Special delivery: Sign up for the free Marlin email newsletter. Subscribe to Marlin magazine and get a year of highly collectible, keepsake editions – plus access to the digital edition and archives.
Depending on the target species, virtually all sportboats—even the midsize and large center-console models—are equipped with a fighting chair or a rocket launcher in the cockpit. You’ll find a wide variety of each available, from the old-school throwback designs to those with lines to match the sexiest curves of a modern sport-fisherman.
Nautical Design 46-Inch Rocket Launcher
For those who want a bit more space for rigging baits or lures, this 46-inch rocket launcher from Nautical Design is a perfect match. It has six dedicated rod holders, four combination rod/cup holders and an oversize tackle drawer. It’s also constructed of genuine teak.
BlueWater Chairs 11-Rod Rocket Launcher
Outfitting your vessel with BlueWater’s 11-rod rocket launcher gives you the opportunity to have all your outfits ready for action in one place. The double-laminated teak with no-screw stainless steel rod holders, recessed tray and tackle drawer offer plenty of options for both storage and fishing; packages are available in a wide range of sizes from four to 15 rods.
Nautical Design Fighting Chair and Six-Rod Rocket Launcher
Starting with highly polished 316-grade stainless steel construction, Nautical Design’s fighting chairs are designed so the backrest sits straight up, and the tuckaway footrest setting eliminates having the legs protruding beyond the back of the chair seat. A six-rod launcher with bait tray is also standard.
Scopinich 10-Rod Rocket Launcher
For more than a century, the Scopinich brand has been known within the sport-fishing community for its craftsmanship, service, reliability and integrity. This 10-rod launcher features genuine teak construction plus a unique bait tray, keeping everything instantly accessible.
Read Next: Why Fighting Chairs are the Best Seat in the House.
Release Marine Six- and Eight-Rod Rocket Launcher
With new six- and eight-rod rocket launchers designed specifically for center-consoles, these models have a smaller footprint but maintain the required spacing to fish properly. Release Marine also keeps the big-boat features such as a bait tray, cup holders and a tackle drawer for storage. Pitch-bait tubes are optional.
Pompanette Manta-X
An alternative to a fighting chair, the Manta-X is a rocket launcher with a built-in seat, great for taking a break while fighting a fish on stand-up, or for young anglers just joining the sport. It’s available in four-, six- and eight-rod versions, with sleek lines to complement any vessel.
Release Marine Swing-Out Pitch-Bait-Tube
This new stainless swing-out pitch-bait-tube bracket attaches to the bottom of a no-bolt rod holder and swivels 360 degrees while also keeping the polished stainless ring that holds the pitch-bait tube level. The stainless wing nut that threads into the rod holder is hollowed out to allow the rod holder to drain normally.
Pompanette Elite Tuna Chair
One of the pioneers of fighting chairs, Murray Products by Pompanette has reintroduced its large Elite Tuna Chair after a three-year hiatus. This is the chair that set the standard for fishing heavy tackle, with its six-rod launcher, magnetic rigging tray and precision turning-and-locking system.
Release Marine Pedestal Buddy
A leader in innovation, Release has introduced the Pedestal Buddy, a handy attachment designed to attach to the pedestal assembly to accept swing-out arms. These can be equipped with bar stool-style seating, an additional tackle prep station or just about anything else you can think of.
BlueWater Chairs Evolution Fighting Chair
The Evolution Fighting Chair is a pinnacle in chair design and functionality, with refined hardware and smooth lines that give it exceptional aesthetics, along with easy maintenance and remarkable protection. But it doesn’t end there—the usability and flow of the hardware working simultaneously make this chair a fierce weapon.
