Common Skate Fishing Guide – UK & Ireland

What is a Common Skate?

The Common Skate is the largest species of skate in the world, closely related to rays and sharks. It is easily recognized by its:

• Diamond-shaped body

• Long tail

• Dark brown color with spots (colors can vary lighter)

• White underside

Size & Lifespan: Can grow up to 250lb, with fish of this size reaching 70–80 years old.

Conservation Status: Once widely caught across the UK and Ireland, Common Skate are now critically endangered due to overfishing, commercial trawling, and trophy angling. In 2009, the European Union banned targeted commercial skate fishing in EU waters.

⚠ Despite their size, Common Skate have no swim bladder and can safely return to the water if handled carefully.

Where to Catch Common Skate

• Deep-water habitats: Often hundreds of meters deep

• Shallow summer feeding grounds: Venture closer to shore in summer

• Best locations:

  • West coast of Scotland (deep-sea lochs, Oban)

  • West coast of Ireland

Pro Tip: Shore catches are rare and often from rocky, dangerous areas, so never fish alone when targeting large skate.

Best Baits for Common Skate

Common Skate are opportunistic predators with powerful jaws. Effective baits include:

• Mackerel (Smoothhound Fishing Guide)

• Octopus

• Large Sandeels or Launce (Best Bait for Solent Sea Fishing)

• Herring

• Cuttlefish

• Pollock & Dogfish (Coalfish Fishing Guide)

• Crustaceans (crabs, peeler crabs) (Peeler Crab Fishing Guide)

Pro Tip: Large, natural baits that mimic prey on the seabed work best.

How to Catch a Common Skate

• Gear:

  • Heavy-duty rods capable of handling very strong fish

  • Reels with high line capacity

  • 30–40lb mono or 50–65lb braid

  • Strong 8/0+ pattern hooks

• Techniques:

  • Targeted mainly from boats, though some shore captures occur

  • Use long snoods and strong rigs to allow natural bait presentation

  • Patience and skill are crucial due to the fish’s size and strength

Landing & Handling Tips

• Always fish with two people for safety, especially from the shore

• Gaff carefully if used — target the mouth, not the belly or sides

• Wet towels and long-nose pliers for safe hook removal

• Quick measurement & photo before returning to the water

Pro Tip: Handle the fish gently and release quickly — a Common Skate is a fish of a lifetime.

Internal Links & Related Guides

• Ray Fishing Tips, Techniques & Best Baits

• Thornback Ray Bait & Rigs

• Peeler Crab Fishing Guide

• Best Bait for Solent Sea Fishing

• Coalfish Fishing Guide