ROOSTER FISH (Nematistius pectoralis) A member of the Carangidae family of jacks, so named for the comb of 7 long dorsal fin spines that extend far above the body of the fish. This comb stands erect when the roosterfish is excited as in danger, but ordinarily the fin remains lowered in a sheath along the back. There are also two dark, curved stripes on the body and a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
Roosterfish inhabit shallow inshore areas, such as sandy shores along beaches. Roosterfish may be found in loose groups, and are often spotted under working birds. Sandy bottomed locales are good, as are bays and sections of mild surf. Smaller fish are usually closer to shore.

IGFA All Tackle Record Weight: M-15kg (30lb) 51.71kg (114lb 0oz) La Paz, Baja California, Mexico 06/01/1960 Abe Sackheim

Typical Range: Endemic to the eastern Pacific, roosterfish occur from San Clemente in southern California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands; they are rare north of Baja California, Mexico.

Common Tackle: Tackle should consist of a stout 6- to 7-foot fast-action light- to medium-weight rugged spinning or casting rod with a tip sensitive enough to throw plugs, jigs and spoons and a reel that can be instantly brought from free spool to engaged. Line should be abrasion resistant and run between 17 and 30-pound test. With bait-casting and spinning tackle, use a 3-foot shock leader of 80-lb test. The drag should be topnotch because roosters will attempt to burn up your reel, and they can weigh more than 100 pounds,. A 4/0-7/0 short-shank live-bait hook is right. For flyfishing a 12-weight is the minimum, and a 13 or 15-weight seems more practical, especially if you snag a big Roosterfish.

Common Fishing Method: Trolling with strip bait, live bait, plugs, and feathers is popular; casting and live-bait drifting, particularly when a group of roosterfish is located, may be very effective. Live baitfish such as blue runners, goggle-eyes, and sardines trolled slowly behind the boat through likely areas, such as sandy beaches, awash rocks, rock outcroppings, river mouths and flats, is by far the most productive means of catching roosterfish. Teasing roosters with baitfish and then tossing a lure or fly can also be affective, but roosterfish are notorious for knowing the difference between artificials and the real deal. Roosterfish like to run with the bait at the front of their mouth before slowing down and working the bait toward the back of their mouth. Therefore, do not strike the rooster the moment you feel it grab the bait. Instead, allow it to run between 10 and 20 or so seconds and then hit him hard. If it drops the bait, leave it out there to see if it comes back for it, which it oftentimes does.

Common Baits: Baits may include big ladyfish, green jack, mackerel, goggle-eye, blue runner, sardines, strip bait, live bait, plugs, and feathers are popular. 2-5 oz lures like Roberts Rangers, spoons, Cordell Pencil Poppers, which are 6- to 8-inch-long tail-weighted plastic surface plugs are great for casting.

Preferred Temperature: Lower Avoidance: 65, Upper Avoidance: 90, Optimum: 70-85

Best Time to Fish: March and continuing through October