Thornback Ray
Raja clavata
FR Raie bouclée · ES Raya de clavos · PT Raia-de-espinhos · IT Razza chiodata · DE Dornrochen
Also known as: RayrayRaya de clavosRaie boucléeDornrochenRazza chiodataRaia-de-espinhos
BenthicShoreBoat
Ray/Skate
Score
—
Prime time
Dusk/night with moving tide
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–JulGood Apr–Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandGravel
Findr bio
Dusk/night with a moving tide. Catch me if you can — whole squid works wonders...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep waterSandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquid
Diet
CrabShrimpSand eelSmall fish
Effective techniques
Running LedgerBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DuskNight
Thorn-backed and historic — drawn in medieval bestiaries.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea
Where they hang out
Sandy bays 5–20m
Prime time
Dusk/night with moving tide
Tide game
Strong tidal run improves feeding
What they're into
Whole squid, mackerel, sandeel
Temperature vibe
Prefers mild–warm water; sluggish in cold
Fave weather
Feeds well after mild storms stirring prey
Fun fact about me
Thorn-backed and historic — drawn in medieval bestiaries.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Size/bag restrictions in some countriesNational fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Thornback Ray