SKATE CAN BE HARVESTED OFF THE PACIFIC AND THE ATLANTIC COAST. THIS FISH NEEDS TO BE BLED, GUTTED AND ICED IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING CAUGHT OR THE URIC ACID STARTS TO BREAK DOWN THE MEAT WHICH CAN CAUSE AN AMMONIA SMELL. THE FLESH IS SOFT AND FIRMS UP ONCE ITS CHILLED. THERE ARE TWO FILLETS FOUND IN THE WINGS, THE ONLY EDIBLE PART OF THE FISH. THE SKIN IS TOUGH AND THORNY AND SHOULD BE DISCARDED. THEY ARE A BOTTOM DWELLING FISH THAT IS SHAPED LIKE A KITE. LIKE THE SHARK, THEY HAVE NO BONES, ONLY CARTILAGE AND SHOULD BE SOAKED PRIOR TO COOKING TO REMOVE ANY AMMONIA SMELL. FRESH SKATE HAS A SWEET SMELL.