Round Stingray: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Round Stingray?
The Round Stingray is a small, circular ray commonly found along sandy beaches, bays, estuaries, and shallow coastal flats. Unlike larger stingrays, this species stays compact — usually under a foot wide — but still sports a venomous spine on its tail. They love burying themselves in sand and ambushing crustaceans.
The first FishyAF Round Stingray was landed by @reelinryan, who snagged one of these little coastal saucers while fishing the shallows.
This guide breaks down where Round Stingrays hide, how to catch them, how to avoid stepping on them, and how to safely release them. Click here to see what inshore anglers are wearing.
🐟 Round Stingray Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Urobatis halleri |
| Average Size | 6–12 inches wide |
| Max Size | Up to ~16 inches |
| Habitat | Sandy bottoms, surf zones, bays, shallow reefs |
| Edible? | Not commonly eaten |
❓ FAQs About Round Stingrays
Where can you catch Round Stingrays?
Throughout the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Mexico, especially California. They love warm, sandy shallows and bury themselves near the surf line.
How big do Round Stingrays get?
Most are under a foot wide, but some individuals can reach around 16 inches.
Are Round Stingrays dangerous?
They’re peaceful but carry a venomous tail spine. Shuffle your feet and handle with extreme care.
Are Round Stingrays good to eat?
They can be eaten but are almost always released. They’re more a bycatch than a target species.
How do you catch Round Stingrays?
They bite shrimp, squid, and cut bait fished on the bottom. Light tackle works great.
What’s the best bait for Round Stingrays?
- Shrimp - Squid - Anchovy pieces - Cut bait
When is the best time to catch them?
They’re active in warm water, especially during summer and early fall.
😂 FishyAF Round Stingray Joke
Round Stingray — basically a frisbee with a built-in booby trap.
🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP…
We’re on a mission to photograph 1,000 species with the FishyAF Brand. Got a Round Stingray pic? Join the FishyAF Ambassador Awards Program.
🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Fishing the surf or flats? Grab the Switchback Hat and Performance Sun Shirt — built for long days in the sun.