Longnose Skate
Raja rhina (Pacific Skate)
A local Pacific skate with broad, cartilaginous “wings,” Longnose Skate offers mild, clean flavor and soft, tender flesh that works beautifully in classic European-style fish cookery.
Range
California
Method of Capture
Trawl, Scottish Seine
Seasonality
Year-round, yet sporadic
Size Range
wings are 1 to 3 pounds
Sustainability Consideration:
Longnose Skate is usually taken as bycatch in bottom-trawl fisheries. Making good use of that bycatch helps cut down on waste and provides more accurate catch statistics, which scientists and managers rely on to assess stocks and adjust fishing methods.
As with other skates—slow-growing, bottom-dwelling relatives of sharks—careful management of trawl effort and habitat impacts is important for long-term sustainability.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Mild and clean
- Texture: Soft, tender flesh with a delicate bite, ideal for gentle, moist cooking methods
Seafood Cooking Tips
Longnose Skate wings respond well to subtle heat and simple seasoning:
- Poach – Gently poach in court-bouillon, fish stock, or milk until just cooked through.
- Sauté – Lightly flour and sauté in butter or oil; finish with lemon, capers, or brown butter.
- Bake – Bake with herbs, wine, and aromatics for a classic bistro-style dish.
- Salt and serve raw – Very fresh wings can be lightly salted and served in raw or cured applications.
As with other skate, cook just until the flesh turns opaque and lifts easily from the cartilage so it stays moist and delicate.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
