Roosterfish fishing
Just by looking at a roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis), you can immediately tell how they got their name. Their trademark dorsal fin resembles a giant mohawk or the comb of a rooster. Beyond the dorsal fins, the rest of the roosterfish body is unique as well.
Many roosterfish are taken on poppers and stickbaits worked along sandy beaches. But according to experienced fishing guides, large roosters are found more often in deeper waters and prefer live bait rigged with a circle hook.
Roosterfish are an endemic species of the warmer coastal waters of the East Pacific from Baja California to Peru. The biggest roosters weigh more than 60lb.
Top Roosterfish Fishing destinations
Roosterfish, thriving in warmer waters of the Pacific from Central America to California, are best found in Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, and notably, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This Mexican hotspot is not only scenically beautiful but also ideal for anglers targeting roosterfish, thanks to its warm, nutrient-rich currents. Predominantly found in the Eastern Pacific, Cabo San Lucas stands out as a unique and sought-after destination for sportfishing enthusiasts eager to catch this distinctive species.
How to fish for Roosterfish
The best way to catch roosterfish is with live bait. Slowly troll a line with a larger baitfish on it. Roosterfish might apprehensively nibble at the fish before hooking on, so don’t reel in prematurely. A recommended bait is skipjack tuna, although any bait per the recommendation of the local bait shop will work.
If you prefer to use lures over live bait, many recommend using loud poppers on the backside of waves. Others recommend lures that skip along the top of the water. Lures aren’t the recommended way to catch roosters, but it’s possible and they will attack lures if they’re aggressive.
Good to eat Roosterfish
Roosterfish are generally accepted as only an okay fish to eat. Their meat is darker than most fish meat and can be tough, so it’s more of an acquired fish taste and not for those who are on the fence about eating live caught fish. Many people just opt to catch and release roosterfish.
Regulations for catching Roosterfish
Most state and national governments have loose restrictions, if any at all, on roosterfish since they are not an endangered or overfished population as of right now. Make sure to check local restrictions regardless.
Regulations vary by location, so make sure to stay up to date with the regulations in your area of fishing if you plan on fishing without a charter.
Other Fish Species similar to Roosterfish
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The Amberjack species are a game fish that are found both in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Jigging and live bait fishing are the best techniques to target these magnificent fighters. Greater Amberjack can weigh up to 170 lb (80 kg).
MORE INFO >Amberjack
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The cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) is a sought-after gamefish that inhabits the Atlantic coastal waters from Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. This species can reach a length of 160 cm and weigh up to 50kg. Not to be confused with the Pacific Cubera Snapper.
MORE INFO >Cubera Snapper
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Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor), also referred to as Doggies or white tuna, is probably one of the most sought after species for sportfishermen, being jigging and spinning the preferred fishing techniques. Apart from braking your back, landing one of these brutal fighting machines is arguably an unforgettable experience. They can grow as large as 250cm (8 feet) and can weigh a whopping 130kg.
MORE INFO >Dogtooth tuna
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Distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Giant Trevally - also known as GT - (Caranx ignobilis) is the most wanted species for popping lovers. They can be 1,70 cm long and reach up to 80 kg (175 lb)!
MORE INFO >Giant Trevally
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Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) can be told apart from blue marlin due to their “stripes” of blue that run vertically down their bodies. Striped marlin is lighter than blue marlin, but their body shape and even colouring remains the same aside from the stripes. These marlin can weigh up to 180kg (400lb) and have a maximum length of 4 m (12 ft).
MORE INFO >Striped Marlin
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Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg) in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside.
MORE INFO >Yellowfin Tuna
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Best Roosterfish Fishing Charters
Aqua Adventure I
Puerto Armuelles, Panama City
32,81 ft
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Marlin Hunter V
San Jose del Cabo, San José del Cabo
28,00 ft
4