May 2025
Roosterfish
Papagallo · also Pez gallo
Nematistius pectoralis · Nematistiidae
- Category
- Yellowtail & Jacks
- Found in
- Pacific Baja, Sea of Cortez, Pacific Mainland
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
- Mexico fish counts
- 259 counted, 24 so far in 2026
About Roosterfish in Mexico
How to recognize it
The roosterfish's first dorsal fin is unique: seven long, thread-like spines that stand up like a comb when the fish is excited and fold into a groove when it is not. The body is silvery with two dark curving stripes and a dark band through the eye. It is the only member of its family and not a true jack, though it looks and fights like one.
Where and when in Mexico
Officially papagallo, the fish is known in Mexico mostly as pez gallo. It is a fish of sandy beaches and rocky points, found on Baja's East Cape from Los Barriles to Punta Pescadero, the beaches around Los Cabos, the Pacific side near Todos Santos and Magdalena Bay, and along the mainland coast from Puerto Vallarta's Punta Mita southward. Late spring through summer is usually best, though Cabo boats catch them in most months. Most of the roosterfish in Mexico Fish Reports' counts come from Cabo San Lucas boats, with a few from Puerto Vallarta in 2012.
How it's fished
The classic approach is a panga slow-trolling live mullet, caballito, sardina or ladyfish just beyond the surf line. Anglers also cast poppers and stickbaits from the beach or boat, and fly fishermen walk East Cape beaches looking for fish cruising the shoreline.
Good to know
Roosterfish are reserved for sportfishing in Mexico, and catch-and-release is customary. Keep big fish in the water and revive them properly.
Fishing rules in Mexico
- Reserved for sportfishing within 50 nautical miles of the coast
- 2 per angler per day
Source: LGPAS Art. 68; NOM-017-PESC-1994 §4.9.1 (2013 mod.). Rules change; confirm current limits, seasons and permits with CONAPESCA before you fish.
Where Roosterfish are caught in Mexico
- Cabo San Lucas 251 counted · last Feb 2026
- Puerto Vallarta 8 counted · last Mar 2012
Fish counts by year
| Year | Kept | Released | Trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (so far) | 20 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 17 | 8 |
| 2024 | 19 | 6 | 5 |
| 2019 | 1 | 5 | 3 |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| 2014 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 | 12 | 0 | 4 |
| 2012 | 24 | 8 | 12 |
| 2011 | 21 | 9 | 9 |
| 2010 | 32 | 30 | 23 |
| 2009 | 10 | 12 | 9 |
From fish counts posted by the Mexican landings on Mexico Fish Reports. Years with no posted counts are not shown.
Boats catching Roosterfish (2025–2026)
- El Budster Pride Cabo San Lucas 25 counted on 7 trips
- El Budster Cabo San Lucas 19 counted on 5 trips
Roosterfish photos from Mexico
Photo: Courtesy of El Budster Sportfishing
Photo: Photo courtesy of El Budster Sportfishing
Photo: Salvadors Crew
Recent Roosterfish reports
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER PRIDE. The Mark Keene´S party, CAUGHT AND RELEASED ONE 100 LB. STRIPED MARLIN. They also caught ONE 18LB. DORADO and TEN ROOSTERFISH. The fish was…
(More…)
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER. MIKE HILL, CAUGHT AND RELEASED FOUR 10 LB. ROOSTER FISH. The fish was caught near the coast of Cabo San Lucas. The water temperature was…
(More…)
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER PRIDE. James Purcell, caught and released ONE ROOSTERFISH and some YELLOWFIN TUNAS. The fish was caught 14 to 16 miles from the coast of Cabo…
(More…)
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER. Mike Hill, from Manning, Iowa, caught and released FIVE BEAUTIFUL ROOSTERFISH. The fish was caught 14 to 16 miles from the coast of Cabo San…
(More…)
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER. The Keith Smith´s party, caught caught and released FOUR ROOSTERFISH. The fish was caught 15 to 16 miles from the coast of Cabo San Lucas.…
(More…)
Fishing on the EL BUDSTER. The Mike Bether´s party caught TWO ROOSTERTFISH and 4 YELLOWFIN TUNAS. The fish was caught 14 to 15 miles from the coast of Cabo San…
(More…)
