Blonde Ray

Raja brachyura

The biggest of the Welsh rays, Blondes can grow larger than 30lb. Double figure blondes are common off Welsh shores, especially Bristol channel marks in South Wales, such as the Sully sand spit and lavernock.

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.