Species: Roosterfish
The Roosterfish has become one of the most sought after game fish in the world with a fly rod. It's sporting qualities are numerous and the photo ops after one is landed are priceless. The Roosterfish is often referred to as the punk rocker of the piscatorial world. This moniker is easy to come by once one has laid eyes on the unique fins that jet up from the fishes back. Seven elongated rays and a few distinct black stripes make the Roosterfish perhaps the most identifiable fish in the Jack family. These rays obviously afford this fish their name as well.
The roosterfish inhabits shallow inshore areas including reef lines, sandy beaches and rocky points and are almost always caught within 200 yards of the shoreline or structure. They are constantly on patrol looking for bait, which they will round up in a ball and then slash through. It is not uncommon to see this activity taking place in heavy surf. The heavier the surf, the more disoriented the bait becomes, making the Roosterfish's hunting that much easier.
They range through the eastern Pacific from San Clemente, although rare north of Baja, to Peru. They prefer water temperatures in the 75 degree range. These fish are known to grow to over one hundred pounds and over four feet long, yet the fly rod record is less than half this at 46 pounds 8 ounces for men and 18 pounds 13 ounces for women. These numbers are a true testament to this fishes fighting abilities. Their aggressive behavior can also be noted by the fact that most juveniles will try to consume fish their own size. This aggressiveness doesn't mean though, that these fish are "easy" to catch.
Like most Jack species when Roosterfish tear into bait it usually provides quite a show on the surface. It is not uncommon to have this activity take place so close to the beach that an angler can catch them from shore. Diving birds and flying water are a dead give away in most cases to strong feeding activity.
To find lots of Roosterfish one must look to the big schools of smaller fish found in the winter and spring. Bigger fish can be found in much smaller schools in the summer. In any case Roosterfish locales will always have a few specimens patrolling about the inshore area.
The fight of the Roosterfish is accentuated with long first runs that often includes head shaking jumps, and quick slashing movements. True reel burners that require a very heads up posture and attitude when an angler chooses to challenge them with the fly rod.
Equipment
- 10 Weight Fly Rods
- What we use: Sage TCR, Sage Xi2, Winston Boron IIX
- 10 Weight Saltwater Reel
- What we use: Tibor Riptide, Abel Super 10, Galvin Torque 10
- 10 Weight Intermediate Saltwater Fly Line
- What we use: Scientific Angler Mastery Series Tarpon Line
- Leaders from 7 feet tapered to 20 pound
- What we use: Seaguar Fluorocarbon Power Taper Leader
- Flouro Shock Material
- What we use: Seaguar Tippet Material 40 and 60 pound test
- Highest quality polarized sunglasses
- What we use: Action Optics by Smith
- Flies
- Flies for Roosterfish are normally elongated streamers up to eight inches. Blue, White and Green color combinations are common. Plenty of flash will aid in giving the fly the crippled look.
Technique
Many fly anglers will walk along the surf looking for Roosters in the waves chasing bait onto the shore. Flies must be stripped very quickly to imitate fleeing bait. A hard hook set is not necessary, but clearing the line to the reel and getting the drag adjusted properly are very important. These fish in their adult form will challenge every bit of fighting skill an angler has, and they may teach a few new ones as well.