I like to catch and release Batrays. Always have since I was a teenager fishing regularly at Aliso Pier in Laguna Beach.
Today I caught my first Batray for 2022 at Belmont Pier. Ray hit a frozen anchovy on my second cast of the morning. It was still dark and nobody around to assist with netting. Ray took me around a light post twice before I could get him to the surface and "drag" him to where my net was. Fortunately, I had unwound enough rope on the net and it was ready for use. Used my left hand to lower net while I held the pole in my right hand. Was able to net ray without any problem. Medium size about 10 lbs, 26" wing span. Felt good to get the skunk off the board! Also caught a short Sandbass and several White Croaker. No Mackerel or Jacksmelt around. Saw a whale surface about 50 yards from the pier. Fun day at the pier!
Today I caught my first Batray for 2022 at Belmont Pier. Ray hit a frozen anchovy on my second cast of the morning. It was still dark and nobody around to assist with netting. Ray took me around a light post twice before I could get him to the surface and "drag" him to where my net was. Fortunately, I had unwound enough rope on the net and it was ready for use. Used my left hand to lower net while I held the pole in my right hand. Was able to net ray without any problem. Medium size about 10 lbs, 26" wing span. Felt good to get the skunk off the board! Also caught a short Sandbass and several White Croaker. No Mackerel or Jacksmelt around. Saw a whale surface about 50 yards from the pier. Fun day at the pier!
