Well I like your video's Hangler. But after Ray number 20 they may become a bit repetitive,just same ole scenario. I have compared catching large rays with catching a massey fergusson tractor, not that I have ever hooked one. Well as yet. But they are on my target species list.

How do you actually target rays, they will take any bait so I assume you fish a known spot where Rays hang out, like say Rayville in the Hawkes Bay.

Down here West Coast. Buller. South Island. There is a fishing Comp at a place called Mokihinui. I refuse to take part in it. The major prize is for heaviest fish. And of course year after year a ray takes that prize out. Imagine cathing a 30lb snapper only to be beaten by an 80lb ray.

And what really irks me is, the ray is caught, killed, taken to the weigh station and then discarded. So its a kinda death to all sting rays type of competition for a few hundred bucks in prize money. Not my cup of tea thanks.

Probably the heaviest fish any surfcaster is gonna catch at some time or another will be a ray. If you are not fishing for the table they are a very worthwhile adversary indeed. Trouble is they take so much time to land and you can be wasting time, while nice big snapper or rig are swimming by. Plus as you have found out, they leave ya buggered.

Have you considered a gimble belt to ease the pressure a bit. Jamming the rod between your legs kinda knocks the ole gooleys around a bit.

Anyway keep up the good work. You and the Mrs are turning into a very good video team.

May the rays shine upon you.

Cheers Trev aka Hardy