Date: April 24, 2004
To: Pier Fishing In California Message Board
From: Pierhead (Posts 1508)
Subject: Stearns Wharf 4-24-04 & Bat Ray
Greenrag and I were listening to Fish Talk radio this morning when they interrupted their program to announce that a 203 pound bat ray had just been landed at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara ... they were pleading with the lucky local angler, James Elledge, 45, not to release or clean the fish before they got there.
Naturally pierfishing.com shortly had their own reporters on the scene
Spoke with Mr. Elledge and learned that this was the largest fish he had caught in his 40 years of fishing. The fight lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes before the fish was gaffed by Ron Maxell and hoisted topside. It was caught on a live bait rig using a 3" smelt. Fortunately the fish ran parallel to the pier and was landed mid-channel off the end.
With the help of the Wharf's B&T owner, Ray Angel, the fish was carried over to the certified scale at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company where it was weighed and all the appropriate measurements were taken for inclusion in the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA)World Record book ... possibly the largest Bat Ray ever officially documented as caught on a California Pier.
And pierfishing.com was there ... the first fishing board to offer complete coverage of this historic event! Maybe it's not so bad I didn't make the Catalina Get-Together today
Note: Anyone who wants to cross-post this report and pictures to another fishing board - please link directly to pierfishing.com instead. All reports posted to this board are the property of Ken Jones who retains all rights and control over their subsequent use.
Pierhead, Proud Supporter of UPSAC
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 12:21pm
A couple years ago that I witnessed a 61” bat ray caught from the Berkeley Pier by “Troy.” I was there for the measurement and the fight. We didn't weigh it, we only all took a shot at the dead-lift. The one that is pictured is heavier (looks like a pregnant momma ready to dump) and has a much bigger girth than Troy’s.
Have to ask:
1.) What # line.
2.) Are they planning to consume it or stuff it
A nice catch.
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 12:36pm
Ron Maxell is the real champ! “The fight lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes before the fish was gaffed by Ron Maxell and hoisted topside.” Wow, this guy must be Sampson if he vertically lifted a 203# bat ray up onto the pier by himself with one gaff. Now that is a major accomplishment in and of itself. How many feet high did he have to hoist it?
30# test on that spinner is quite a workout! Troy had 50# test on a 4/0 low-speed Senator with a Fenwick boat rod. I think Mola used 30# on his. I wish we could get a statement on him as to the estimated measurement and weight of his.
Posted by pierhead on Apr-24-04 1:24pm
It was a joint effort... with James, Ron and Ray Angel from the B&t on the pier. I suspect that it was Angel that contacted Fish Talk radio. He is on the left in the group picture and Ron is on the right. Angel has been involved in the SB Sportfishing scene for a long time ... he grew up fishing the wharf, crewed on the local commercial and party boats, runs a great B&T and somehow finds time to help out with the Boys & Girls Club annual outings. I’m glad that it was his pier that was honored by the presence of such a large fish. And I’m sure he will appreciate any publicity that comes his way out of this ... he has worked hard to upgrade the bait shop to a full service operation. While probably not the largest bat ray landed from a California pier it will certainly be the largest ever officially qualified by the IGFA.
The reel was a Daiwa Jupiter Z 6000 with a capacity of 220 yards of 30# test ... gear ration 3 30/220 3.4 to one. It weighs in at 27.5 ounces. I bet James used every bit of its capacity
The rod was a 2-piece 10' Daiwa Eliminator Beefstick S1002MHRS rated at 14-40# line weight and 3-6 ounce casting weight. I wouldn't want anything lighter for a fish that size.
I wish I had got a little more background on James but they had just made the decision to keep the wings and were ready to wrap things up.
When I explained about this board they graciously submitted to one more 'photo-op' session and a brief interview. Strange thing is that after an hour and 20 minute fight he didn't look fatigued at all. A real nice guy who has earned his moment in the sun ...maybe he should be invited to the MMGT
Pierhead, Proud Supporter of UPSAC
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 2:42pm
Boyd you have to come and bring him with you to the MMGT #3 (Mud Marlin Derby $3 at Berkeley Pier). A record is a record. He definitely could have won our pot with that one. A great fish and a great guy from what you speak of his community service. It’s good to know that the guy has intentions of consumption. I guess people take into consideration what they are going to do with something when they gaff it? The bat ray that “Troy” got that night: he asked me to sink an extra gaff into it to assist bringing it up. I asked him first, “Are you going to keep it.” He said, “Yes” He had the left side hooked and I hooked the right side and we brought it up rather easily. (Troy is pretty large). He walked off the pier with it that night, so I assume it was consumed.
It still raises the question, is it O.K. to gaff a huge ray in hopes of a record with no intent of consumption. I made the mistake once on a 49” one that only weighed 80# or so on a bathroom scale. I thought stupidly that it could be a record, so I kept it. Turns out, it was a lot smaller than I thought when it came out of the water at night. I tried to give it away, but could not. I feed it to the seagulls piece by piece at the 1st cleaning station the next morning at Berkeley Pier. I talked to “Dirty Dog” (a wise old fishermen from Berkeley) the next day at Berkeley and told him of the ray, and he asked, "Did you release it?” I hesitated and said, “Uh, no, it was gaffed and brought up.” He was discouraged (maybe sickened a little bit) and said, “You should have released it” in so many words. I agreed and actually felt guilty for what I did. A short while after that humbling experience I hooked a bat ray at Pt. Fleming off the shore that was documented here on PFIC that surely topped that 49” one. I was using a Newell 535-5 w/ 60 pound mono and an old Shakespeare blue Alpha 10’ spinning rod (the rod cracked the next day without even being fished again). Well, the initial run came in a bolting 75 yard run or so when next I put maximum pressure on the fish; it pulled in return to where I had to fall backward and sit down making a fighting chair out of a rock to prevent from being pulled in. With this move, the fish jumps clear out of the water in the flats about three feet above the surface. After a rather short battle of 25 to 30 minutes of maximum pressure, the ray, bigger than the previous one, was coaxed very nicely into the cove without a scratch. I unhooked this jet black bat ray with not even a scratch and sent him on his merry way right at sunset. It was like a religious experience. I was the only one out there too.
By all means invite him Boyd, but tell him to leave his gaff at home! Mola from what I remember gaffed that ray in his foolish youth and I doubt very highly he would ever do that again without knowing that someone was going to consume it. I've tried to learn from my mistakes. Stan would have loved to see that thing swim away. Does one bat ray make a difference? Just my thought, now time to go out and slaughter some halibut
Posted by pierhead on Apr-24-04 3:50pm
Re: Boyd you have to come and bring him. I’ll try my best... I have an employment test that Saturday but since I worked in that field for 10 years (welfare casework and administration) I'm hoping they will let me slide I know some of the other GP regulars were thinking of driving up - maybe I can arrange for him and Ray Angel to rideshare.
I feel the same about gaffing and keeping big rays ... that's why I left before they dismembered it. But we all progress at different rates. I do wish there was some way to estimate the size without landing it though... perhaps a strain gauge to measure the average pull? Boyd
Posted by mudmarlinmaven on Apr-24-04 9:52pm
200lbs R - U - Sure??? It looks like the 180 lb. 6/7 Gill shark record... Only 54” across and 200+ lbs.? I have released pregnant females in Newport Harbor 60 + inches across... MAYBE pushing 150 lbs. + I think its closer to 120 Lbs. ...
MudMarlinMaven, Still a hell of a catch on a spinning rod!!!
Posted by pierhead on Apr-25-04 1:54am
It was weighed on a certified scale and all measurements were taken following the guidelines required by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). The circumference was 108.5” I think body height (thickness) is more indicative of weight than wingspan - my last bat ray measured 47” at the wingspan but its weight was only 70#'s or so. I got my information from Angel who had recorded the measurements as they were taken ... he has had years of professional experience in the recreational fishing industry.
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-25-04 7:49am
Agree Boyd! And, as we know, the female of fish species are almost always significantly bigger than the males. Question Boyd: It only makes sense that an IGFA fish’s certified weight includes the contents of the fishes stomach whether it be and undigested seal or a belly full of babies? Was it determined that the ray was female and was it full of young?
Got any further details on that? Thanks if you do - if not its O.K. Red
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-25-04 7:59am
One more question pierhead. Can a fish be released and still be eligible for an IGFA record? Thanks again.
Posted by guitarfish on Apr-25-04 11:06am
I too learned that lesson. A year or so ago I hooked a large bat ray at Goleta pier. I was using 20 lb. test on a 7’ bait casting rod that was equipped with a Jig master 500. Needless to say, I felt manhandled as if I were to hook my terminal tackle to the bumper of a power-stroke diesel. The fight lasted maybe 20 minutes. After I managed to beat the big beast into submission, a gentleman approached me asking if he could gaff the fish for consumption. He reassured me several times that he would eat the fish, so I agreed to let him gaff.
I can only say that the process disturbed me. For starters, I am not one who gets squeamish about killing animals for food; there is just something about these magical creatures. Perhaps it's the gasps of air or its mammalian characteristics reminiscent of killing a Dolphin. Did I mention those shiny black marble eyes looking at you? As I sat on my front porch that evening pondering about the day's events, I could only conclude that I felt like a jerk.
The story does have a happy ending however. The very next day, I ran into the same gentleman who took the fish. He and his family were out on the pier serving up plates of my fish. The plates were garnished with grapes, cottage cheese, and tarter sauce. I tried some and found it to be quite good.
I can only conclude that the decision to gaff is a personal one, granted that it is in fact for consumption, this being my personal ethic as it relates to hunting and fishing. For me it is a lesson learned necessary for the development of all conscious anglers. Today I choose to release bat rays, however I don't condemn those who choose to consume them.
Guitarfish
Posted by pEsCaDoR619 on Apr-25-04 12:16pm
Red, to answer that question, yes you can obtain a record. My friend holds the record for spotted bay bass at 4.96 lbs. a bunch of pictures were taken, and the fish was weighed with a digital scale, and all possible measurements were taken. The pictures and scale were sent to IGFA. The scale was then certified, and the record set.
To: Pier Fishing In California Message Board
From: Pierhead (Posts 1508)
Subject: Stearns Wharf 4-24-04 & Bat Ray
Greenrag and I were listening to Fish Talk radio this morning when they interrupted their program to announce that a 203 pound bat ray had just been landed at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara ... they were pleading with the lucky local angler, James Elledge, 45, not to release or clean the fish before they got there.
Naturally pierfishing.com shortly had their own reporters on the scene
Spoke with Mr. Elledge and learned that this was the largest fish he had caught in his 40 years of fishing. The fight lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes before the fish was gaffed by Ron Maxell and hoisted topside. It was caught on a live bait rig using a 3" smelt. Fortunately the fish ran parallel to the pier and was landed mid-channel off the end.With the help of the Wharf's B&T owner, Ray Angel, the fish was carried over to the certified scale at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company where it was weighed and all the appropriate measurements were taken for inclusion in the International Game Fish Association's (IGFA)World Record book ... possibly the largest Bat Ray ever officially documented as caught on a California Pier.
And pierfishing.com was there ... the first fishing board to offer complete coverage of this historic event! Maybe it's not so bad I didn't make the Catalina Get-Together today
Note: Anyone who wants to cross-post this report and pictures to another fishing board - please link directly to pierfishing.com instead. All reports posted to this board are the property of Ken Jones who retains all rights and control over their subsequent use.
Pierhead, Proud Supporter of UPSAC
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 12:21pm
A couple years ago that I witnessed a 61” bat ray caught from the Berkeley Pier by “Troy.” I was there for the measurement and the fight. We didn't weigh it, we only all took a shot at the dead-lift. The one that is pictured is heavier (looks like a pregnant momma ready to dump) and has a much bigger girth than Troy’s.
Have to ask:
1.) What # line.
2.) Are they planning to consume it or stuff it
A nice catch.
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 12:36pm
Ron Maxell is the real champ! “The fight lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes before the fish was gaffed by Ron Maxell and hoisted topside.” Wow, this guy must be Sampson if he vertically lifted a 203# bat ray up onto the pier by himself with one gaff. Now that is a major accomplishment in and of itself. How many feet high did he have to hoist it?
30# test on that spinner is quite a workout! Troy had 50# test on a 4/0 low-speed Senator with a Fenwick boat rod. I think Mola used 30# on his. I wish we could get a statement on him as to the estimated measurement and weight of his.
Posted by pierhead on Apr-24-04 1:24pm
It was a joint effort... with James, Ron and Ray Angel from the B&t on the pier. I suspect that it was Angel that contacted Fish Talk radio. He is on the left in the group picture and Ron is on the right. Angel has been involved in the SB Sportfishing scene for a long time ... he grew up fishing the wharf, crewed on the local commercial and party boats, runs a great B&T and somehow finds time to help out with the Boys & Girls Club annual outings. I’m glad that it was his pier that was honored by the presence of such a large fish. And I’m sure he will appreciate any publicity that comes his way out of this ... he has worked hard to upgrade the bait shop to a full service operation. While probably not the largest bat ray landed from a California pier it will certainly be the largest ever officially qualified by the IGFA.
The reel was a Daiwa Jupiter Z 6000 with a capacity of 220 yards of 30# test ... gear ration 3 30/220 3.4 to one. It weighs in at 27.5 ounces. I bet James used every bit of its capacity
The rod was a 2-piece 10' Daiwa Eliminator Beefstick S1002MHRS rated at 14-40# line weight and 3-6 ounce casting weight. I wouldn't want anything lighter for a fish that size.
I wish I had got a little more background on James but they had just made the decision to keep the wings and were ready to wrap things up.
When I explained about this board they graciously submitted to one more 'photo-op' session and a brief interview. Strange thing is that after an hour and 20 minute fight he didn't look fatigued at all. A real nice guy who has earned his moment in the sun ...maybe he should be invited to the MMGT
Pierhead, Proud Supporter of UPSAC
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-24-04 2:42pm
Boyd you have to come and bring him with you to the MMGT #3 (Mud Marlin Derby $3 at Berkeley Pier). A record is a record. He definitely could have won our pot with that one. A great fish and a great guy from what you speak of his community service. It’s good to know that the guy has intentions of consumption. I guess people take into consideration what they are going to do with something when they gaff it? The bat ray that “Troy” got that night: he asked me to sink an extra gaff into it to assist bringing it up. I asked him first, “Are you going to keep it.” He said, “Yes” He had the left side hooked and I hooked the right side and we brought it up rather easily. (Troy is pretty large). He walked off the pier with it that night, so I assume it was consumed.
It still raises the question, is it O.K. to gaff a huge ray in hopes of a record with no intent of consumption. I made the mistake once on a 49” one that only weighed 80# or so on a bathroom scale. I thought stupidly that it could be a record, so I kept it. Turns out, it was a lot smaller than I thought when it came out of the water at night. I tried to give it away, but could not. I feed it to the seagulls piece by piece at the 1st cleaning station the next morning at Berkeley Pier. I talked to “Dirty Dog” (a wise old fishermen from Berkeley) the next day at Berkeley and told him of the ray, and he asked, "Did you release it?” I hesitated and said, “Uh, no, it was gaffed and brought up.” He was discouraged (maybe sickened a little bit) and said, “You should have released it” in so many words. I agreed and actually felt guilty for what I did. A short while after that humbling experience I hooked a bat ray at Pt. Fleming off the shore that was documented here on PFIC that surely topped that 49” one. I was using a Newell 535-5 w/ 60 pound mono and an old Shakespeare blue Alpha 10’ spinning rod (the rod cracked the next day without even being fished again). Well, the initial run came in a bolting 75 yard run or so when next I put maximum pressure on the fish; it pulled in return to where I had to fall backward and sit down making a fighting chair out of a rock to prevent from being pulled in. With this move, the fish jumps clear out of the water in the flats about three feet above the surface. After a rather short battle of 25 to 30 minutes of maximum pressure, the ray, bigger than the previous one, was coaxed very nicely into the cove without a scratch. I unhooked this jet black bat ray with not even a scratch and sent him on his merry way right at sunset. It was like a religious experience. I was the only one out there too.
By all means invite him Boyd, but tell him to leave his gaff at home! Mola from what I remember gaffed that ray in his foolish youth and I doubt very highly he would ever do that again without knowing that someone was going to consume it. I've tried to learn from my mistakes. Stan would have loved to see that thing swim away. Does one bat ray make a difference? Just my thought, now time to go out and slaughter some halibut
Posted by pierhead on Apr-24-04 3:50pm
Re: Boyd you have to come and bring him. I’ll try my best... I have an employment test that Saturday but since I worked in that field for 10 years (welfare casework and administration) I'm hoping they will let me slide
I know some of the other GP regulars were thinking of driving up - maybe I can arrange for him and Ray Angel to rideshare.I feel the same about gaffing and keeping big rays ... that's why I left before they dismembered it. But we all progress at different rates. I do wish there was some way to estimate the size without landing it though... perhaps a strain gauge to measure the average pull? Boyd
Posted by mudmarlinmaven on Apr-24-04 9:52pm
200lbs R - U - Sure??? It looks like the 180 lb. 6/7 Gill shark record... Only 54” across and 200+ lbs.? I have released pregnant females in Newport Harbor 60 + inches across... MAYBE pushing 150 lbs. + I think its closer to 120 Lbs. ...
MudMarlinMaven, Still a hell of a catch on a spinning rod!!!
Posted by pierhead on Apr-25-04 1:54am
It was weighed on a certified scale and all measurements were taken following the guidelines required by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). The circumference was 108.5” I think body height (thickness) is more indicative of weight than wingspan - my last bat ray measured 47” at the wingspan but its weight was only 70#'s or so. I got my information from Angel who had recorded the measurements as they were taken ... he has had years of professional experience in the recreational fishing industry.
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-25-04 7:49am
Agree Boyd! And, as we know, the female of fish species are almost always significantly bigger than the males. Question Boyd: It only makes sense that an IGFA fish’s certified weight includes the contents of the fishes stomach whether it be and undigested seal or a belly full of babies? Was it determined that the ray was female and was it full of young?
Got any further details on that? Thanks if you do - if not its O.K. Red
Posted by Red Fish on Apr-25-04 7:59am
One more question pierhead. Can a fish be released and still be eligible for an IGFA record? Thanks again.
Posted by guitarfish on Apr-25-04 11:06am
I too learned that lesson. A year or so ago I hooked a large bat ray at Goleta pier. I was using 20 lb. test on a 7’ bait casting rod that was equipped with a Jig master 500. Needless to say, I felt manhandled as if I were to hook my terminal tackle to the bumper of a power-stroke diesel. The fight lasted maybe 20 minutes. After I managed to beat the big beast into submission, a gentleman approached me asking if he could gaff the fish for consumption. He reassured me several times that he would eat the fish, so I agreed to let him gaff.
I can only say that the process disturbed me. For starters, I am not one who gets squeamish about killing animals for food; there is just something about these magical creatures. Perhaps it's the gasps of air or its mammalian characteristics reminiscent of killing a Dolphin. Did I mention those shiny black marble eyes looking at you? As I sat on my front porch that evening pondering about the day's events, I could only conclude that I felt like a jerk.
The story does have a happy ending however. The very next day, I ran into the same gentleman who took the fish. He and his family were out on the pier serving up plates of my fish. The plates were garnished with grapes, cottage cheese, and tarter sauce. I tried some and found it to be quite good.
I can only conclude that the decision to gaff is a personal one, granted that it is in fact for consumption, this being my personal ethic as it relates to hunting and fishing. For me it is a lesson learned necessary for the development of all conscious anglers. Today I choose to release bat rays, however I don't condemn those who choose to consume them.
Guitarfish
Posted by pEsCaDoR619 on Apr-25-04 12:16pm
Red, to answer that question, yes you can obtain a record. My friend holds the record for spotted bay bass at 4.96 lbs. a bunch of pictures were taken, and the fish was weighed with a digital scale, and all possible measurements were taken. The pictures and scale were sent to IGFA. The scale was then certified, and the record set.