Taco Marine Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles — Innovation Award Winner

Taco Marine’s carbon fiber outrigger poles earned an Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show in February, and the reasons are clear: improved performance, reduced weight, and a design focused on giving live baits and artificial lures a more natural presentation. These new poles are positioned as a high-performance alternative to the aluminum outriggers commonly found on sportfishing boats.

Why Carbon Fiber Matters

Carbon fiber laminates deliver a combination of strength and lightness that outperforms many metal alternatives. Compared with aluminum, carbon fiber can withstand more load cycles before fatigue, which translates to a longer service life under the repeated stress of heavy seas and long days of trolling. The reduced weight also improves handling and balance, both at the dock and while fishing, making deployment and retrieval easier for anglers and crew.

Patented Swivel Roller Mechanism

A notable feature of Taco Marine’s design is the patent-pending swivel roller mechanism. This innovation allows lines and baits to move with less restriction, letting live baits and artificial lures swim with a more natural action. The improved movement reduces unnatural drag and can enhance lure presentation, potentially increasing strike opportunities when trolling or casting behind the boat. The swivel roller is engineered to be robust enough for offshore use while keeping friction to a minimum.

Models, Sizes, and Pricing

The carbon fiber outrigger poles are offered in several configurations to suit different boats and angling styles. Prices range from $699 for a 10-foot Center Rigger Single to $1,999 for a 20-foot Outrigger Pair. These OPTIONS cover center riggers and side outrigger applications, giving boat owners choices based on vessel size and fishing needs. Taco Marine provides accessories and mounting hardware compatible with their existing product lines.

Practical Benefits for Anglers

For anglers who troll, a lighter outrigger reduces strain during long trips and simplifies rigging. The durability of carbon fiber means fewer worries about fatigue-related failures, and the swivel roller’s freer action helps preserve the lifelike motion of baits and lures. Whether targeting pelagic species offshore or covering a wide spread inshore, these poles are designed to improve presentation and reliability under typical fishing conditions.

Maintenance and Care

Like any high-performance marine component, carbon fiber outriggers require routine inspection and basic maintenance. Rinse with fresh water after use in saltwater and periodically inspect swivel mechanisms and mounting hardware for corrosion or wear. Properly maintained, carbon fiber poles can offer long-lasting performance and consistent behavior under load.

About Taco Marine

Taco Marine has a longstanding reputation for innovations in marine hardware and accessories. Their introduction of carbon fiber outrigger poles reflects a trend toward lighter, more durable materials in sportfishing equipment and demonstrates a focus on improving angler success through better hardware design.

Pricing: $699 (10-foot Center Rigger Single) to $1,999 (20-foot Outrigger Pair). Taco Marine, Miami, (305) 652-8566. tacometals.com

This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue.