Date: June 19, 2003
To: Pier Fishing In California Message Board
From: Moe Syzlac
Subject: Safely Handling Rays
Hi there. Jim Babwe turned me on to the fishing at Bellena Bay and this site. I've been out fishing every day this week (see Jim Babwe's reports). Anyway, how can I safely save my hooks and leaders after landing these rays? All I hear is "beware of the stinger, just cut the line." Any suggestions?
Posted by baitfish
Welcome to the board! All you need to do is turn the ray over onto it's back, and stand at the head. This way you can remove the hook very safely, and not leave the hook in the ray's mouth to one day rust away. Adam — Fish have to eat, all you need to do is figure out the ingredients.
Posted by Pier Dog
After the hook is out of the fish you can stick your fingers in its mouth and you will feel that the roof of its mouth is a good fingerhold to lift him up. BEWARE of the stinger on the top of the tail, it will be real painful if you get stabbed.
Posted by Moe Syzlac
I saw a picture of someone holding a ray by the two holes on the side of its head. Is that an option? Does it injure the ray?
Posted by patrick333
It’s ok for a smaller ray but this method will do damage to the bigger ones.
Posted by Sinker
Grabbing it by the inside of it's mouth does less damage to the ray (the big ones will tear if you grab them by the nostrils) and will also help keep that slime off you and another bonus is it naturally keep the tail pointed away from you so you won't get nailed. I have been cut by them and they will slice you open and will cause a stinging sensation. If the cut isn't bad enough to require stitches then clean well and try rubbing alcohol on it and or warm water to ease the sting. Personally I think people worry to much about the stinger, if you are careful there is not much to worry about.
Posted by Moe Syzlac
You were cut by the stinger or when grabbing it by the mouth?
Posted by Sinker
By the stinger twice now. Once while surf fishing I stepped on one, it got me good and once on a pier while pulling it up and over the railing, it didn't get me to bad. I love Bat Rays though they are great creatures, wish I could catch one every day.
Posted by BigGameHunter
I have handled many bat rays. The method I like to use is to flip it on its back and remove the hook with a pair of needle nose pliers. Definitely be careful of the base of its tail. That is were the stinger is located. I usually handle the ray from its gill slits located near it's eyes. The gill slits are real slimy so make sure you have a rag to wipe your hands. I have had a friend who was stung and he said it was very painful. Handle the ray with care and it will go easy on you. Fish on!!
Posted by chuam
As far as handling them goes I would recommend holding it in the mouth. It sounds like it could be dangerous but it is far from it. I picked up a 100+ lb ray this way and it clamped down on my hand a liitle but it really wasn't bad. They don't have sharp teeth but crushing plates. These feel more like sandpaper. Just be careful. I wouldn't recommend holding it by the nostrils unless it is a really small ray. Marcus
Posted by Moe Syzlac
Thanks for the tips!!I should be able to save my leaders now...or writhe around the rocks in severe pain because I grabbed the wrong end! Thanks for the tips!
To: Pier Fishing In California Message Board
From: Moe Syzlac
Subject: Safely Handling Rays
Hi there. Jim Babwe turned me on to the fishing at Bellena Bay and this site. I've been out fishing every day this week (see Jim Babwe's reports). Anyway, how can I safely save my hooks and leaders after landing these rays? All I hear is "beware of the stinger, just cut the line." Any suggestions?
Posted by baitfish
Welcome to the board! All you need to do is turn the ray over onto it's back, and stand at the head. This way you can remove the hook very safely, and not leave the hook in the ray's mouth to one day rust away. Adam — Fish have to eat, all you need to do is figure out the ingredients.
Posted by Pier Dog
After the hook is out of the fish you can stick your fingers in its mouth and you will feel that the roof of its mouth is a good fingerhold to lift him up. BEWARE of the stinger on the top of the tail, it will be real painful if you get stabbed.
Posted by Moe Syzlac
I saw a picture of someone holding a ray by the two holes on the side of its head. Is that an option? Does it injure the ray?
Posted by patrick333
It’s ok for a smaller ray but this method will do damage to the bigger ones.
Posted by Sinker
Grabbing it by the inside of it's mouth does less damage to the ray (the big ones will tear if you grab them by the nostrils) and will also help keep that slime off you and another bonus is it naturally keep the tail pointed away from you so you won't get nailed. I have been cut by them and they will slice you open and will cause a stinging sensation. If the cut isn't bad enough to require stitches then clean well and try rubbing alcohol on it and or warm water to ease the sting. Personally I think people worry to much about the stinger, if you are careful there is not much to worry about.
Posted by Moe Syzlac
You were cut by the stinger or when grabbing it by the mouth?
Posted by Sinker
By the stinger twice now. Once while surf fishing I stepped on one, it got me good and once on a pier while pulling it up and over the railing, it didn't get me to bad. I love Bat Rays though they are great creatures, wish I could catch one every day.
Posted by BigGameHunter
I have handled many bat rays. The method I like to use is to flip it on its back and remove the hook with a pair of needle nose pliers. Definitely be careful of the base of its tail. That is were the stinger is located. I usually handle the ray from its gill slits located near it's eyes. The gill slits are real slimy so make sure you have a rag to wipe your hands. I have had a friend who was stung and he said it was very painful. Handle the ray with care and it will go easy on you. Fish on!!
Posted by chuam
As far as handling them goes I would recommend holding it in the mouth. It sounds like it could be dangerous but it is far from it. I picked up a 100+ lb ray this way and it clamped down on my hand a liitle but it really wasn't bad. They don't have sharp teeth but crushing plates. These feel more like sandpaper. Just be careful. I wouldn't recommend holding it by the nostrils unless it is a really small ray. Marcus
Posted by Moe Syzlac
Thanks for the tips!!I should be able to save my leaders now...or writhe around the rocks in severe pain because I grabbed the wrong end! Thanks for the tips!