Roosterfish

Species Information

Scientific Name:	Nematistius pectoralis
Common Names:	roosterfish, rooster
Environment:	Inshore, Nearshore, Surf
Ideal Temp:	70-85°F (21-29°C)

About Roosterfish

The roosterfish, Nematistius pectoralis, is a game fish found in the warmer waters of the East Pacific from Baja California to Peru. It is the only species in the genus Nematistius and the family Nematistiidae.[2][3] It is distinguished by its "rooster comb", seven very long spines of the dorsal fin.

The roosterfish has an unusual arrangement of its ears: the swim bladder penetrates the brain through the large foramina and makes contact with the inner ear. It uses its swim bladder to amplify sounds.

Roosterfish can reach over 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) in length and over 50 kg (110 lb) in weight. The weight of the average fish hooked is about 20 lb (9.1 kg). The fish is popular as a game fish, but it is not considered a good eating fish.

Roosterfish Fishing

World Record:	51.71 kg (114 lb 0 oz) La Paz, Baja California, Mexico 01-Jun-1960
# Fish Caught:	2385 documented in database.
Earliest Record:	12/1/1859 12:00:00 AM and located at 16.85833, -99.94167.
Latest Record:	3/25/2025 8:43:00 PM and located at 22.88360, -109.91127.
Common Techniques:	Casting, Fly, Jigging, Trolling
Popular Lure Types:	Crankbaits, Flies, Jigs, Plugs, Topwater
Fishing Spots:	62 Roosterfish fishing spots.

Latest Roosterfish Fishing Reports and Spots

Puerto Vallarta fishing report August 2025 - 8/3/2025 7:38:17 PM

As summer reaches its peak and school is close to starting, Puerto Vallarta transforms into one of Mexico’s premier sportfishing destina (View)

Essential Boats and Gear for a Safe Costa Rica Fishing Trip - 7/31/2025 5:10:31 PM

Premium Boats and Equipment for a Safe Fishing Experience in Costa Rica When you set out on a fishing trip—especially in the wild tropical wate (View)

Puerto Vallarta fishing report July 2025 - 7/18/2025 10:40:53 AM

July in Puerto Vallarta marks the explosive heart of offshore fishing season! The warm Pacific waters are teeming with giants, making this pri (View)

Tuna! Tuna! Tuna! - 6/28/2025 5:06:00 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from JUNE 22– JUNE 28 2025 Catch success rate 78.31%Billfish 22.89% Dorado 7.23% Other 17.78% Roosterfish 3.61% Tuna (View)

“Roosterfish Galore: A Successful Day at Sea” - 6/29/2025 11:27:02 PM

The day on the water with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing in beautiful Quepos Costa Rica was a memorable one indeed. As the owner and operator I Frankli (View)

“Big Eye 2’s Successful Half-Day Roosterfish Catch” - 6/29/2025 11:28:13 PM

Today we embarked on our daily adventure from the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos Costa Rica aboard the Big Eye 2 our state-of-the-art sportfishing v (View)

WAHOO! BLUE MARLIN DORADO and TUNA - 5/30/2025 9:09:44 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from May 23-29 2025Catch success rate 93.10%Billfish 59.77% Dorado 35.63% Other 16.09% Tuna 40.23% Wahoo 13.79% Roos (View)

Preparing for Your Costa Rica Fishing Adventure - 5/29/2025 8:53:17 PM

Preparing for Your Costa Rica Fishing Adventure: Tips and Essentials If you’ve booked a fishing charter in Jaco or Los Sueños Costa Rica get re (View)

Pisces Weekly Billfish releases exceed 50% of total catch including 1 blue marlin - 5/22/2025 5:03:00 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from May 16–May 22 2025 Catch success rate 77.78%Billfish 55.56% Dorado 13.89% Other 25.00% Tuna 9.72% Wahoo 11.11% (View)

Jeff’s fishing report 5/17/2025 - 5/17/2025 11:14:19 PM

Hello from La Ventana Baja Mexico where Jeff’s Fishing Report is coming to you after a day on the Sea of Cortez catching Roosterfish and many o (View)