THE ULTIMATE ANGLING BUCKET LIST

This obviously doesn't work when uptiding. You can however use a small homemade swim-feeder on
the lead, or even a purpose built grip lead swim feeder which are now available. Filled with something
suitable, this can add a little extra scent to that being put out by your hook bait.
Associated audio interview numbers: 40.
SMALL EYED RAY Raja microocellata
Bucket List status – result
In Ireland this fish is also known as the painted ray, which can
be a little confusing. Otherwise, a fish fairly readily identified
by its very specific markings. The base colour is greyish to
sandy brown over-laid by a series of off-white spots and lines
spread over the entire upper surface, with the lines tending to
follow the outline of the outer body profile.
As a further aid to getting the identification right, it should have
little in the way of sharp thorns, with any that are present being
small and lying almost flat along the ridge of the spine.
What smaller prickles there are present should be confined
mainly to the front area of the body, leaving the back half with
a much smoother feel, and as the name suggests, the eye is
small.
Ian Williams Small Eyed Ray Fenit
The word microocellata as part of the scientific name here
actually refers to the small size of the eye. Thornback mimics
apart, the only other ray with markings even remotely to be
confused with the small eyed ray is the undulate ray, which
unlike the small eyed ray with its pointed wings has rounded
wing tips.
Undulate markings, while these also consist of lines and spots, are presented as a series of obviously
darker wavy bands edged by small creamy white spots, with many larger spots of the same pale colour
also woven into the pattern laid over a much darker brown base colour.
Small eyed rays are fun fish to catch, and are rated at the higher end of the scale when it comes to
awarding points for fighting abilities. Another big plus is that they are also particularly shore angler
friendly, though you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise, as they often tend to be nocturnal in their
feeding when they come within casting range.
The downside unfortunately is their rather limited distribution within which they tend to form isolated,
though at times quite abundant pockets over areas of sea bed which specifically suits their needs.
The furthest northerly reports I have come across centre around Anglesey in North Wales. More
specifically, the Holyhead area, and in particular, the south west facing side of the island where they
are taken from various rock marks as well as from small boats launched at Trearddur Bay through to
Rhosneigr on the main island itself.
Then seemingly nothing right down to and around the Lleyn Peninsula on through Cardigan Bay and
beyond, until you round St. Davids Head and the start of the run along into the Bristol Channel.
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