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

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)

Like a time clock May comes around and the Fishing is just wonderful… - 5/11/2025 2:13:00 PM

Like a time clock May comes around and the Fishing is just wonderful in Cabo. Most of the time the fishing is just minutes from the dock and Cab (View)

May Days in Cabo are still FISHY! - 5/13/2025 5:26:00 PM

May 2 to May 8.Catch success rate 95.56%Billfish 60.00% Dorado 40.00% Other 13.33% Tuna 26.67% Wahoo 17.78% If large Wahoo Yellowfin Tuna Strip (View)

“Roosterfish and Sailfish Galore: A Sunny Day’s Catch” - 5/14/2025 4:36:30 PM

Today was another exceptional day on the waters of Quepos Costa Rica aboard the Big Eye 2 Sportfishing vessel. We were pleased to have a group (View)

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)