Hunting & Fishing - Outrigger Accessories

Outrigger accessories are the components that keep an outrigger system running smoothly, including mounts, release clips, rigging lines, and spreader tips that work together to position and control trolling lines. Without the right accessories, outriggers can't spread lines properly or release baits cleanly during a strike.

Outrigger accessories are designed for saltwater anglers who troll for big game fish like marlin, mahi, wahoo, and tuna and need to run multiple lines at different angles without tangles. Both weekend sport fishers and serious tournament anglers rely on these components to get the most out of their outrigger setup.

Start by measuring your outrigger pole diameter and identifying your mounting surface, whether that's a T-top, gunnel, or center console, since outrigger mounts are sized and drilled to match specific configurations. Choosing the wrong mount size can result in a loose or incompatible fit that puts stress on both the pole and the boat.

An outrigger release clip is a tension-adjustable clamp that holds your fishing line to the outrigger cord until a fish strikes, at which point the line pops free so you can fight the fish without the outrigger interfering. Release clips are sold in pairs and can typically be tuned to release at different tension levels depending on the target species.

No, outrigger accessories are not universally compatible — mounts, fairlead tubes, and top mounts are each designed to fit specific pole diameters, so you need to match the accessory to your exact outrigger pole size before purchasing. Always check the pole diameter specification listed for each accessory to confirm a proper fit.

Outrigger accessories are commonly made from marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and UV-resistant plastics built to withstand saltwater exposure, sun, and the mechanical stress of offshore trolling. Stainless steel hardware, like eye straps and fasteners, is especially important for corrosion resistance in a saltwater environment.

Because monofilament cord is flexible, lightweight, and easy to rig through fairlead tubes and spreader tips, making it the standard choice for outrigger halyards used to raise, lower, and position release clips along the outrigger pole. Mono cord also absorbs shock better than wire, which reduces stress on the outrigger hardware during rough offshore conditions.

Store outrigger accessories like rigging lines, release clips, and spreader tips in a dedicated carry bag, rinsed with fresh water to remove salt and dried completely before storage to prevent corrosion and UV degradation. Keeping small components organized in a bag also prevents loss and makes rigging up before a trip much faster.

Yes, investing in quality outrigger accessories is worth it because saltwater fishing puts extreme stress on hardware, and a failed mount, release clip, or rigging line at the wrong moment can mean losing a trophy fish or damaging your outrigger pole. Higher-quality components from established marine brands are built to tighter tolerances and last significantly longer in harsh offshore conditions.

A double outrigger rigging kit includes enough line and hardware to rig two outrigger poles, while a triple rigging kit provides components for three poles, allowing anglers to run more lines and cover a wider spread behind the boat. Choosing between them depends on how many outrigger poles your boat is set up to run and how wide a trolling spread you want to achieve.