TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit Review

Let’s Talk About TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

Outrigger fishing: it’s a game-changer for serious anglers. I’ve spent years tweaking and perfecting my spread, chasing that billfish or tuna. But without the right rigging, even the best outrigger poles are just expensive sticks. That’s where the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit comes in.

I was tired of piecing together rigging components from different manufacturers, inevitably leading to mismatched parts and frustrating inconsistencies. I needed a comprehensive, reliable kit that would work flawlessly with my TACO Marine Grand Slam 170 outrigger poles. The promise of a complete, ready-to-go system drew me to this product.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed with the apparent quality of the components. The black Dacron rigging cord looked and felt strong, the clips felt sturdy, and the included hardware seemed well-made. My initial impression was one of relief and anticipation – finally, a comprehensive solution! The mesh bag, while simple, was a nice touch for keeping everything organized. This kit looked far superior to the hodgepodge of lines and clips I had been using.

I considered building my own kit from scratch, sourcing each component individually. I also looked at pre-made kits from AFTCO and Rupp. Ultimately, I chose the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit because of its reputation for quality, the completeness of the package, and the known compatibility with my existing TACO Marine outrigger bases and poles.

My first impression was positive. This kit seemed to offer a convenient and well-thought-out solution to rigging my outriggers, saving me both time and hassle. I was eager to see how it would perform on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit came during a weekend tuna trip 60 miles offshore. The conditions were moderate, with a slight chop and a 10-knot breeze. I rigged up my outriggers using the kit’s components, following the included instructions (which, thankfully, were clear and concise). The adjustable tension release clips seemed particularly promising.

The kit performed admirably during its initial run. The lines ran smoothly through the clips, the tension release worked as expected, and the outriggers held their position perfectly. I was particularly impressed with the stability the rigging provided, even when trolling at higher speeds. There were no unexpected snags or malfunctions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile investment. The Dacron rigging cord shows no signs of fraying or degradation, even after constant exposure to saltwater and UV radiation. The clips maintain their tension and release smoothly, and the hardware remains corrosion-free.

Maintaining the kit is incredibly simple. I rinse the lines and hardware with freshwater after each trip. I also apply a light coat of corrosion inhibitor to the metal components every few months. This routine keeps everything in excellent working condition.

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit significantly outperforms my previous rigging setup, which consisted of a mishmash of mismatched components. The consistent quality and integrated design of the TACO Marine kit offer superior performance and peace of mind. I no longer worry about lines snapping or clips failing at critical moments.

Breaking Down the Features of TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit

Specifications

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance and reliability:

• Rigs up to 22′ outriggers: This length capacity ensures compatibility with a wide range of outrigger poles commonly used for offshore fishing.
• Glass ring with brass strap clips: The glass ring provides a smooth and durable point of contact for the rigging lines, while the brass strap clips offer secure attachment and corrosion resistance.
• 1/8″ thick, 100′ Dacron black rigging cord: The Dacron cord is strong, UV-resistant, and designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. The 100′ length provides ample material for rigging two outriggers.
• Adjustable tension release clips: These clips allow for precise adjustment of the line tension, ensuring consistent and reliable release when a fish strikes.
• 1-1/4″ outrigger line stops: The line stops prevent the rigging lines from slipping or sliding along the outrigger poles, maintaining the desired position.
• Pad eye with screws: The pad eye provides a secure anchor point for the rigging lines on the boat’s gunnel or T-top.
• Double sleeve crimp: The double sleeve crimps offer strong and reliable connections between the rigging lines and hardware.
• Swivel & Snap swivel: The swivels prevent line twist and tangling, ensuring smooth and efficient trolling.
• Quick-dry mesh bag: The mesh bag allows for convenient storage and quick drying of the rigging components.
• Color: Black: This neutral color is practical and doesn’t spook the fish.

These specifications are crucial for outrigger rigging. Strong lines, reliable clips, and corrosion-resistant hardware are essential for successful offshore fishing. The adjustable tension release clips contribute directly to hook-up rates.

Performance & Functionality

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit excels in its primary function: reliably rigging outrigger poles for trolling. The components work seamlessly together, providing consistent performance and peace of mind. The adjustable tension release clips are a standout feature, allowing for fine-tuning of the line tension to suit different fishing conditions and target species.

The kit’s primary strength lies in its completeness and ease of use. All necessary components are included, and the rigging process is straightforward. A minor weakness is the lack of detailed rigging instructions, which may be challenging for novice anglers. Overall, the kit meets and exceeds expectations for a standard outrigger rigging setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit features a functional and durable design. The materials are high-quality, and the components are well-constructed. The included mesh bag adds to the kit’s overall user-friendliness, allowing for easy storage and organization.

The kit is relatively user-friendly, even for those with limited experience rigging outriggers. A more detailed instruction manual would improve the learning curve for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit is built to last. The Dacron rigging cord is UV-resistant and abrasion-resistant, and the metal components are corrosion-resistant. With proper care and maintenance, this kit should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only rinsing with freshwater after each use and occasional application of a corrosion inhibitor. The kit is not designed for repair. Replacing damaged components is the recommended course of action.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit includes all the essential accessories for rigging outrigger poles. While the kit is not designed for extensive customization, anglers can easily replace individual components, such as the clips or swivels, with aftermarket options.

The kit is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket outrigger accessories, including different types of release clips, swivels, and line stops.

Pros and Cons of TACO Marine Standard Rigging Kit