Angler Tyler Contento of Ewing, New Jersey was fishing a bluefish chunk for sharks when he hooked this spiny butterfly ray on a Tica Dolphin rod and Van Staal 200 reel. The ray measured 7 feet 10 inches across its wingspan and was over a foot thick.
Spiny butterfly rays move into the coastal areas of New Jersey in the summertime and are usually caught by anglers fishing for sharks. They fight hard and are considered gamefish in some parts of the world. While they are massive, maxing out at a width of about 7 to 8 feet, they are harmless to humans. Their only defense is a tail spine that can cause a painful wound if stepped on.
Hopefully it was a ” Catch & release”.
Carlos- No need to worry. Friends with him on Facebook and he confirmed it was
I am a family friend and it was released. This young man is a TRUE FISHERMAN! Nicely done Tyler
[…] The person who messaged us with this picture said that the ray was released. We can’t say that for sure because there are no pictures of the release. Here’s the article where the picture was found, http://www.onthewater.com/7-foot-spiny-butterfly-ray-caught-new-jersey-beach/ […]
Great catch i caught a 66in wide butterfly last month sharkin on the beach on 25lb mono main line.Def was a long 45 min fight
Great catch Tyler, Keep livin’ the dream!!
I got one as well last week about 150lbs, 10 minute fight.
I’d fight too if it was my life!
What was the point of reeling it in? Like they mentioned it was exhausted (of course) when released back into the water….. Leaving it extremely vulnerable to attacks in its weakened state. Slow to reproduce and on the decline….yeah nice catch there buddy.
I was targeting sharks not rays. Any time I catch something off the beach and release it I take the time to make sure they swim away strong. If that means risking injury by reviving the fish in the surf for 20 minutes, then that’s what it takes. This fish was hooked perfectly in the mouth, and the hook was successfully removed with no issue. It swam away very strong when put back in deeper water. There’s no way for me to control what eats my bait. Would you rather me cut the line and leave it swim with a foot of wire leader hanging out of its mouth?
Good job and good fun Tyler. Right on about your care and conservation efforts for this type of fish. It is especially appreciated your caring description of what fishing is all about for you and for most of our 50 million licensed Americans who genuinely appreciate nature’s creatures and make efforts to conserve and preserve along viable fisheries management practices. Did you estimate the weight of this nice ray? Best Tyler and have fun out there! In conservation and the outdoors,
Ben Hobbins >8)))))))))))))))))><
Outdoor Life 25, Popular Science Top 10 Inventor
Thank you. I really dont know how much it weighed but I would estimate 300+ lbs. It had a 7ft 10 inch wingspan and was well over a foot thick
Must have been a long fight. What pound test did you get it on?
Ease up girlfriend, how could he know what it was until its visible in the wash. No harm done. Put that passion to use on the offshore sizmic testing that will reak havoc on all species in the area.
yeah and the tons of fish commercial boats kill a yr as bi catch and we r the ones that get the finger pointed at us all the time put some of ur concern on that Wendi
@Wendi. There’s no way of knowing what it is unless you reel it in.. You must have a special power that others don’t. Your just a ray of sunshine arnt cha!!
I’m a catch n release angler. Great catch n glad to hear that it was released back to the sea.
Nice job Tyler. Congrats!
Go away Wendi.
Take it to a PETA forum
All Shark Fishing Tournaments and Shark fishing must be banned. Do you realize that over 100,000 Sharks are caught and killed just for their Fins for Sharkfin soup and Oriental cuisine? Consequently, many species are only 2 – 5% of their original stock. All species of Sharks are in decline.
Please stop this unnecessary torture of Shark fishing. A catch and release of an exhausted and debilitated shark does necessarilly guarantee it will survive. Find another hobby which is not harmful to the marine environment, or better yet join a marine environmental organization like Sea Shepherd and volunteer your time towards saving the only Planet we have.
Do Wendi and Terri check out fishing websites and magazines all day to post this stuff? Why would they have any interest in coming over here other than to post this stuff…
Join an eco terrorist group… great idea Terri.
Enough from the female take a whale to lunch bunch. Good job on the release
Terri and Wendi hug trees. I fish, i eat, and i release. Its my choice. I dont like the fact we kill cows, it cruel to take their milk too. Lets ban it. Oh and chickens too. Veggies have feelings as well. Oh god not the baby carrots!! ha
I’m not a fisherman but I can truly appreciate that catch. That must have felt exhilarating and humbling at how great that creature is! Nice…
tyler nice catch keep on doing what u do not every body understands the sport
Wow! You have come a long way with your hobby. Awesome catch, and proper release….well done!!!
Great catch Tyler! Wendi should have learned more about the Pittman Robertson Act before she commented. Then she would have realized that hunters and fishermen contribute more to preservation and conservation than any other sector of society, even if it is just by purchasing a license, rod, reel, gear, etc. Plus it is clear that you practice responsible and ethical treatment of your game. Shame on Wendi.
[…] The person who messaged us with this picture said that the ray was released. We can’t say that for sure because there are no pictures of the release. Here’s the article where the picture was found, http://www.onthewater.com/7-foot-spiny-butterfly-ray-caught-new-jersey-beach/ […]
The poor Spiny butterfly ray! Don’t you understand that it has feelings, that it would be in immense pain while you’re laughing an enjoying it. Because this is animal cruelty. I hope you let it back into the water and didn’t let it die. I know that one person can’t change your mind on animal cruelty but come on, this poor ray! What did it ever do to you?? They’re endangered yet you still do not care. And even if you were targeting sharks and not rays, what? Now sharks are less important??? Because sharks are immensely important too!