Smooth butterfly rays are triangular-shaped fish that can be found in the west Atlantic Ocean. They can be caught by bottom fishing or surf casting and are most often found in lagoons and shallow sea waters. These fish are often caught accidentally by fishermen targeting other species.
Habitat: Ocean
How to identify Smooth Butterfly Ray
Smooth butterfly rays are shaped like rounded triangles. They are wide but not long, ranging in widths from about three to four feet. Their very small tail lacks a spine. Their body color can vary depending on their environment, ranging from browns, to grays, and even greens. They have dark, spotty markings on their bodies that help them blend in with their environment. Their pectoral fins have a wingspan that reaches up to 48 inches.
Where to catch Smooth Butterfly Ray
Smooth butterfly rays inhabit coastal saltwater lagoons, shallow sea waters, estuarial waters, and aquatic beds in the subtidal area. These rays are found in the west Atlantic from Brazil to Maryland. They are also found in the east Atlantic coastal areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Senegal. Although they prefer soft bottoms along continental shelves in the neritic zone, they have been known to venture into saltwater lagoons and brackish estuarial waters.
The following are habitats where you can catch Smooth Butterfly Ray:
How to catch Smooth Butterfly Ray
These fish as often accidentally caught by anglers or commercial fishermen targeting other types of fish. Like most rays, smooth butterfly rays like to stick to the ocean floor and can best be caught with bottom-fishing and surf casting techniques. Look for them in shallower waters near estuaries and lagoons.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Smooth Butterfly Ray:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Smooth Butterfly Ray
The best baits to use when pursuing smooth butterfly rays include strips of squid, peeler crab, herring, mackerel, clams, bloodworms, or sardines.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Smooth Butterfly Ray:
