WikiCatch
Pacific shovelnose guitarfish
Pseudobatos productus
Overview
The shovelnose guitarfish is a ray in the family Rhinobatidae. P. productus was first described by ichthyologist William Orville Ayre in 1854 as Rhinobatos productus, with the genus derived from the Greek word rhinos, meaning nose, and the Latin word batis, meaning ray. It was later placed in the genus Pseudobatos following reconsideration of many species placed in Rhinobatos. As its common name suggests, this species possesses a pointed shovel-shaped snout and a body similar to that of a guitar with a larger head and long, slender body. The shovelnose is considered to be a primitively developed ray, with many features of both sharks and rays. The shovelnose guitarfish was first considered to be a shark because of its dorsal fins' shape. Fossils of P. productus ancestors have been recovered, dating back over 100 million years.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Sand crabs
Excellent natural bait found on beaches.
- Ghost shrimp
Another effective crustacean bait.
- Cut squid
Durable and releases scent.
- Pile worms
Works well around structure.
- Bloodworms
Attractive to many fish species.
Artificial Lures
- Berkley Gulp! SandwormSoft PlasticBuy
Effective when rigged on a Carolina rig.
- Lucky Craft Flash Minnow 110JerkbaitBuy
Work the lure slowly near the bottom.
- Kastmaster SpoonSpoonBuy
Cast and retrieve with varying speeds.
- Daiwa Salt Pro MinnowHard SwimbaitBuy
Mimics baitfish, good action in the surf.
- Big Hammer SwimbaitsSwimbaitBuy
Match the hatch with size and color.
Techniques
Fish near the bottom with a slow retrieve, targeting sandy or muddy areas where they forage; using a Carolina rig is often effective.
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Where to Find Pacific shovelnose guitarfish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Pacific shovelnose guitarfish?+
Popular baits for Pacific shovelnose guitarfish include Sand crabs, Ghost shrimp, Cut squid, Pile worms, Bloodworms. Tip: Fish near the bottom with a slow retrieve, targeting sandy or muddy areas where they forage; using a Carolina rig is often effective.
Where can I catch Pacific shovelnose guitarfish?+
Pacific shovelnose guitarfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include California, United States; Sonora, Mexico; Baja California, Mexico. WikiCatch lists 48 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Pacific shovelnose guitarfish get?+
Pacific shovelnose guitarfish (Pseudobatos productus) can reach up to 119.0000057220459 cm in length and 9.8 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NT.
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