Saltwater · Northern
Ray - Pygmy Devil
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
RAY
Season
--Boat-based Anglers-- Open: May 1-Oct 31 and Nov 1-Dec 31 Closed: Jan 1-April 30 --Divers and Shore-based Anglers-- Open year-round
Depth limit
May 1 - Oct 31: Take is prohibited seaward of the 30-fathom (180 feet) depth contour, as defined in federal regulations Nov 1 - Dec 31: May be taken at any depth
Daily bag limit
--10 fish --Counts in 20 fish daily total
Minimum size
None
Gear restrictions
Method of take: When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook is a single hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points connected to a common shank
Identification
Mobula is a genus of rays in the family Mobulidae found worldwide in tropical and warm, temperate seas. Some authorities consider this to be a subfamily of the Myliobatidae (eagle rays). Their appearance is similar to that of manta rays, which are in the same family, and based on genetic and morphological evidence, the mantas belong in Mobula (they are traditionally in their own genus Manta). Species of this genus are often collectively referred to as "devil rays", "flying mobula", or simply flying rays, due to their propensity for breaching, sometimes in a spectacular manner. Depending on the exact species, the devil rays can attain disc widths up to 3.6 - 17.1 feet, the largest being second only to the manta rays in size, which can reach 18.0 - 23.0 feet. Despite their size, little is known about the devil rays, much of it being from anecdotal accounts, whereas the manta rays are better-known. Most species entirely lack a tail stinger or it is encased (rendering it harmless). Only M. mobular has a free stinger.