Roosterfish
What:
The roosterfish, or "pez gallo" as the locals call it, is one of the most iconic and visually stunning fish in the Eastern Pacific. It's the only species in its genus, making it truly one of a kind. The most obvious feature is that unmistakable dorsal fin — seven long spines that stand straight up like a rooster's comb when the fish is fired up, slashing through bait, or fighting. They have a thick, powerful body similar to a jack crevalle but more elongated, with a silver-white base color accented by dark black stripes running along the body and a hint of yellow in the fins. Roosterfish can grow over 5 feet long and exceed 100 pounds, with the world record sitting at 114 pounds out of Baja. Most fish you'll encounter are in the 15 to 40 pound range, but 50+ pounders are out there. One unique biological feature is that their swim bladder is directly connected to their inner ear through the skull, which gives them incredibly amplified hearing — they can pick up vibrations and sounds from bait and predators that most fish can't. This also means they can hear your boat, your gear, and your approach, so stealth matters. Roosterfish are not great table fare — the meat is dark, stringy, and strong-tasting. This is almost exclusively a catch-and-release or trophy fish. Most experienced divers and anglers practice immediate release with these fish.
Where:
Roosterfish are found exclusively in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from the central Pacific coast of Baja California all the way south through Mexico, Central America, and down into Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. They do not exist in the Atlantic. The top destinations for encountering roosterfish are Baja California Sur (especially the East Cape and the Sea of Cortez), Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and Central Pacific coast, and Panama's Pacific side. In Baja, roosterfish are unique in that you can encounter them right from shore — they'll push bait fish into the sand in the surf zone and almost beach themselves chasing food. They prefer warm coastal waters over sandy bottoms, especially around rocky points that transition into sand. Look for them near structure that drops into deeper water — rocky points, submerged boulders, and reef edges where bait congregates. They cruise the shallows but retreat to deeper structure when not actively feeding. Water temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees are ideal, and they seem to be most active around 75 degrees.
When:
Roosterfish can be found year-round in most of their range, but there are peak windows depending on location. In Baja, the warmer months from May through October are prime, with May and June being the sweet spot on the East Cape. In Costa Rica, the dry season from December through April is considered peak, though they're present year-round. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to encounter them — this is when they're actively pushing bait in the shallows. High tide can be particularly productive because it pushes bait fish closer to shore and structure. Moon phase matters here too. Fishing around the new moon tends to produce better results, particularly in Baja. These fish are migratory and can disappear from an area that was loaded with them just days earlier, so timing and local knowledge make a huge difference.
Tips:
Roosterfish underwater are an absolute rush. That comb coming up as they charge through bait is something you won't forget. These fish are fast, powerful, and smart. They are one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish you'll ever encounter — they make blistering runs, will pull well above their weight class, and can peel off serious line in seconds.
For gear, you want a medium to large reef gun — something in the 100 to 120cm range with at least two bands. These are strong, fast fish and you need enough power for a solid penetrating shot. A floatline and float setup is recommended over a reel for bigger fish because their runs are powerful and sustained. Use a slip tip — their body is thick and muscular and you need a tip that's going to hold through that initial burst. Make sure your rigging is solid because a big roosterfish will test every knot and connection you have.
The key to encountering roosterfish while diving is being in the right place at the right time. They are inshore fish that patrol sandy areas near rocky points and structure. Look for bait activity on the surface — if you see bait balls getting pushed or birds working, roosters may be underneath. When you're in the water, position yourself near structure where sand meets rock and keep your eyes toward open water. These fish cruise in and out and can appear fast. Stay calm and let them come to you rather than chasing them. They have incredible hearing thanks to that swim bladder-to-ear connection, so any unnecessary noise or aggressive movement will spook them.
Shot placement should be behind the head and above the lateral line for the best hold. DO NOT TAKE A RUSHED SHOT — these fish move fast and a bad shot will result in a lost fish and potentially lost gear. Wait for a clean broadside opportunity at close range.
One important note — roosterfish are widely considered a catch-and-release species. They are slow-growing and their populations depend on large breeding adults. The meat is not worth eating. If you do shoot one, get your photo quickly and get the fish back in the water. In Costa Rica, there are specific regulations requiring circle hooks for rod and reel and encouraging immediate release. Be a responsible diver and respect these incredible fish. For more on diving in roosterfish territory, check out the SpearFactor podcast episodes featuring Peter Correale's guided trips in Panama and Central America, and the Blue Water World Cup coverage from La Ventana, Baja where roosterfish are one of the target species.
Tips:
As mentioned above, the best way to find halibut is during grunion run at night in shallow water. Obviously, you will need a flashlight and the proper speargun. For Halibut, you do not need a long speargun at all. My biggest halibut to date was 42" long and 33 pounds. I actually stab the fish with a 18" long metal poker while I was diving at work. The point is that the fish allowed me to swim right up to it. Also, just use a regular flopper shaft, no need for a slip tip because you will be shooting into the bottom. Be patient! Halibut hunting requires you to cover a lot of ground and because these fish are so well camouflage lying on the bottom, you should swim slowly.