finishing off a bat ray

[colt.45]

I will going down to newport beach in a few days and will be bringing my speargun for my first saltwater hunting trip. I have been reading threads on how to finish off normal fish but I cant find anything on bat rays. What is the best way to finish them off with out getting spiked?

 

[Polystigma]

Bat ray are not the best tasting fish around. In fact the meat is very "strange", kinda smelly too.

 

[Amphibious]

Usually by cuddling and some pillow talk




like any fish, quickly dispatch with a sharp impliment to the head.

the thorny, spiny, spiky critters just add to the entertainment.

 

[IB Boyd]

If your going to be in the Newport area, why not head down to Crystal Cove and look for a Sargo, or a Halibut? They are both pretty good to eat, easy to clean, and you wont get crap from all the bunny huggers walking up the beach with one....If you really want to shoot a bat ray, by all means do it, but keep in mind they are a very powerful fish, with lots of endurance. I have caught them hook and line fishing of my kayak. If you dont have a float and a floatline, you have a good chance of losing your rig. Dealing with a pissed off bat ray in heavy kelp should probably not be attempted by someone diving solo, big time tangle hazzards. Dont mean to dull your enthiusiasm or critisize you, but I would recomend finding another species to target.
Good Luck,
Boyd