Roosterfish (Pez Gallo)

Roosterfish Fishing in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Inshore Challenge

Few fish inspire as much excitement among anglers as the Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis), known in Spanish as Pez Gallo. One of the most distinctive and prized game fish in Costa Rica, the roosterfish is a powerful, photogenic, and hard-fighting inshore predator found along the country’s Pacific coastline. With its unique appearance and legendary fighting spirit, the roosterfish has become a bucket list catch for anglers around the world.

What Makes the Roosterfish Unique?

Roosterfish are immediately recognizable by their elongated dorsal fin, which consists of seven long, streaming spines resembling a rooster’s comb—hence the name. Their bodies are sleek and muscular, shimmering silver with iridescent blue and black vertical stripes along the flanks. This combination of appearance, strength, and behavior makes them one of the most iconic fish in Costa Rican waters.

Size and Records

  • Average Size: Most roosterfish caught in Costa Rica range from 20 to 50 pounds.

  • Trophy Size: Fish over 60–80 pounds are common in some regions.

  • World Record: The current all-tackle IGFA record stands at 114 pounds, and experts believe Costa Rica holds the potential for new world records.

Where to Catch Roosterfish in Costa Rica

Roosterfish are found year-round along Costa Rica’s Central and Southern Pacific coast, particularly near:

  • Rocky points and submerged ledges

  • River mouths

  • Surf zones along sandy beaches

  • Inshore reefs and offshore pinnacles

These ambush predators use current and structure to corner baitfish. Some of the best roosterfish hotspots include:

  • Playa Herradura and Los Sueños

  • Jaco Beach

  • Quepos and Manuel Antonio

  • Dominical and the Osa Peninsula

They prefer shallow, warm waters, often within a few hundred yards of the shore, making them a prime target for inshore anglers on light tackle or fly.

Best Techniques for Roosterfish

Roosterfish are aggressive and visual hunters, making them one of the most exciting species to target with both live bait and artificial lures.

🎣 Live Bait

  • Preferred bait includes blue runners, mullet, sardines, goggle-eyes, and herring.

  • Fish live bait near rocky points, current seams, and along drop-offs.

  • Slow trolling or drifting is highly effective.

🎣 Artificial Lures

  • Poppers are especially exciting when roosters are feeding on the surface—expect explosive topwater strikes.

  • Rapala-style diving plugs, soft plastics, and swimbaits can also be productive.

🎣 Fly Fishing

  • Roosterfish on the fly is considered the pinnacle of inshore sportfishing in Costa Rica.

  • Requires fast, accurate casts and a strong stripping technique with large streamers or baitfish patterns.

The Roosterfish Fight

Roosterfish are renowned for their power and stamina. Once hooked, they often run hard and deep, shake their heads violently, and can battle for 30 to 45 minutes or more, especially when targeting larger specimens on light tackle. Unlike many fish that fade toward the end of a fight, roosters tend to fight harder the closer they get to the boat.

Smaller fish may leap when hooked, while larger ones dig and dive repeatedly, testing every element of your gear and skill.

Catch and Release

While roosterfish offer a world-class fight, they are not considered good table fare due to their tough, dark flesh. As such, they are almost exclusively targeted for sport and catch-and-release fishing.

Responsible practices include:

  • Using circle hooks to reduce gut-hooking

  • Keeping the fish in the water for photos when possible

  • Handling gently and releasing quickly to ensure survival

Roosterfish are a vital part of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystem, and their protection is essential for sustaining the fishery for future generations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for one of the most rewarding inshore fishing experiences in Costa Rica, look no further than the legendary Pez Gallo. With their unmatched strength, striking appearance, and unforgettable battles, roosterfish provide a heart-pounding challenge and a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Whether you’re casting from the shore, fishing near river mouths, or chasing topwater explosions with live bait and poppers, roosterfish fishing in Costa Rica is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Book your trip today and come face-to-face with the Pacific’s most iconic inshore predator.

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