Q: I have only used the West Coast-style fiberglass outriggers. What would your advice be on rigging triple spreader Rupp Riggers? What types of clips do you use when fishing large and small lures or large and small baits?
-Butch Wilson of Newport Beach, California
A: I prefer to use the little Black's Release clips for everything except really big, dead natural baits, which can be held only with the wide, wooden- clothespin-style clips we use in Australia. And we always use antichafing gear to protect our fishing line from the jaws of the pin.
You'll find that the Rupp-style outriggers will be much stiffer than fiberglass, making it much easier for you to get a consistent release from the pin. When using fiberglass outriggers, some crews run a line from the rigger out to a point forward on the bow rail or cleat to help take some of the flex out of the poles.
Do not pull heavy baits or lures from a halyard that goes through any ring on the outrigger that is lashed above the last guide wire — you might bend the tip section of the rigger if you get a hard bite.
