Outriggers & Accessories

What Are Fishing Outriggers — and Why Do Serious Anglers Use Them?

Fishing outriggers are long poles mounted to the sides of a boat that hold fishing lines well away from the hull while trolling. By extending outboard, they allow anglers to run multiple lines simultaneously without crossing or tangling — dramatically increasing the size of a bait spread and the chances of attracting gamefish. Whether you're targeting sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, or marlin, a properly rigged outrigger system is one of the most effective tools in offshore sport fishing.

How Outriggers Work

The mechanics are straightforward but remarkably effective. Lines are clipped to the outrigger pole using release clips or halyard systems. As the boat trolls forward, the poles hold each line out to the side and slightly elevated, keeping bait out of the boat's wake — where fish are far less likely to strike. When a fish hits, the release clip opens automatically, dropping the line back to the rod so the angler can fight the fish directly. This drop-back action also improves hookup rates significantly.

Beyond line management, outriggers offer three key performance advantages: they cover more surface area of water at once, they keep baits in clean water away from hull turbulence, and they allow anglers to create a natural-looking spread that mimics a school of fleeing baitfish — one of the most reliable triggers for predatory gamefish.

Types of Outriggers & Key Accessories

Outrigger systems generally fall into two main mounting styles: side-mounted (laydown) systems, which are common on larger sportfishing boats, and top-mounted systems, which are popular on center consoles and boats with T-tops. Within those categories, anglers choose between fixed-length poles and telescoping designs — the latter collapsing for easy storage during transit and ideal for boats that must pass under bridges.

Outrigger poles are typically constructed from aluminum or carbon fiber, with carbon fiber offering a superior strength-to-weight ratio for anglers who want maximum reach without adding load to the mounts. The full system also includes mounts or bases, halyards (rigging lines), release clips, pulleys, and rigging kits — all of which must work together for reliable performance offshore.

Top Brands in Outriggers & Accessories

Taco Metals is widely regarded as the category leader, having pioneered outrigger mass production since 1959. Their flagship Grand Slam mount series and Tele-Outrigger poles — available in both aluminum and carbon fiber — have become a benchmark for offshore captains, backed by a servicing and warranty program that stands behind every system.

RUPP Marine is a premier name in sportfishing hardware, offering a wide range of outrigger styles from manual to hydraulic systems for boats from 18 feet to over 100 feet in length. Their Tournament Ruppriggers and next-generation hydraulic AutoDeploy systems are trusted by tournament crews around the world.

Tigress is a well-known marine brand offering a broad selection of outrigger components and accessories suited to a wide range of boat sizes and fishing applications. Seachoice provides practical, budget-friendly outrigger accessories that help anglers complete or upgrade their rigging without breaking the bank. And C.E. Smith rounds out the lineup with dependable marine hardware built for everyday boating and fishing use.

What to Consider When Shopping Outriggers

• Boat size and pole length: Longer poles cover more water, but a general guideline is to use poles no longer than two-thirds the length of your boat.
• Material: Aluminum is durable and cost-effective; carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer for advanced setups.
• Mount style: Match the mounting system to your boat's hardtop, gunwale, or rod holder configuration.
• Rigging hardware: Don't overlook halyards, release clips, pulleys, and stop beads — quality hardware ensures the entire system performs when a fish is on the line.
• Telescoping vs. fixed: Telescoping poles offer storage convenience and adaptability to varying sea conditions, making them ideal for most recreational anglers.