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.

Roosterfish fishing

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

Best Roosterfish Fishing Charters

California 28 FT CSL

Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)

28,00 ft 28,00 ft 4
From 750€
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Blackfin 40 C Rod

Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)

40,00 ft 40,00 ft 7
From 1927€
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Proline 27

Panama (Panama)

27,00 ft 27,00 ft 8
From 617€
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice

Stress Reeliever II

Quepos (Costa Rica)

32,00 ft 32,00 ft 6
From 807€
Deposit non-refundable

Marcela

La Paz (Mexico)

28,00 ft 28,00 ft 4
From 712€
Deposit non-refundable

La Burra Vieja Super Panga

San José del Cabo (Mexico)

26,00 ft 26,00 ft 4
From 237€
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice

Open Panga I

La Paz (Mexico)

22,00 ft 22,00 ft 2
From 451€
Deposit non-refundable

North Shore Sea Tours

Porto Formoso S. Miguel Açores, Azores (Portugal)

18,00 ft 18,00 ft 4
From 100€
Deposit non-refundable

Wild Lady

Quepos (Costa Rica)

32,81 ft 32,81 ft 4
From 807€
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice