Introduction:
Sportfishing is an exciting and rewarding hobby that requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right equipment. Outriggers are an essential piece of equipment for any serious sportfisherman, as they allow you to spread out your baits and cover more water while trolling, increasing your chances of a successful catch. In this beginner's guide, we'll cover the basics of sportfishing outriggers, including how to use them and the benefits of selecting a top outrigger producer like Rupp Marine.
What are Sportfishing Outriggers?
Sportfishing outriggers are long poles that extend from the sides of a boat and hold fishing lines away from the boat. They are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, but can also be made from fiberglass. There are two main types of outriggers, side mounted outriggers, also knows as "laydown style", primarily used on large sportfishing boats and top mounted systems that are more common on center console boats.
Outriggers Mounted to the Top of a Boat's Hardtop:
In addition to traditional side-mounted outriggers, some sportfishermen choose to mount their outriggers to the top of their boat's hardtop. This is most common on center console and express style boats. This allows them to spread their lines while still allowing for a clear walkway under the outrigger system while trolling. It's important to choose the right type of outrigger for this setup, as some models may not be suitable for the added weight and stress. Consult with a professional to ensure that your outriggers are mounted safely and securely. See Rupp Top Mounted systems here.
How to Use Sportfishing Outriggers:
Using sportfishing outriggers may seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips to get you started:
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Deploy the Outriggers: To deploy the outriggers, release the locking mechanisms and extend the poles away from the boat until they're more parallel to the water, or slightly less in rough seas. Lock them in place to keep them steady.
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Attach the Lines: Run your fishing lines from your fishing poles through the release clips on the outriggers. Like raising a flag, you will run the clip (and attached fishing line) up the pole making sure that they're evenly spaced and not tangled. See some rigging ideas from Rupp Marine here.
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Troll Away: Slowly troll your boat through the water, allowing the baits to trail behind the outriggers. Keep an eye on the lines for any signs of a strike, and be ready to reel in your catch!
Most anglers troll along the edge of a drop-off, reef, or weed-line as sailfish and other sport fish often feed on bait fish swimming along the edge of these structures.
Do your research, but a common effective sailfish trolling speed is between 3 and 7 knots. Other species and sea conditions require different speeds and varying of trolling speed.
Benefits of purchasing from Rupp Marine:
When it comes to sportfishing outriggers, Rupp Marine is one of the top producers in the industry. Here are some of the benefits of using Rupp Marine outriggers:
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Durability: Rupp Marine outriggers are made from high-quality materials that are built to last, even in harsh marine environments. Rupp Marine has over 45 years of real word product testing and outrigger system refinement.
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Customization: Rupp Marine offers the widest range of outrigger styles, materials, and configurations to suit any boat and fishing style. In fact, as the leading manufacturer, they have more choices of outrigger systems and accessories than any other company. Visit the Rupp Marine website for a full line of outriggers and sportfishing accessories.
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Performance: Rupp Marine outriggers are designed to improve your trolling performance and increase your chances of a successful catch. More professional crews use Rupp products so more fishing tournaments have been won (by far) using Rupp outriggers and accessories, it isn't even close!
Conclusion:
Sportfishing outriggers are an essential piece of equipment for any serious sportfisherman. By using outriggers, you can spread out your baits and cover more water while trolling, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Rupp Marine is one of the top outrigger producers in the industry, offering a wide range of styles and configurations to suit any boat and fishing style. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, outriggers are a must-have for any angler.
Related articles:
Fishing with Top Mount Outriggers (video)
