I'v caught a few skate, one halibut fishing while anchored, then another big one when I was kid surf fishing off the beach at port Renfrew on a spinning rod and reel ! Thought I snagged a log till it started to pull back! got it on the beach and we hauled this beast in.. It attracted a huge crowed. This one guy told me, they are good to eat however, before you kill it, you have to quickly clean it and remove the poison gland. Once it dies the poison runs through the Skates meat and makes the meat taste awful. Never tried to eat it so I don't know.. just what some one told me once.. don't know if its true or not...