Saltwater · Summer peak June-September in warm bays
Red Stingray
Hemitrygon akajei
The reddish whip-tail stingray of warm, shallow west-coast bays — 노랑가오리. The summer hook-and-line ray of the peninsula, buried in sand from Incheon to Mokpo. This page's core value is safety: the serrated tail barb delivers a painful, venomous sting. Never step on the tail, never grab from above; snip the leader and release at the boat, or handle only with long tools.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Wide, diamond-shaped disc with rounded corners
- Whip-like tail with a serrated venom barb at the base
- Reddish-brown upper side without spots — unlike the mottled skate
- No tail fin; tail is a thin whip
- Eyes and spiracles on top of the head
Habits
- A summer visitor to shallow bays and estuaries
- Buries in sand and mud
- The serrated barb on the whip tail is venomous — painful stings, medical care required
- Eats shrimp, crabs and small fish on the bottom
- Reddish colour — akajei means 'red stingray' in Japanese
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Incheon bays, west coast
- Gunsan estuaries
- Mokpo sandy beaches in summer
Where they live
How to catch them
Summer bay bottom fishing Shore
Rig: Bottom rig with shrimp over sandy bays and estuaries in summer, from shore or boat
Bait/lure: Shrimp pieces
Key tip: Stingrays mouth the bait and lie heavy — steady pressure rather than a sharp strike sets the hook.
Anchoring in muddy estuaries Boat
Rig: Heavier bottom rig with small fish anchored in tidal estuaries
Bait/lure: Small fish (anchovy or sardine)
Key tip: Stand clear of the tail when turning the fish — a second angler with a long net is the safest setup.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7-8 ft boat or surf rod
- Line: 15-25 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Hooks size 4/0-5/0, heavy sinkers 20-40 g in current
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 24-39 in (60-100 cm) disc width; large females over 51 in (130 cm)
On the table
Eaten in Korea; the wings are cartilaginous. The sting is venomous — handle with care.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Red Stingray
Build today's plan