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

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

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“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)

April 9th - 4/10/2024 1:20:00 PM

Fishing with Baja Anglers is so good right now it's just amazing Yesterday we got 9 roosterfish 2- Dorado 2- Jack cravelle and 2- Colorado snap (View)

April has had a lot of I shore action for roosterfish jacks n other fun fish - 4/7/2024 12:20:00 PM

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“Big Eye 2’s Inshore Adventure: 4 Roosterfish Caught!” - 3/31/2024 10:06:49 PM

Today was another fantastic day aboard the Big Eye 2 our premier sport fishing vessel as we sailed out of the Marina Pez Vela in beautiful Quep (View)

March 24th Baja Anglers fishing update Come get your Easter hunt for fish down in Cabo! Were catching roosterfish jack dorado and sierra inshore and striped marlin offshore There’s no place like Cabo n fishing with Baja Anglers and is your best option with Guides that been guiding with us for over 26 years n fish 280 days per year. - 3/24/2024 11:25:00 AM

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Bren Fursten caught 3 roosterfish on the fly the first time fishing for them. How cool is that? - 2/28/2024 11:19:00 AM

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Feb 28th - 2/28/2024 11:20:00 AM

Generally the fishing has been good for Roosterfish and Striped marlín n and still catching some Dorado Inshore s spring season has just s (View)