estuaries and sheltered bays with muddy-sandy ground, in other parts of the coast they can be found on open beaches. Thornback rays can hit 20 lb most fish are between 3 – 10 lb in weight. Thornbacks are common in North Wales, especially around Anglesey and Llyn peninsula.

With their flattened bodies and long whip like tail there is no mistaking a ray. There are several species of rays found around the Welsh coast, but here we focus on the species of most interest to the angler.  

They are a powerful fish – even a small one will put a bend in the rod. Rays tend to arrive in Welsh waters in spring, with the best fishing in the summer/early autumn. Some species grow in excess of 20lb. Rays generally like clean, sandy ground where they hunt for crustaceans and molluscs buried in the sand. For bait rays take mackerel, squid, peeler crab well.