Outrigger Buying Guide: Pole Length, Aluminum vs Carbon and Rigging
Quick answer: As a starting point, run 15 foot poles on boats around 20 to 26 feet, 18 foot poles on boats around 25 to 32 feet, and 20 to 22 foot poles on boats over 30 feet, and make sure the mount is rated for the pole length. Match the pole butt diameter to the mount (most modern systems use 1-1/2 inch, smaller and older setups use 1-1/8 inch), pick aluminum for value or carbon fiber for lighter, stiffer poles, and add a rigging kit with halyards and release clips so you can actually fish them.
Outriggers spread trolling lines out wide from the boat. That lets you run more baits without tangles, pulls lures out of the prop wash into clean water, and makes your spread look like a school of baitfish. With release clips, the outrigger also gives a dropback when a fish strikes, which helps billfish and other pelagics eat the bait. This guide covers pole length, materials, mounts and rigging.
Step 1: Choose a pole length for your boat
| Boat length | Typical pole length | Lines per side | Common mount style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to about 24 ft | 12 to 15 ft | 1 | T-top or gunwale mount, often 1-1/8 in poles |
| About 20 to 26 ft | 15 ft | 1 to 2 | T-top or hardtop top mount |
| About 25 to 32 ft | 18 ft | 2 | Hardtop top mount, 1-1/2 in poles |
| Over about 30 ft | 20 to 22 ft | 2 to 3 | Heavy duty top mount with crank handle |
These are starting points. Check your mount's rating and how much overhead clearance you need for docking, bridges and storage. Telescoping poles collapse to a fraction of their length for trailering and slips.
Step 2: Pick a pole material
- Aluminum: the common choice. Strong, affordable and easy to repair. Telescoping aluminum poles are the value pick for most center consoles.
- Carbon fiber: lighter and stiffer, so poles whip less in a seaway and put less strain on the mounts. Worth it on longer poles and tournament boats.
- Fiberglass: light duty, found on smaller boats and budget kits.
Step 3: Match the mount to the pole and the boat
The mount carries the leverage of an extended pole bouncing in a seaway, so it has to match both pole length and pole diameter. Top mounts bolt to the hardtop or T-top, often on a standard 4 by 6 inch mounting plate, and let you raise, lower and rotate the poles. Larger systems use a crank handle so you can deploy the poles from the deck. Check whether your boat is outrigger ready with a factory mounting plate, and add backing plates where the manufacturer calls for them. Our T-top and hardtop accessory guide covers mounting overhead gear safely.
Step 4: Rig the poles
- Halyard line: a loop of rigging cord running from the deck to a pulley near the pole tip, used to run the release clip up and down.
- Release clips: hold the fishing line until a fish strikes. Adjustable tension clips let you set them lighter for ballyhoo and small lures or heavier for big baits and rough water.
- Stops, snaps and shock cord: keep the halyard tight and the clip in position.
- Single or double rigging: a single kit runs one line per pole, a double kit runs two lines per pole at different distances. Rigging kits usually specify the maximum pole length they fit.
Step 5: Think about a center rigger
A center rigger mounts in the middle of the hardtop and lets you run an extra line high and far back, the shotgun position, without crossing the outrigger lines. It is a good upgrade once you are comfortable running a five or more line spread.
Common outrigger mistakes
- Poles longer than the mount is rated for, which overloads the mount and the hardtop frame.
- Mismatched diameters, such as 1-1/8 inch poles in a 1-1/2 inch base without a reducer.
- Old rigging line and worn clips that slip, release early or fail at the worst moment.
- Running poles out near docks and bridges. Always stow them before entering a marina.
- Too many lines too soon. Start with one line per side and add as your crew gets comfortable.
Our picks by boat size
All in stock at Boat Supplies Direct.
Geared bolt-in bases
Rupp Z-30 Top Gun Bolt-In Outrigger Bases use a geared crank to raise and lower the poles, bolt to a 4 by 6 inch flange, and accept Rupp Top Gun poles in 15 or 18 ft lengths.
Aluminum poles
TACO 15 ft Telescopic HD Poles, 1-1/2 in or the TACO 18 ft Deluxe Poles with Rollers for mid-size boats.
Carbon fiber poles
TACO 16 ft Carbon Fiber Poles or the TACO 20 ft Carbon Fiber Twist Lock Poles for larger boats running TACO GS-450, GS-500 or GS-1000 bases. Always confirm pole and base compatibility.
Mounts
TACO Grand Slam 280 Top Mounts for boats about 20 to 36 feet, or the crank-handle TACO Grand Slam 300 for boats about 25 to 40 feet and poles up to 22 feet.
Rigging and release clips
TACO Premium Double Rigging Kit, plus TACO Premium Release Clips or Rupp Klickers as spares.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What length outriggers do I need?
Roughly 15 foot poles for boats around 20 to 26 feet, 18 foot poles for 25 to 32 feet, and 20 to 22 foot poles for larger boats. Always stay within the mount's rated pole length.
What are outriggers used for?
They spread trolling lines wide from the boat so you can run more baits without tangles, keep lures out of the prop wash, and create a dropback when a fish strikes.
Are carbon fiber outriggers worth it?
On longer poles, often yes. Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer, so it whips less and puts less load on the mounts. Aluminum is the better value for most smaller boats.
What diameter are outrigger poles?
Most current top mount systems use 1-1/2 inch pole butts, while smaller and older setups use 1-1/8 inch. Reducers are available to fit smaller poles in larger bases.
Do outriggers come with rigging?
Some kits do, but many poles are sold bare. You need a rigging kit with halyard line, pulleys, stops and release clips to fish them.
Can I install outriggers on a T-top?
Yes. Many top mounts are designed for both hardtops and T-tops. Confirm the frame is built for outrigger loads and use the mounting plate or backing plates the manufacturer specifies.
This guide is general information. Follow your boat builder's and the outrigger manufacturer's ratings and installation instructions, confirm your hardtop or T-top is designed for outrigger loads, and stow poles before docking or passing under bridges.
