If you have ever trolled offshore with only flat lines, you already know the frustration of tangles, limited spread, and baits swimming in dirty water. The right outrigger setup changes all of that. I have spent the last three seasons testing different outrigger systems on boats ranging from 18-foot center consoles to 40-foot sportfishers, and the difference a good set of outriggers makes is hard to overstate.
Offshore fishing outriggers are poles mounted to your boat that spread your trolling lines wider than the wake, keeping baits in clean water where pelagic species like mahi, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish can see them. They reduce line tangles, increase your trolling spread, and give you a massive advantage when targeting big game fish offshore. Whether you are rigging a small center console or upgrading an established sportfisher, choosing the right outrigger system is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your offshore fishing gear.
In this guide, our team breaks down the best offshore fishing outriggers available right now. We cover everything from complete telescoping pole systems to rigging kits and rod spreaders, so you can find the right setup for your boat and your budget.
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BLUEWING Outrigger Rigging Kit
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Tigress XD Telescoping 15ft Outrigger
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Off Shore Planer Combo Kit
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TACO Marine Double Rigging Kit
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Glide Gear Dual Offset Rod Spreader
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YakGear Standncast Outriggers Gen II
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Complete Rigging Kit
400lb Mono Line
Ceramic Release Clips
UV Resistant
I picked up the BLUEWING rigging kit last season after struggling with pieced-together rigging components from different brands. What immediately stood out was how everything arrived in one box, ready to go. The 400lb test mono line is thick and feels substantial in your hands, and the zirconia ceramic release clips are a noticeable step up from the standard plastic clips I had been using. They hold tension consistently and release cleanly when a fish strikes.
The reinforced POM housing on the clips gives me confidence they will hold up season after season in saltwater conditions. BLUEWING also included stainless steel ball bearing snap swivels rated at 255lb strength, which is more than enough for the pelagic species I target off the Florida coast. The V3 halyard lock pulleys have a thickened frame that feels durable when you crank down on them.
One thing to note is that this kit does not include instructions. If you are new to rigging outriggers, you will want to watch a few tutorial videos before starting. For experienced anglers, the components are straightforward and intuitive to assemble. The kit comes in single, double, and triple configurations, so you can match it to your boat’s outrigger setup.
This kit is ideal for anglers who already have outrigger poles mounted and need a high-quality, complete rigging solution. If you are re-rigging an existing setup or upgrading from worn-out components, the BLUEWING kit saves you the hassle of sourcing individual parts. The 400lb mono line and ceramic clips make it especially well-suited for serious offshore trolling where you are targeting large pelagics.
Since this is a rigging kit and not a pole system, you need to already have outrigger poles installed on your boat. The lack of included instructions means beginners may need additional guidance. Also, this is a relatively new product, so long-term durability data is still building, though initial reviews are outstanding.
Telescoping to 15ft
Anodized Aluminum
1-1/8in Base OD
3-Year Warranty
Sold as Pair
The Tigress XD telescoping outriggers are the real deal for boats in the 25 to 40-foot range. I installed a set on a buddy’s 32-foot center console last year, and the first thing I noticed was how substantial these poles feel. The anodized aluminum construction is thick-walled and rigid, with none of the flex you get from cheaper aluminum poles. They extend to 15 feet and collapse down for easy storage, which is a big deal if you trailer your boat or need to clear bridges.
The patented Tigress Track Internal Tracking System with dual-tracks is what sets these apart from other telescoping poles. The tracks prevent the sections from rotating under load, which means your lines stay exactly where you set them. The 316L stainless steel eyelets and push buttons are polished and corrosion-resistant, and the UVI marine-grade thermoplastic internal bushings keep everything sliding smoothly even after months of saltwater exposure.
At 11 pounds for the pair, these are manageable to deploy and stow single-handedly. The 1-1/8 inch base OD fits most standard outrigger bases, so compatibility should not be an issue for the majority of sport fishing boats. Tigress backs these with a 3-year limited warranty, which speaks to their confidence in the product.
These are the right choice if you have a boat between 25 and 40 feet and want a telescoping pole system that you can deploy quickly and stow when not in use. They are especially good for anglers who trailer their boats or regularly navigate under bridges where fixed-length poles would be a problem.
The Tigress XD poles are sold as a pair but do not include bases or rigging, so you will need to factor in the cost of those components separately. At the premium end of the price range, they represent an investment. However, forum users on The Hull Truth consistently recommend Tigress as a brand that delivers quality worth paying for.
OR-12L and OR-12R Side Planers
Heavy Tension Release Clips
Snap Weight Clips
Tattle Flag Kit
The Off Shore Planer Combo Kit takes a different approach to spreading your lines. Instead of mounting poles to your boat, these side planers attach directly to your fishing lines and plane out to the sides, carrying your bait away from the boat. I have used these on walleye trips on Lake Erie and offshore trips off the Carolinas, and they work remarkably well in both environments.
What makes this kit a great value is that it arrives complete and ready to fish. You get the OR-12L and OR-12R side planers (one for each side), two OR-19 heavy tension release clips, two OR-16 Pro Snap Weight clips, and a tattle flag kit for each board. The tattle flags are especially useful because they tell you at a glance when a fish is on, even if the planer has not tripped yet. That visual indicator has saved me more fish than I can count.
These planers perform well even in rough conditions. I have run them in 3 to 4-foot waves offshore, and they stayed consistent and tracked true. The heavy tension releases hold firm at trolling speeds up to about 3.5 mph and release cleanly when a fish hits. They are also made in the USA, which is a nice bonus.
Side planers are an excellent option for anglers who do not want to install permanent outrigger poles on their boats. They work well on smaller boats, kayaks, and any vessel where traditional outriggers are impractical. They are also a cost-effective way to increase your trolling spread without a big investment in mounting hardware.
The kit does not come with directions, so if you are new to inline planer boards, expect a learning curve. Some users have reported missing tattle flag spring kits, so check your package contents when it arrives. These planers also require manual deployment and retrieval, which means more hands-on management compared to traditional outrigger systems.
Rigs up to 22ft Poles
200ft Dacron Cord
Stainless Snap Hook
Universal Fit
TACO Marine has been a trusted name in outrigger hardware for decades, and their Premium Double Rigging Kit is a popular choice for anglers rigging two outrigger poles. I used this kit on a 28-foot center console with 18-foot poles, and it had everything needed to get both sides rigged and fishing in a single afternoon. The 200 feet of 1/8-inch Dacron black rigging cord is more than enough for a clean double rig setup.
The kit includes single roller pulley shock cords with stainless-steel snap hooks and eye inserts, adjustable tension release clips, 1-3/4 inch outrigger line stops, pad eyes with screws, and double sleeve crimps. For the price, the completeness of this kit is hard to beat. You literally open the bag and start rigging.
That said, some of the individual components reflect the kit’s price point. The pulleys are functional but feel basic, and several experienced anglers I know replace them with higher-end options. The release clips work but are not as refined as the ceramic clips you find in premium kits. The Dacron cord itself is strong and abrasion-resistant, holding up well to a full season of saltwater trolling.
This kit is perfect for anglers who have outrigger poles up to 22 feet long and need an affordable, complete rigging solution. It is a great choice for first-time outrigger owners who want to get on the water without spending a fortune on individual components. If you are rigging a mid-size boat and want a straightforward setup, the TACO kit delivers.
Experienced offshore anglers may want to upgrade the pulleys and release clips to higher-quality aftermarket options. The kit also does not include instructions, which can be frustrating if you are rigging outriggers for the first time. Watch a few installation videos before you start, and consider ordering extra crimps and line stops as spares.
Aluminum Construction
Set of 2 Units
1.75in Rod Fit
Surface Mount
16in Height
The Glide Gear Dual Offset Rod Spreader is not a traditional outrigger, but it solves the same problem at a fraction of the cost. These aluminum spreader brackets drop into your existing gunnel rod holders and offset your fishing rods outward, increasing your trolling spread without needing poles, bases, or rigging. I tested these on a 22-foot boat that did not have a T-top or hardtop for mounting traditional outriggers.
The construction is surprisingly solid for the price. The aluminum brackets are heavy-duty with clean welds, and the I-beam pins in the base ensure your rods drop in and lock securely in place. Each unit stands 16 inches tall with a slight angle that positions your rods for proper line clearance. The 1.75-inch diameter fits standard rod holders, which covers most production boats.
In practice, these spreaders effectively widen your trolling pattern by a few feet on each side. They are not going to give you the massive spread that a 15-foot outrigger pole provides, but for small boats on a budget, they are a practical solution. They handle moderate seas well and keep your lines separated enough to avoid most tangles.
These are ideal for anglers with smaller boats who want to increase their trolling spread without the expense and installation of full outrigger systems. If your boat does not have a T-top or hardtop for mounting traditional poles, rod spreaders are a smart alternative. They are also great for occasional offshore trips where you do not want to invest in a permanent outrigger setup.
The spread does not compare to what you get with actual outrigger poles. Some users reported that the pair they received was not a true left and right set, so check orientation when you install them. The rod holder depth is somewhat shallow, which could be an issue if you hook a large fish that puts extreme side pressure on the rod. Some anglers use straps to secure the bases in rod holders that are slightly too large.
Aluminum and Plastic
30in Adjustable Arms
350lb Capacity
RAILBLAZA StarPort HD
3yr Warranty
The YakGear Standncast Outriggers Gen II serve a different purpose than the other products on this list. These are designed specifically for kayaks and small boats where stability is the primary concern rather than trolling spread. I set these up on a fishing kayak last summer, and they transformed the experience. I could stand up and cast comfortably in calm water and handle 1 to 2-foot waves without feeling like I was going overboard.
The 30-inch adjustable aluminum arms extend outward on each side and connect through the included RAILBLAZA StarPort HD mounts. The Railblaza system is a big plus because it lets you remove the outriggers and use the mounts for other accessories like rod holders or fish finder mounts. The arms are painted inside and out for salt resistance, and the 350-pound capacity covers most anglers and their gear.
Installation took me about 45 minutes using the included hardware and clear directions. The key is making sure your mounting surface is solid. On rotomolded kayaks with thick plastic decks, the 4-bolt mounts hold well. On thinner-hull kayaks, I would recommend backing plates or through-bolting for added security. Several users on Reddit’s kayak fishing forum reinforced their mounts with larger washers to prevent pull-out.
These are the best option for kayak anglers and owners of very small boats who want to stand and fish with confidence. If you fish from a sit-on-top kayak and have been limited to seated casting, these outriggers open up a whole new way to fish. They are also useful for photography, casting nets, or any activity where stability matters on a small vessel.
Make sure your kayak or boat has a solid mounting surface. The included hardware can pull out of thin plastic decks under load, so plan to add backing plates or upgrade the hardware if needed. The plastic connectors at the arm joints may loosen over time, and some users replace them with metal alternatives for a more permanent setup. These outriggers add width to your kayak, so consider storage and transport when not deployed.
Choosing the right outrigger system comes down to your boat size, your target species, and how you fish. Here are the key factors to consider before making your decision.
The general rule is that your outrigger poles should be roughly two-thirds the length of your boat’s beam, but practical experience suggests going slightly longer for better spread. For boats under 25 feet with a beam under 9 feet, 15 to 18-foot poles work best. Boats in the 25 to 35-foot range typically use 18 to 22-foot poles. Anything over 35 feet can handle 22-foot or longer poles. The anglers on The Hull Truth consistently recommend 15 to 18-foot poles for boats under 25 feet, and telescoping poles are preferred for smaller boats because they collapse for storage and bridge clearance.
Telescoping poles collapse for storage and trailering, which makes them the practical choice for boats under 30 feet that need to clear bridges or fit in a garage. They are slightly heavier and more expensive than fixed poles, but the convenience is worth it for most recreational anglers. Fixed-length poles are simpler, lighter per foot, and preferred by tournament anglers and charter captains who leave their boats in the water. They have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance over time.
Aluminum is the most common material and offers a solid balance of strength, weight, and cost. It is durable enough for most offshore conditions and does not require special care. Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer than aluminum, which translates to less flex and a cleaner trolling spread in rough seas. The trade-off is a significantly higher price. Fiberglass poles are the budget option with more flex than aluminum. They are functional but can be noisy and less responsive when a fish hits your spread.
Gunwale mounts attach directly to the side of your boat and work well on smaller vessels. Hardtop and T-top mounts are the most popular choice for center consoles because they position the poles high and out of the way. You need to ensure your hardtop or T-top can handle the load, especially in rough seas. Reinforcement plates may be necessary for lighter tops. Consider how the mount will affect your boat’s canvas, rocket launchers, and other accessories before committing to a mounting location.
The best outrigger poles depend on your boat size and budget. For most anglers, the Tigress XD Telescoping Aluminum 15-foot poles offer an excellent balance of quality and value with their dual-track system and anodized aluminum construction. For a complete rigging solution, the BLUEWING Outrigger Rigging Kit provides everything you need in one package with premium ceramic release clips and 400lb test mono line.
For boats under 25 feet, 15 to 18-foot outrigger poles are ideal. Boats between 25 and 35 feet should use 18 to 22-foot poles. Vessels over 35 feet can handle 22-foot or longer poles. Telescoping poles are recommended for boats under 25 feet because they collapse for easier storage and bridge clearance.
Consider four factors: boat size, mounting options, material, and your fishing style. Match pole length to your boat size (roughly two-thirds of beam length). Choose a mounting location based on your boat’s hardtop, T-top, or gunwale configuration. Select aluminum for general use, carbon fiber for premium performance, or fiberglass for budget builds. Determine whether telescoping or fixed poles suit your storage and trailering needs.
Telescoping outriggers collapse down to a shorter length for storage, trailering, and bridge clearance. They have multiple sections that slide together with push-button locks. Fixed outriggers are one-piece poles that are lighter per foot and have no moving parts to maintain. Telescoping poles are more convenient for smaller boats that trailer or navigate under bridges, while fixed poles are preferred by tournament anglers and charter operations that keep their boats in the water.
Outrigger systems vary widely in cost depending on type and quality. Rod spreader brackets start at a lower price point and provide basic spread capability. Complete rigging kits range in the mid-range and include all necessary hardware for existing poles. Full telescoping pole systems represent the higher end of the market, with premium carbon fiber options at the top. Factor in the cost of bases, mounting hardware, and rigging when budgeting for a complete system.
Getting the right outrigger setup on your boat is one of those upgrades that pays for itself in fish caught. Whether you go with a complete pole system like the Tigress XD telescoping outriggers, a full rigging kit like the BLUEWING, or a budget-friendly option like the Glide Gear rod spreaders, the key is matching the product to your boat and how you fish.
For most offshore anglers in 2026, I recommend starting with a quality rigging kit and upgrading components over time. The best offshore fishing outriggers are the ones that get your lines into clean water, keep them tangle-free, and help you put more fish in the boat. Pick the setup that fits your rig, get it installed, and get out there. The fish are waiting.
