Roosterfish
Nematistius pectoralis
Also called rooster, pez gallo, papagallo
A distinctive gamefish with seven long dorsal fin spines that resemble a rooster's comb when raised. Known for its spectacular jumping ability and strong fighting characteristics.
Roosterfish at a glance
- Scientific name
- Nematistius pectoralis
- Typical size
- 24-42 inches
- IGFA world record
- 114 lbs
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Inshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Legendary
Habitat
Sandy beaches and rocky shorelines of the eastern Pacific. Iconic dorsal comb. Powerful surf fighter.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a roosterfish through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksWhat to throw for roosterfish
The lure classes that produce for roosterfish, drawn from the same species map Cobia reasons about. Each one opens a full page on what it is, when it works and how to fish it.
Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the water in front of you today. That part is the app.
Roosterfish questions people ask
Roosterfish is Nematistius pectoralis. Anglers also call it rooster, pez gallo, papagallo.
A typical roosterfish runs 24-42 inches. The IGFA all tackle world record stands at 114 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every roosterfish you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Sandy beaches and rocky shorelines of the eastern Pacific. Iconic dorsal comb. Powerful surf fighter. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.
The IGFA all tackle world record roosterfish weighed 114 lbs.
Soft swimbaits and paddletails, jerkbaits and topwater walkers all produce. Which one, in which color and which weight, depends on the season, the water temperature and the tide on the day, which is the part Cobia works out against the lures you already own.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.