Stingrays come in many shapes and sizes. They range from small ones that barely weigh 1kg up to massive models in excess of 1000lbs. Here in South Australia the main forms of ray that are likely to be encountered are the Eagle Ray (Myliobatis australis), Smooth Stingray (Dasyatis brevicaudatus), Black Stingray (Dasyatis thetidis), Southern Fiddler Ray (Trygonorhina fasciata) and the Whitley's Skate (Raja whitleyi). These are not the only rays found but by and large would make up for the bulk of rays caught.
A Smooth Stingray.
Rays are not a difficult fish to find as most sandy bays, estuaries and both inshore and offshore reefs will consistently hold them. Personally I generally prefer to fish for the larger varieties of rays in shallower water (to 10m deep). I like the shallow stuff as the fight is much enhanced and Eagle rays especially will often take to the air numerous times in an attempt to dislodge the hook. The larger rays like Smooth and Black stingrays will very often suck themselves onto the bottom and sulk. When they do this, twanging the line like a guitar string can work to move them.
I like to use fairly sturdy not flimsy tackle when I target Rays. Generally speaking this is a 8-15kg line on a good overhead reel with a top brand rod. I like to use a mono trace of up to 110lb and hooks from 4/0 - 8/0. Some people prefer a wire trace as this will land the small sharks but I prefer mono as any Mulloway that may find the bait will not shy away from mono as they do with wire. When caught the ray should be handled with EXTREME care to avoid getiing one of their barbs in your leg, hand or any part of your anatomy.
A Southern Fiddler Ray
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