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 May 2025 - 5/4/2025 2:28:21 PM

Are you planning a fishing trip to Puerto Vallarta this May? You're in for an incredible experience! With the waters warming up and prime (View)

Bull Candy: Streamer Fly Tying Tutorial - 4/30/2025 3:39:08 PM

In this video Alex Swartz ties a fantastic large saltwater streamer for predatory big game fish. This is a fantastic streamer for Dorado (Mahi-M (View)

A Little Chill didn’t slow the bite - 4/28/2025 1:39:09 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from April 18-24 2025 Successful Trips 80.60% Billfish 41.79% Dorado 4.48% Other 35.82% Tuna 20.90% Roosterfish 2.99 (View)

April 12 Fishing Report – Costa Rica’s Central Pacific - 4/12/2025 8:04:46 PM

April 12 Fishing Report – Costa Rica’s Central Pacific: Sailfish Roosterfish Tuna & Wahoo Still Biting Despite the Full Moon If you’re wonderin (View)

Pisces Fleet in Los Cabos: “Two Six-Species Weeks” in a row - 3/25/2025 8:43:00 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from March 21 – March 27 2025 Successful Trips 86.11% Billfish 69.445% Dorado 4.17% Other 8.33% Tuna 13.89% Wahoo 4. (View)

Another week of Everything from Billfish to Grouper - 3/14/2025 5:54:09 PM

Bill and Jeannette Garrett  caught and released One 15-pound Roosterfish and One 20-pound Yellowtail. The post Another week of Everything from (View)

Puerto Vallarta fishing report March 2025 - 3/17/2025 2:50:44 PM

March is one of the most exciting months for fishing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as the waters come alive with a vari (View)

Pisces Anglers Score a 90% Success Rate for Multi-Species Catches the First Week of March. - 3/7/2025 6:36:47 PM

Two Roosterfish on mackerel  Twenty Bonito on cuchi and One Yellowtail on bait all at the Gaspareno.  They enjoyed the variety of fish they cau (View)

“Roosterfish Bonanza: Successful Day at Marina Pez Vela” - 3/7/2025 6:48:00 PM

Today was another exciting day aboard the Big Eye 2 as we set off from the Marina Pez Vela in beautiful Quepos Costa Rica. Our main target for (View)

STRIPED MARLIN AND ROOSTERS DAZZLE PISCES ANGLERS - 2/28/2025 6:40:18 PM

Pisces Fleet Weekly update from February 21 – 27 2025 Feb 21-27 catch success rate 90% Billfish 19.44% Wahoo 1.39% Tuna 8.33% Roosterfish 33.33 (View)