Sting Ray

Stingray Fishing Guide – Baits, Rigs & Techniques (UK)

What is a Stingray?

The stingray is the only ray commonly caught around UK waters. Key features:

• Dark brown, greeny-olive or black body with smooth skin

• Rounded body with a pointed nose

• Tail 1.5× the body length with a poisonous stinger

Stingrays are bottom-dwelling ambush predators, feeding on invertebrates and small fish.

Where Will I Catch a Stingray?

Stingrays are widely distributed in UK and Irish waters, especially along the south coast. They prefer clean, muddy, sandy, or finer shingle seabeds.

Popular Stingray Venues

• Eastney Beach, Hampshire

• South Coast estuaries and bays

• Shallow inshore waters with sandy or muddy bottoms

Best Baits for Stingray

Stingrays feed mainly on shellfish, crustaceans, marine worms, and small fish. Effective baits include:

• King ragworm (bunched or a single large worm)

• Shellfish (mussels, cockles)

• Peeler crab

• Small fish or fish strips

Tip: Stingrays are bottom feeders, so heavier baits work best to keep them near the seabed.

Best Rigs for Stingray

Shore Rigs

• Pulley Rig or Up-and-Over Rig

• Single 2/0 strong pattern hook

• Long snoods to allow the stingray to pick up the bait naturally

Boat Rigs

• Running ledger rig with medium-strength line

• Size 8 fine-wire hook with 10lb snood

• Cast near sandy or muddy bottoms where stingrays feed

Example: Ian Golds caught a 46lb stingray from Eastney Beach using this setup with a large king ragworm.

Techniques for Catching Stingray

Shore Fishing

• Target muddy or sandy flats at low water

• Use strong rigs and large baits

• Detect bites carefully — stingrays can take bait gently

Boat Fishing

• Drift or anchor over known sandy or muddy feeding areas

• Use running ledger rigs to keep bait close to seabed

• Monitor line for subtle movement

Handling Tips

• Always approach stingrays with caution — the tail stinger is venomous

• Use gloves and long-nosed pliers when unhooking

• Handle with care and release promptly

Stingray Fishing Summary

Stingrays are exciting and challenging bottom feeders for UK anglers. Using king ragworm, shellfish, or peeler crab with a pulley or ledger rig from shore or boat will increase your chances of success. Handle with care due to their poisonous stinger and enjoy the thrill of targeting this unique species.