TACO Marine New Outrigger System
As soon as I put my hands on the new outrigger system from TACO Marine, I realized I was in for a treat! From the newly designed look and operation of the GS-300 mount to the sleek appearance and creative assembly of the Internally Rigged Carbon Fiber poles, our boat’s outrigger system was in for a serious upgrade.
The first feature that stood out on the GS-300 mount was its single-handle operating system, which provides full control when deploying the outriggers. The handle flips 180° for lifting or rotating, while the teardrop-shaped stainless-steel knob can be rotated to remain deck-facing for better torque control. This made handling the 22-foot carbon fiber outrigger much easier and safer.
As I cranked the outrigger to full extension, I immediately noticed that its maximum height far exceeded previous deck-controlled models. This increased angle not only enhances kite fishing but also improves maneuverability around docks and makes flying catch-and-release flags more satisfying.
During installation, it was clear these mounts were designed with the hardcore angler in mind. The polished stainless-steel top arm features a centered outrigger pole security pin, eliminating the need to designate the unit as port or starboard, and a spring-loaded tension system securely locks the poles in place without requiring external bolts.
The mounting holes on the base match the footprint of all previous TACO mounts and align with other industry brands, making the direct replacement installation simple—no new drilling is required. The anodized aluminum rotation tube has a subtle hourglass design, while the stainless-steel knob spins smoothly, adding a sleek aesthetic beneath the mounting surface.
Deploying the outriggers at the fishing grounds was fast and effortless. The smooth rotation of the handle lifted the internally rigged poles with ease. Once at the correct height, I was able to easily flip the handle and lock the outrigger into place.
The GS-300 pairs perfectly with all of TACO’s previous 1-1/2” outrigger poles, but I quickly found that my favorite setup was TACO’s newly designed, internally rigged, collapsible carbon fiber poles, available in 19- and 22-foot lengths.
Right out of the box, each pole was pre-rigged with 400-pound monofilament, with black, blue, and clear halyards for quick identification. The mono is neatly wound on foam spools, and it made hardware installation easy. One of the most creative design aspects is that each line rides in its own telescopic Teflon tube. Combined with stainless-steel roller guides, this is the smoothest internally rigged system I’ve ever used. The telescopic tubes also simplify halyard changes, eliminating tangles and making color swaps or repairs effortless.
The J-lock system securely aligns and locks the three pole sections without tools, while the ratcheting adjustment system at the butt provides precise angle adjustments for optimal halyard performance.
The GS-300 and Internally Rigged Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles are the ultimate combination of functionality, appearance, and durability for hardcore offshore fishing. Whether chasing big game, kite fishing, or maneuvering in tight spaces, TACO’s new outrigger system delivers on performance and reliability, making it a true game-changer for offshore fishing.
There are many other new features with this new system, and you can learn more about them at www.tacomarine.com.
