Bat Ray in California
Bag rules, records and waters: bat ray.
- 20 a daydaily bag
- 181 lbs., 0 oz.record
About California bat ray
CDFW groups Bat ray (Myliobatis californica) with its sharks/rays species, on salt water. Anglers may keep 20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
The state record weighed 181 lbs., 0 oz., taken at Huntington Beach in 1978. It shows up along the north, central and south coast, per CDFW.
The CDFW profile of bat ray
“Bat rays are found from Oregon to the Gulf of California, Mexico.”
“Shallow Sandy Environment from the surface to depths of 150 feet.”
- SizeMaximum wingspan of 1.8 meters (6 feet). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
- SeasonBat rays may be taken year-round.
- GearTaken recreationally with hook and line gear. Commercial catch is primarily as bycatch in gillnet and trawl fisheries along with various hook and line fisheries.
- Where fishedTaken statewide primarily in bays and estuaries but also on the open coast.
- Other namessting ray, eagle ray, batfish, stingaree, bat sting ray, mud marlin
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Bag limits for bat ray
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay | 20 a day | none | see rule |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
The bat ray record
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 181 lbs., 0 oz. | Huntington Beach | 1978 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Other fish like bat ray
- Blue SharkSharks/Rays
- Broadnose Sevengill SharkSharks/Rays
- Brown Smoothhound SharkSharks/Rays
- Common Thresher SharkSharks/Rays
- Leopard SharkSharks/Rays
- Pacific Spiny DogfishSharks/Rays
- Round StingraySharks/Rays
- Salmon SharkSharks/Rays
- Shortfin Mako SharkSharks/Rays
- Shovelnose GuitarfishSharks/Rays
- Soupfin SharkSharks/Rays
- ThornbackSharks/Rays
bat ray in California: what people ask
What are the rules for keeping bat ray?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
What is the California record bat ray?
181 lbs., 0 oz. from Huntington Beach (1978).
Which California lakes hold bat ray?
Taken statewide primarily in bays and estuaries but also on the open coast.
Does CDFW stock bat ray?
No 2026 plants are listed.
What Latin name does CDFW use for bat ray?
Maximum wingspan of 1.8 meters (6 feet). For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Diving Records web page .
When is the season for bat ray?
see rule
Which license do I buy for bat ray?
License from 16 ($64.54); some species need report cards too.
Which charters catch bat ray?
See the guides page.