CLEARNOSE SKATE (Raja eglanteria) OTHER NAMES: White Margate, Margate Grunt, Ronco Blanco RANGE: Common throughout Florida. Being coastal, Skates are not prominent in the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands.

HABITAT: Soft bottom near shore.

DESCRIPTION: Skates are flat like Stingrays, but generally have shorter, fatter tails and lack the dangerous spikes. Several species are taken in Florida - all equally disliked by anglers. The most common is the Clearnose, shown here, which has transparent "windowpanes" on either side of its pointed snout.

SIZE: Most types average about 18 inches in span, although some reach or exceed 3 feet.

FOOD VALUE: Good, same as Stingrays.

GAME QUALITIES: Poor.

TACKLE AND BAITS: Bottom tackle, with dead shrimp or cut bait.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing.