Rays Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Rays are commonly found in Victorian coastal waters, from shallow bays to deeper offshore areas. They have a flat, disc-shaped body with broad pectoral fins that they use to ‘fly’ through the water. Unlike skates, rays give birth to live young. They feed on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Some species, like stingrays, have a venomous barb on their tail for defense. Rays often bury themselves in sand or mud, with only their eyes visible, waiting for prey to pass by. In Victoria, several species of rays can be encountered, each adapted to different habitats and depths.

What restrictions are in place for Rays fishing in Melbourne?

Rays have a maximum legal width of 1.5m. They cannot be taken within 400m of any pier, jetty, wharf, rock wall or breakwater. Rays must be kept whole or in carcass form until away from the water. They can be filleted at cleaning tables at boat ramps. There is a combined bag limit of 1 skate, ray, or guitarfish per person.

How to catch Rays

To catch rays in Victorian waters, focus on sandy or muddy bottom areas in bays and coastal waters. Use bottom fishing techniques with natural baits. Be cautious when handling rays, especially species with barbs. Some anglers prefer to practice catch and release with rays due to their important role in marine ecosystems.

What should you fish with for Rays?

When it comes to fishing for Rays, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with baits when fishing for Rays, but lure fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Squid as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Rays

Bait fishing for Rays offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Squid
• Prawns
• Pilchards
• Whitebait

The Top 2 Lures to Use for Rays

Lure fishing enthusiasts have found great success with these two options for Rays:

• Soft Plastics
• Jigs

Where to catch Rays in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Rays. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Rays can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Rays, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Rays fishing in Melbourne