Blonde Ray fishing in the Bristol Channel, Raja brachyura

Blonde Rays, more commonly known just as Blondes are the largest of the ray species found in the Bristol Channel and can grow in excess of 42in(1.1m) in length and 40lb in weight.

Blondes will typically frequent sand banks, especially banks with a minimum depth of 30ft that have steep slopes into deeper water, but can be found wherever there is sand or slight rough ground. Nash Sands in particular is a very productive mark. Blondes are different to other rays in that they will produce a good fight.

A short snouted ray, the outer angles of the wings are almost right-angles. The adults backs are covered with prickles, the young are smooth except for the front edges of body. large eyes, a row of spines runs down the back and onto the tail on small specimens but are restricted to the tail on adults, with lateral spines only showing on adult females. Colour: on the back a light fawn to brown with many small black spots which extend to extreme edge of disc, also has a few indistinct larger creamy spots. Underside is white.

31lbs by P Gunning, Amlwch 1981
The UK Boat Record is 38lb 9oz held by I Dobson, caught at the Overfalls by the Nab Tower off the Isle of Wight, during 2000.
...April to September but can be caught all year round

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