Ullcatch in Tralee reports on the Tag A Ray Weekend which was on in Tralee Bay and hosted by the Local Club TBSAC.
Ullcatch gave the following advice on handling Ray:
A large heavy duty landing mat is recommended for landing Stingray, by that we mean something like a carp mat used for weighing fish. This makes life easier for the angler, and will ensure the well-being of the fish. As the Stingray exits the water, guide the fish onto the mat. The most important thing with large Stingray is to support their weight; having the mat under them will do this. Large Stingray should never be turned onto their backs as this will crush and damage their inner organs. The worst thing an angler can do to a large ray is put the hook from a scales into the ray’s mouth and lift up. This will damage the mouth and will fatality injure the Stingray. For this reason, using the mat is beneficial: all you need to do is put the scales onto the handles of the mat and lift. When returning Stingray to the water just lay down the mat and they will swim away at their own pace.
For those all important pictures just kneel down behind the ray; there is no need to be lifting up the ray. For small Stingray, up to 10lb or 15lb, a good rag fixed around the barb on the tail will do the trick.
This is the first time stingray have been tagged in Tralee Bay since the 80’s.
Compliments of:
Ullcatch
Martin McGowan 087 3152516 or Eugene Farrelly 0864044671
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ullcatch.com
