Stingrays
on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Stingrays are very common on the coasts. There are several different species. The type that I most often see at Gulf Shores, Alabama is the Southern.. Other species include the Atlantic and the bluntnose. The Southern can grow to have a wingspan of 2 to 3 feet and weigh over 150 lbs.
Schools of small rays are common sites on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The schooling rays send tourists scurrying all over the place when they run towards the beach. It's a pretty comical site, especially considering that they are not aggressive.
These fish can be dangerous if stepped on. While swimming, fishing or wading at the beach a good defense is to occasionally drag a foot lightly across the bottom to warn them that you are near. They will not come after you. They are often hooked by fisherman on the beaches and backwaters, and they can be very tough to reel in. It is very common for them to bury themselves in the sand, making it almost impossible to pull them free. Sometimes rods break. If a big one digs into the sand, a fisherman usually ends up having to cut his line. If you want to try to catch one of these fascinating animals just rig up with natural bait, dead or alive. If you are fishing near the coast with natural bait it is very possible for you to catch one without even trying. I have seen them caught on artificial bait, but it doesn't happen that often. A huge stingray will be very difficult, if not impossible, to drag onto the beach or into a boat. They are edible and have a reputation of being very good tablefare. I have caught hundreds, but never got around to eating one. I throw them back unharmed. I have seen fishermen snip their tails. Unless you plan on having one for dinner, they should be released unharmed. These fish are an important part of the ecosystem and beautiful creatures to observe in their habitat.
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