Peter Aitken wrote:
We are about to purchase a 28 foot boat that will be used primarily for
fishing in the waters off North Carolina. We are unsure about outriggers and
whether they would be worthwhile for us. I know they are used when trolling
for billfish. Are they used for other species too - tuna, mackeral? And am I
right in thinking they serve no other purpose than to let you get more lines
in the water?

Thanks!


I have a 28 foot boat in NC also. We use the riggers whenever we are
trolling offshore for billfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi, kings, etc. In
addition to spreading the lines out and allowing more lines, it also
gives you an automatic dropback which gives the fish a chance to get the
bait into his mouth after a hit.

For a 28 footer I'd recommend a minimum of 15ft and more likely 18ft
poles. You don't need real fancy ones. Perko has a couple of sets that
should do you fine. Make sure you get reasonably sturdy ones with good
solid mounts. If a big fat yellowfin or the man in the blue suit comes
along you don't want them bent or broken.

Capt Tuna