Fishing for batrays is an overlooked sport fishing challenge that will put even the toughest saltwater fishing tackle to the test. Batray is big and strong. It’s not unusual to hook into 60 to 100 pound fish. And their powerful wings, actually fins, give them an inordinate amount of pull or leverage.
Batray is often found in the open oceans at depths to 150 feet, but most anglers prefer to pursue them in shallower waters like San Fransisco Bay, Humboldt Bay and Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing. In bays and sloughs they feed heavily on clams, oysters, shrimp and crabs.
Batrays are not considered good eating, which in some respects is probably an advantage. Why bring these flapping, angry guys into the boat if you don’t have to? If your skilled and lucky enough to win the fight with a big ray, just release it at the side of the boat.
The largest recorded catch in California weighed in at a whopping 181 pounds and measured 4 feet 9 inches across.
During most of the year, batray are scattered. But in early summer, often in May, they congregate to spawn. then larger numbers congregate, usually at high tide along shorelines. Boat boat and shore anglers have a shot at them. Bait fished right on the shallow bottom is the method of choice.
Fish the incoming water up to high tide. Since Batray are nocturnal feeders, tides corresponding with dusk or dawn, or even dark if local regulations permit, are probably the best.
Hooking rays in water 2 to 4 feet deep is common. Cast your baited rig out as far as from the boat or shore as possible, then set a taut line with a loose or free drag and with the reel clicker on. A screaming clicker means it’s time to set the hook on the ray as it flees towards deeper water. Often this run will strip a reel bare and smoke the drag.
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Medium to heavy saltwater tackle is in order. Equipment used for open ocean rockfishing or cannonball-type salmon trolling will work just fine. See the Rockfish and Salmon post for specifics. You’ll need at least 20 pound monofilament and 5/0 hooks. Flatten the barb on the hook to make releasing the batray easier. By the way, if you can’t easily remove the hook, just cut the leader to let these bug rascals go. The hooks will dissolve.
Slide the sinker up the line and then tie on a snap swivel to which you can attack a snelled hook. A very effective bait is frozen whole squid. Boxes are sold at most grocery stores. Some anglers use more exotic bait like chicken parts.
In San Fransisco Bay, the far south end is probably the best bet. Elkhorn Slough, a Monterey Bay estuary at Moss Landing, is a big batray hangout. A popular ray and shark tournament is held there each year. Humboldt Bay also has an abundance of Batrays.
Peak fishing occurs in early summer during spawning on tidal flats. To reiterate: do release these cow-eyed giants so they can continue to cruise the bottoms and provide fishing pleasure to future anglers.
Batrays are robust elasmobranchs with flattened discs exceeding 6 feet across; understanding their anatomy helps match tackle to their strength. They feed mainly on crustaceans and small fish, so look for sand sifting behavior near bays where they glide close to the bottom. Key species include the Pacific batray and round stingray—both distinguished by thorn patterns and paddle-like tails. Their sensory ampullae detect prey, so stealthy approaches quiet the water column. Pair knowledge of their slow metabolism with a focus on slow, deliberate drift presentations; use high-capacity reels and wide-diameter lines since batrays take long runs once hooked. Mention “batray fishing” “West Coast conservation” and “heavy surf tactics” to keep SEO signals strong for anglers researching these majestic bottom-dwellers.
West Coast batray anglers target soft-sand flats, eelgrass beds, and gentle drop-offs where these rays ambush prey. In bays like Tomales and San Diego’s Mission Bay, look for warm, shallow water fed by tidal exchanges—batrays favor 10 to 30 feet depths with muddy substrate. During outgoing tides, focus on channels near jetties where sand crabs concentrate, because batrays patrol edge habitats. Also check estuary mouths where freshwater mixes with salt; the nutrient-rich grounds support crab populations that sustain large ray aggregations. Keep GPS waypoints for consistent spots, and use low-light morning or dusk windows to match their crepuscular feeding schedule. Highlight “West Coast bays” “batray hotspots” and “soft-bottom tactics” for readers planning coastal expeditions.
Batray activity heats up in late spring as ocean temperatures climb toward 60–65°F. Mating occurs in summer, often triggered by increasing daylight and warm currents; expect males to follow receptive females across sandy flats. Female batrays then gestate for 6–12 months before depositing leathery egg cases (mermaid’s purses) in kelp beds or rocky outcrops. Spawning can continue into autumn, so anglers tracking gravid rays should note bulging bellies and may avoid stressing females during sensitive periods. In winter, batrays retreat to deeper basins; their metabolic pace slows, so hooking success drops—keep drift times long and baits fresh. Mention “batray spawn season” and “West Coast fishing calendar” to guide planning and keep SEO relevant.
Targeting trophy batrays means beefy tackle: 50–80 lb braided line matched with a 50–60 lb fluorocarbon leader creates abrasion resistance when they rub on shells. Use a 7–8 foot conventional rod with fast action for lifting such heavy loads, paired with a high-capacity low-profile baitcaster for smooth drag control; set drag to about one-third of line strength to absorb powerful head shakes. Circle hooks (5/0–7/0) reduce gut-hooking and promote safer releases, while egg sinkers from 4 to 6 ounces keep baits planted in tidal currents. Keep a long-handled net or gaff-ready cradle nearby; batrays stay close to the bottom and need help getting aboard safely. Include “heavy batray tackle” “West Coast ray gear” and “drag setup” for search visibility.
While clams and sand crabs are reliable, exploring other baits can spark action. Fresh whole sardines, herring strips, and mackerel cubes release oils that batrays track across silty flats; thread bait on the shank so it stays put in current. Squid strips or cut anchovies add scent and texture, appealing to both curious young rays and giants. For added attraction, add a sprinkle of shrimp scent or use a bait bag filled with chopped bait to increase scent dispersion near the hook. Keep a small cooler with bait ice-packed to preserve flesh firmness through the tide change. Tag keywords like “batray bait ideas,” “West Coast scent trails,” and “alternative ray baits” for SEO.
Batrays are vital to estuary health, so practice patient handling and quick releases. Once landed, keep the ray submerged in shallow water while unhooking, using a de-hooker to minimize hook time. When moving to shore, support the disc with both hands and avoid lifting by the tail. Remove hooks carefully or cut the leader if the hook is buried, then glide the ray back into the water headfirst so it can clear sediment from its spiracles. Record size and tagging info if your fishery participates in monitoring programs. Reiterate “batray conservation,” “safe release gear,” and “tag reporting” to encourage responsible angling.
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