In the fishing world, people often ask about the purpose of a Center Rigger System. In this blog, we’re going to break down the who, what, where, when, why and how of everything Center Rigger to answer your most commonly asked questions.
What is a Center Rigger, Where is it Installed & How is it Used?
Like Outriggers, a Center Rigger is another onboard system anglers can use to get more lines in the water. While outriggers typically angle out from the port and starboard of the boat top or gunnels, a center rigger is traditionally installed toward the aft center of a boat top to place a line out past the transom. If you have a TACO Center Rigger System, you simply rig the pole as desired, extend the its fully extended position out over the transom, attach your fishing line to the release clip, deploy the halyard line and wait for a bite.
Why Use a Center Rigger?
In your local marina or boat yard, seeing a boat with a Center Rigger System is not as common as seeing Outrigger Systems. Yet, for sport fishing enthusiasts, adding a Center Rigger System to your boat is a great idea. Center Riggers allow anglers to run a shotgun bait out of site, thus increasing the odds of catching more fish by presenting a lonely bait that is an easy target.
How is a Center Rigger Added to the Boat?
At TACO, we manufacture three types of Center Rigger Mounts – the Grand Slam 312, which is installed through the boat top, the Grand Slam 170-2, which is mounted to the top side of the boat top, and the Fixed Clamp-On Center Rigger Mount, which clamps onto ¾” and 1” schedule-40 pipe or 1-1/4” O.D. tube. For step-by-step instructions for installing each of these Center Rigger Mounts, click here.
Who typically Uses Center Rigger Systems?
Any angler with a T-top or Hardtop can use a Center Rigger System on their boat. These can be used by serious sport fishing enthusiasts to casual weekend fisher people, and everyone in between. You don’t have to be a champion tournament angler to use a Center Rigger System.
What is the Right Center Rigger System for my Boat?
For larger boats 36' and above, we recommend adding the Grand Slam 312 Center Rigger Mount (GS-312). This mount is designed to be raised and lowered from under the top, from the safety of the deck and comes with a lifting crank handle. This mount pairs with a 16’ Carbon Fiber Center Rigger pole (OT-2160CF) that telescopes down to less than 7’ for bridge clearance, trailering and storage.
The GS-312 can also be used with the 10’ Carbon Fiber Center Rigger pole (OT-2120CF) or 12’ Aluminum Center Rigger pole (OC Series) with the addition of the Outrigger Base Reducer (GSC-0025), which changes the mount’s arm diameter from 1-1/2” to 1-1/8”.
For boats 25' to 40’, we recommend adding the Grand Slam 170-2 Center Rigger Mount (GS-170-2). This mount is installed to the boat top and features a Sure-Grip knob for raising and lowering the Center Rigger Pole. The GS-170-2 pairs with 8’ and 12’ Aluminum Center Rigger poles (OC Series), which telescope to 5’ for bridge clearance, trailering and storage.
For smaller center consoles with a T-top, the Fixed Clamp-On Mount (F16-0311C-1) is a great solution. This mount clamps-on to ¾” and 1” schedule-40 pipe or 1-1/4” O.D. tube. This too pairs with 8’ and 12’ Aluminum Center Rigger Poles (OC Series), which telescope to 5’ for bridge clearance, trailering and storage.
Questions & Comments
If you have any questions about which Center Rigger System is right for your boat or how to install one, don’t hesitate to contact our Technical Support team. You can also comment on this blog with any questions.
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