The coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are home to primarily two different types of stingray, the southern and the Atlantic. Both are caught by anglers regularly but are often overlooked. While other inshore fish may take preference like the redfish, sea trout, and flounder, the stingray should be equally as highly regarded. Can you eat stingray?

What Does Stingray Meat Taste Like

The fillets are often described as a mix of shark, scallops, and lobster. Combining these types of seafood generally means that when the meat is raw and cooked, it will be firm.

Is Stingray Fish Good To Eat

When asked can you eat stingray, the answer is yes. Stingray fish is good to eat. Many compare stingrays fillets to scallops because of its firm texture, sweet smell, and similar taste. When filleted properly, they can yield a significant amount of meat. Remember to take your time when filleting a stingray to remove as much meat as possible.

How Do You Cook Stingray Fillets

Stingray fillets can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is deep-fried stingray after dredging in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Another option because they are similar to scallops is to season them and sautee them in a frying pan. Lastly, like any other fish, add blackening seasoning and grill them.

Are Stingrays Poisonous To Humans

The fillets of a stingray are not poisonous to humans. However, the barb on the tail can harm the fisherman or person filleting the fish.

When the fish is being removed from the hook, cover it with a rag and wear gloves to prevent the barb from puncturing the skin as it flaps it around. The barb is equally as dangerous when the fish is dead. Stepping on the razor barb section of the tail or mishandling it with your hands can also cause a wound.

In the event the fish is mishandled, and the barb makes contact with you and cuts the skin, make sure to clean the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.  

How Do You Catch Stingray

Catching stingray is simple. Find areas where the seafloor is soft and muddy. Place a dead shrimp, piece of squid, or cut piece of fish on a hook with a light lead weight above it. Allow the bait to sit on the bottom and watch for a strike.

Once the fish bites the bait, set the hook and reel the fish to the surface. Be prepared with a net to land the fish and carefully handle the stingray, and prevent it from flopping wildly on the deck to avoid being injured.

You will be surprised by your catch because of the many types of stingrays in north Carolina, types of stingrays in South Carolina, and Georgia. Along with knowing the NC stingray fishing regulations, SC stingray fishing regulations, and Ga fishing regulations, be sure to obtain a saltwater fishing license in the state where you’re fishing.

Should Caught Stingray Be Iced Down

No matter what kind of fish you are keeping, an icy cooler should be with you, whether fishing by boat or by land. Have enough ice to last for the day. After each fish is caught, place them in the cooler as soon as possible to chill them down.  When your catch is properly chilled, the fillets will have a much fresher taste to enjoy them.

When it comes to stingray, you may have double-digit catches in a single day. Always check the local fishing regulations before placing any fish in the cooler. The penalty for an illegal fish in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina can be stiff. It is essential to learn the stingray regulations South Carolina, stingray regulations North Carolina, and stingray regulations Georgia. Also, know that there are four different north Carolina stingray species. Georgia and South Carolina are also home to numerous species, so it is important to know how to identify each type.

So Are You Ready To Fillet A Stingray For Dinner

Remember, the answer is yes to can you keep stingrays in South Carolina, can you keep stingrays in North Carolina, and can you keep stingrays in Georgia. The next time you are out fishing in the coastal regions, consider keeping a stingray. You will be pleasantly surprised at the taste and how versatile they are to prepare for your next meal. Fortunately, they have very high populations in the southeast. Catching them won’t be challenging for anglers of any experience level. Â