Tight Is Right

WITH THE BACKGROUND NOISE OF A STEREO, squawking birds, turning motors, wave action, wind and many more distractions on the water, it is amazing the subtle snap of an outrigger clip opening under the tension of a striking game fish is at all noticeable. Yet even with the ambient noise and disturbances, the best mates can still make out the slightest pop of a rigger clip before line starts screaming offthe reel and know from experience how important proper halyard tension is to success in any trolling scenario.

 

Outriggers are one of many components required for successful offshore sport fishing pursuits and have come a long way since their introduction decades ago when Miami’s famed charter captain Tommy Gifford developed makeshift outrigger poles from bamboo. While his rudimentary innovation led John Rybovich to produce the first aluminum outriggers, there have since been numerous innovations in design, deployment and rigging components with a plethora of options and styles available to anglers across the world.

Whether you fish a 21-foot center console with gunnel mounted riggers or 63-foot Bayliss with triple spreaders, outriggers are equally essential and by increasing the number of offerings in the spread crews can more effectively simulate a school of fleeing forage. Plus, outriggers create a more enticing surface presentation by pulling lures and baits from an elevated angle, as well as automatically providing the perfect drop back.

Though new vessels are often outfitted with outriggers factory direct, it’s a good idea to carefully inspect the standard components. From the halyard material, release clips, stoppers, tension pulleys and potential attachment points, the preferred outrigger setup and installation that’s right for you is completely dependent on the way you prefer to fish and the species you primarily target.