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:	2350 documented in database.
Earliest Record:	12/1/1859 12:00:00 AM and located at 16.85833, -99.94167.
Latest Record:	7/3/2024 8:16:00 AM and located at 24.14264, -110.31275.
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

Early October has the variety. Marlin dorado n Roosterfish - 10/12/2024 10:49:00 AM

(View)

“Triple Roosterfish Catch: A Successful Day at Sea” - 9/30/2024 10:46:50 AM

Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing. As the sun began to rise we set sail from t (View)

We had great explosive action the last week of June and the first few weeks of July. The variety of species Cabo has to offer is amazing we had lots of fun catching Colorado snappers Roosterfish Jack Cravelle snd Sierra mackerel N other fun fish All of July until mid to late August is usually very good inshore fishing for big roosterfish n Jack Cravelle As always all of us at Baja Anglers want to thank all our guests that fished with us. It’s truly appreciated. - 7/12/2024 1:22:00 PM

(View)

Roosterfish in Cabo: The Enigmatic Predator of Coastal Waters - 12/11/2023 10:28:44 AM

Among the prized catches in the angling world the Roosterfish stands tall revered for its distinctive appearance spirited fights and elusive na (View)

Billfish Wahoo Dorado Roosterfish whatta a week! - 7/26/2024 4:04:20 PM

Pisces Fleet Sportfishing Week 30 Report July 19 –25 2024  Pisces Fleet Sportfishing’s Week 30 featured blue and striped marlin sailfish yellow (View)

The Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge Guide to Roosterfish - 7/31/2024 12:46:00 PM

The roosterfish is an enigmatic creature. Its regal crest—an appendage that sometimes knifes through the surface when the roosterfish attacks a (View)

La Paz – Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Suenos Bay Fishing Report from Tailhunter Sportfishing for Week of June 26-July 3 2024 - 7/3/2024 8:16:00 AM

DORADO ROOSTERFISH MARLN IN SPOTLIGHT BUT…WEIRD La Paz – Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Suenos Bay Fishing Report for Week of June 26-July 3 2024 SHOR (View)

“Big Catch: Two Roosterfish and a Mackerel in Quepos!” - 6/13/2024 10:48:57 AM

As the day dawned in the beautiful Quepos Costa Rica we embarked on our half-day sport fishing adventure from the Marina Pez Vela. Our target f (View)

May is the start of our great Roosterfish fishing - 5/19/2024 9:45:00 AM

(View)

“Triple Roosterfish Catch: Big Eye 2 Daily Report” - 5/1/2024 2:57:18 PM

Today was another fantastic day out on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica with Big Eye 2 Sportfishing. As the owner/operator I Franklin Araya had (View)