Saltwater · Northern
Ray - Round Stingray
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
The disk of the round stingray is nearly circular. The back of this species is brown, often mottled or spotted, and the underside is white to orange. The round stingray is one of six rays found in California waters which have a stinger on the tail. It can be distinguished from the others since it is the only one with a true tail fin. The others have either a whip-like tail or very short tail with no fin membrane. Range: This species occurs from Panama to Humboldt Bay, California, including the Gulf of California. Round stingrays are most abundant off southern California and northern Baja California at depths up to 70 feet. Natural History: Round stingrays obtain much of their food by burrowing in the substrate. Their diet includes worms, crabs, snails, clams and small fishes. It takes 3 months for the round stingray young to develop and they are approximately 3 inches wide at birth. Sexual maturity occurs at 6 years, and mating occurs from May to June and in December. There are one to six pups, depending upon the size of the female. Fishing Information: Most round stingrays are taken incidentally by anglers fishing for other species. However, should one wish to go after them specifically, marine worms or pieces of clam are good bait. Sandy or muddy bottoms along a beach or in a bay should provide good fishing. Round stingrays are potentially dangerous because of the wounds they can inflict. If an angler is stung, the wound should be cleaned thoroughly and bathed in water. One should see a doctor if pain persists or infection occurs. Other Common Names: ray, stingray, stinger, stingaree. Largest Recorded: 22 inches disc width; no weight recorded; however, a male 20 inches disc width weighed 1.5 pounds. Habitat: Shallow Sandy Environment