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.
Sand and mud in bays, harbor mouths, and the surf — Marina del Rey, Alamitos, and Dockweiler on a moving tide.
Skates are listed among other federally managed groundfish on the Southern page (open year-round, all depths as of 1 Sep 2026). 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.
Could not verify a unique bat-ray bag number on the Southern HTML summary. Do not invent one. Barb injury is the practical hazard.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — other federally managed groundfish / skates →
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.
