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:	2418 documented in database.
Earliest Record:	12/1/1859 12:00:00 AM and located at 16.85833, -99.94167.
Latest Record:	1/4/2026 11:59:12 AM and located at 20.59846, -105.14994.
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

“Roosterfish Triumph: Successful Inshore Adventure” - 3/16/2026 4:14:04 PM

Today was another successful day out on the water with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing in Quepos Costa Rica. As the owner and operator I Franklin Araya (View)

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report: March 2026 - 3/5/2026 10:36:23 AM

March fishing report 2026 fishing outlook for some of the best fishing on the planet. If you’re heading down our way this month, you&rsq (View)

“Four Big Roosterfish Caught: Clients Thrilled!” - 2/27/2026 9:58:50 PM

Today was another fantastic day aboard the Big Eye 2 our premier Costa Rican sport fishing vessel. We set sail from the beautiful Quepos Costa (View)

“Successful Roosterfish Catch: Big Eye 2’s Daily Report” - 2/27/2026 9:59:56 PM

On the pristine waters off the coast of Quepos Costa Rica we embarked on another thrilling day of sport fishing aboard the Big Eye 2. Our targe (View)

“Roosterfish and Sailfish Galore: Today’s Big Eye 2 Catch” - 2/15/2026 12:29:39 PM

What an exhilarating day it was today on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing! As the captain I Franklin Araya had the p (View)

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report: February 2026 - 2/9/2026 9:03:33 AM

February is the month for Lovers and Lovers who love to fish in Puerto Vallarta. Being known as the friendliest people in the world, you can s (View)

Puerto Vallarta Fishing Report: February 2026 - 2/3/2026 12:20:58 PM

February 2026 is officially here, and in this corner of the world, it’s the month for lovers—and especially for lovers who love to (View)

Puerto Vallarta fishing report January 2026 - 1/4/2026 11:59:12 AM

¡Bienvenidos, amigos! It’s your favorite salt-crusted captain, Pete, coming to you live from the docks. First off, a huge Happy Fi (View)

Hidden Inshore Hotspots Near Jaco and Los Sueños You Will Not Find on Maps - 12/7/2025 10:26:48 AM

A deep look into the secret waters where experienced captains find roosterfish snapper and other inshore predators along Costa Rica’s Central P (View)

Puerto Vallarta fishing report December 2025 - 12/1/2025 10:00:12 AM

The Peak of Winter Action in Puerto Vallarta Hello, Anglers! Captain Pete here, reporting on what is shaping up to be a phenomenal winter se (View)