A winged ray that will peel a surf reel. Most LA anglers treat them as catch-and-release. The tail barb is the safety issue.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sand and mud in bays, harbor mouths, and the surf — Marina del Rey, Alamitos, and Dockweiler on a moving tide.
The ocean regulations define finfish to include sharks, skates and rays, and set no bat-ray-specific limit, so the general bag applies (20 finfish, no more than 10 of one species). Bat rays are commonly caught in LA bays. Cut bait on a sliding sinker. Cut the line near the hook if the barb is buried. Do not tail a live bat ray.
Bat rays (Myliobatis californica) are large, diamond-shaped rays with a raised head, dark brown to black upper side and a long tail with one or more venomous spines near the base.
Bat rays feed on clams, crabs and worms in bays, harbors and sandy surf. Marina del Rey, Alamitos Bay and LA's sandy beaches all see them.
Present year-round, often more active in warmer months.
Bat rays are not named in OEHHA's LA coastal advisories.
The 2026 ocean regulations do not set a bat-ray-specific limit. Under Title 14, finfish include sharks, skates and rays, so the general ocean bag applies: 20 finfish combined, no more than 10 of one species.
No bat-ray-specific rule appears in the 2026 ocean booklet. Barb injury is the practical hazard.
CDFW 2026 ocean sport fishing regulations booklet (PDF) →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There is no bat-ray-specific rule; the general ocean bag of 20 finfish with no more than 10 of one species applies.
They have venomous tail spines, so handle carefully.
Squid, clams and mackerel on the bottom.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
