The most distinguishing feature of a roosterfish, however, is its unusual first dorsal fin, which looks like the raised comb of a cock bird. There are seven spines in this fin, and when the fish is aroused while chasing forage or fishting an angler, the spines are raised. Roosterfish may be found in loose groups, and are often spotted under working birds. They are caught by boaters who drift and troll, but also by casting anglers and surf fishermen. Sandy-bottomed locales are good, as are bays and sections of mild surf.
Smaller fish are usually closer to shore.
Tackle is often quite stout, but medium-action gear with 15 to 20 pound line has merit, and fly rods and light spinning or bait casting gear can be used as well. Although found on both coasts, yellowfin tuna don't range as far northward as the other tuna do and evidently don't travel as widely as such species as albacore and bluefin tuna. Large yellowfins usually have long second anal and dorsal fins. Yellowfin tuna are one of the strongest of North American fish, usually caught offshore by chumming and trolling. These are an exciting and popularly sought Pacific Ocean fish that are mainly found seasonally from southern California south.