Roosterfish / Pez Gallo ( Nematistius pectoralis )

Roosterfish are one of the more popular species for inshore fishermen along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Live bait fishing near rocky headlands is the best way to find one of these aggressive fish. Live mullet and sardenes and the best bait but they will also bite trolling lures or soft baits casted close to rocks. Sportfishing for Roosterfish in Costa Rica is good all year round but tends to be better when the water is relatively clear. The size of the fish range from a few pounds up to eighty but the potential exists for a record fish over the current 114lb world record that was caught off La Paz, Mexico in 1960. Although Roosterfish are not commonly recognized as a good fish to eat many people make ceviche and fish soups from them.

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Roosterfish fishing - roosterfish gyotaku - roosterfish art
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The monster Roosterfish shown on the upper right was caught off the rocks near Playa Hermosa in early 2007. Playa Hermosa has also been known to produce the occasional large Roosterfish right off the main section of black sand beach. If you want a different sport fishing challenge come to Costa Rica and set your sights on a big Pez Gallo. Contact me if you're planning a trip to Costa Rica and want to try and catch a trophy Roosterfish.



Gyotaku Art and Fish Photos by Species