Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Cownose Ray is a brown, kite-shaped ray with a long, whip-like tail armed with a venomous, barbed spine.

They are light to dark brown (sometimes with a yellowish tint) with white or yellowish white bellies.

Some specimens are marked above and below with many narrow dark lines or bands that radiate outward from the center.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Inland Bays
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Cownose Ray is an ocean species that sometimes frequents inshore and brackish waters. Often found in groups, they feed on mollusks such as clams and oysters.
Did You Know?	The Cownose Ray is a non-aggressive animal, posing little threat to humans. However, when stepped on or caught by an angler it will use its spine in defense so be careful. Any wound inflicted by the spine and associated venom would be painful but rarely lethal. It is suggested if you are wounded by the spine to seek medical attention.
Common Lures and Baits	Often despised by fisherman, the Cownose Ray is usually caught accidentally by anglers fishing for other species. It will readily take baits such as pieces of peeler crabs and clams.
Typical Sizes Caught	Cownose Rays have wing spans up to 36 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Cownose Rays are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Cownose Rays are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government