Posted by Boat Supply Store on Nov 26th 2025

Best Hunting & Fishing Brands: Top Picks from Serious Boaters

When it comes to offshore trolling, deep-sea fishing, or serious open-water hunting, the gear you mount on your boat isn't a suggestion — it's the difference between a productive day on the water and a frustrating one. Two brands dominate the conversation among experienced anglers and boaters: TACO Marine and Tigress. Both have earned their reputations through decades of innovation, marine-grade construction, and consistent performance under demanding conditions.

Whether you're rigging a center console for wahoo runs or setting up a sportfisher for tournament-level billfish work, this guide breaks down why these two brands stand above the rest — and which specific products deserve a spot on your boat.

Browse the full selection of hunting and fishing gear at Boat Supply Store to see everything available from both brands.

Why Brand Matters in Marine Fishing Equipment

The marine environment is one of the most corrosive, demanding environments any piece of equipment can face. Salt spray, UV exposure, constant vibration, and mechanical stress from fighting big fish all take a toll. Cheap outrigger poles bend, mount systems corrode, and poorly engineered hardware fails at exactly the wrong moment.

Serious boaters understand that premium brands aren't just a status symbol — they're a long-term investment in reliability. When you're 40 miles offshore and a 200-pound marlin hits your spread, you need gear that performs without hesitation.

If you're still in the process of selecting the right setup for your vessel, our guide on how to choose the right hunting and fishing gear covers the essential decision points every boater should work through before making a purchase.

TACO Marine: The Gold Standard in Outrigger Systems

TACO Marine has been manufacturing marine hardware since 1967, and their outrigger systems have become the benchmark against which all competitors are measured. Their engineering philosophy centers on three core principles: durability, ease of use, and performance under load. The result is a lineup of outrigger poles and mounting systems that serious offshore anglers trust year after year.

What Sets TACO Marine Apart

Marine-grade materials: TACO uses 316 stainless steel hardware and aircraft-grade aluminum or carbon fiber construction throughout their lineup.
Precision engineering: Every component is designed with close tolerances to eliminate slop, vibration, and premature wear.
Integrated systems: TACO's poles, mounts, and rigging components are designed to work together seamlessly.
Proven offshore performance: Used by tournament competitors and professional charter captains across the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific.

TACO Open Water Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles

Carbon fiber outrigger poles represent the pinnacle of modern outrigger technology, and TACO's Open Water series delivers everything an offshore angler could ask for. The combination of internal rigging capability and collapsible design makes these poles both high-performing and practical for boats with limited bridge clearance.

The TACO 22' Open Water Internal & Collapsible Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles are built for serious offshore work. At 22 feet, they provide a wide spread that keeps your baits and lures separated, reducing tangles and creating a more natural presentation across a larger strike zone. The internal rigging system protects your lines from UV and chafe, while the collapsible design makes navigation under bridges or into covered slips straightforward.

For boats where deck space and spread width are slightly less demanding, the TACO 19' Open Water Internal & Collapsible Carbon Fiber Outrigger Poles offer the same premium construction and internal rigging capability in a more compact package. These poles are ideal for center consoles, walkarounds, and express fishermen in the 25-to-35-foot range where a full 22-foot pole may be oversized.

Key features of TACO Open Water Carbon Fiber Poles:

High-modulus carbon fiber construction — exceptionally light and stiff
Internal rigging channels protect halyard lines from UV degradation and abrasion
Collapsible design for easy storage and clearance navigation
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware at all connection points
Compatible with TACO's full range of mount systems

TACO Grand Slam Outrigger Mount Systems

A great pole is only as good as its mount. TACO's Grand Slam series represents some of the most sophisticated outrigger mounting hardware available to recreational and semi-professional anglers.

The TACO Grand Slam 300XL Outrigger Mount for 1-1/2" Outriggers is the top-of-the-line option for anglers who demand maximum adjustability and rock-solid holding power. The 300XL features a heavy-duty construction that handles the torque generated by large-diameter poles in rough sea states. The precision locking mechanism holds your poles at any desired angle and doesn't slip under load — critical when you're working a spread in steep following seas.

The TACO Grand Slam 300 Outrigger Mount for 1-1/2" Outriggers delivers the same proven Grand Slam mounting technology at a slightly more accessible price point. It's an excellent choice for boats where the full XL treatment isn't necessary but where quality and reliability are still non-negotiable. Both Grand Slam mounts feature TACO's signature 360-degree rotation capability, allowing you to position poles at any angle from near-horizontal to fully vertical.

Grand Slam Mount Features:

Cast 316 stainless steel construction throughout
Precision-machined locking collars with positive retention
360-degree rotation with infinite angle adjustment
Designed for 1-1/2" diameter outrigger bases
Compatible with TACO's full pole lineup

Once you've selected your hardware, our step-by-step outrigger installation guide walks you through the complete rigging process from mounting to line setup.

Tigress: High-Performance Hardware for Serious Anglers

Tigress has built a loyal following among offshore fishing enthusiasts who want tournament-grade equipment without the ultra-premium price tag of some competitors. Known for heavy-duty construction and innovative mounting solutions, Tigress products are a fixture on fishing boats from the Carolinas to the Keys and across the Gulf Coast.

What Sets Tigress Apart

Heavy-duty construction: Tigress builds their hardware to handle the abuse of serious offshore work, using thick-wall aluminum and stainless steel throughout.
Innovative design: Tigress is known for bringing practical innovations to market — features that real anglers asked for.
Strong value proposition: Premium performance at a price point that makes outfitting multiple boats more feasible.
Broad compatibility: Tigress hardware is designed to work with a wide range of boat configurations and pole sizes.

Tigress XD Crank Top Mount

The Tigress XD Crank Top Mount is one of the brand's flagship products and a popular choice among anglers who run their outriggers frequently and want the convenience of a crank-operated system. Rather than manually adjusting and locking your poles by hand, the crank mechanism allows for smooth, controlled deployment and retrieval — a genuine quality-of-life improvement when you're managing a spread on a moving boat.

The XD designation refers to the extra-duty construction that distinguishes this mount from lighter-duty alternatives. It's built to handle the mechanical stress of frequent operation without wear-induced slop developing over time. For tournament anglers who set and reset their spread multiple times during a day of fishing, the durability of the XD series pays dividends over multiple seasons.

Tigress XD Crank Top Mount highlights:

Crank-operated deployment for smooth, controlled pole adjustment
Extra-duty construction for high-cycle use
Corrosion-resistant materials throughout
Positive locking mechanism to hold pole position under load
Clean, professional appearance suitable for sportfishers and tournament vessels

Head-to-Head Comparison: TACO Marine vs. Tigress

Both brands deserve serious consideration. The right choice depends on your specific boat, fishing style, and budget. Here's a side-by-side look at how they stack up:

Feature	TACO Marine	Tigress
Primary Material	Carbon fiber & 316 SS	Heavy-wall aluminum & SS
Pole Lengths Available	19' and 22' (Open Water)	Various configurations
Internal Rigging	Yes (Open Water series)	Model dependent
Mount Operation	Manual locking collar	Crank-operated (XD series)
Best For	Serious offshore, tournament	Frequent users, value-focused
Price Range (Featured)	$4,515 – $6,573	$2,999
Industry Heritage	Since 1967	Established offshore brand

Note: Both brands offer multiple product lines. The comparison above reflects the featured products in this article.

How to Choose Between TACO Marine and Tigress

Choose TACO Marine If:

You run a dedicated sportfisher or tournament-class vessel
You want the lightest possible pole with maximum stiffness (carbon fiber)
Internal rigging is important for your setup
You're building a fully integrated TACO system (poles + mounts)
Long-term durability is your primary concern and you're willing to invest accordingly

Choose Tigress If:

You deploy and retrieve your outriggers frequently and want crank convenience
You're outfitting multiple boats and managing a tighter per-vessel budget
You want proven offshore performance with excellent build quality
Your boat configuration works well with Tigress's mount geometry

For further guidance on matching gear to your specific boating needs, check out our comprehensive resource on how to choose the right hunting and fishing gear.

Maintaining Your Investment: Making Premium Gear Last

Premium outrigger systems from TACO and Tigress are built to last, but they still require regular attention to perform at their best season after season. Carbon fiber poles should be inspected periodically for cracks or delamination, especially around hardware attachment points. Stainless steel components benefit from fresh water rinses after every saltwater outing and periodic application of a quality corrosion inhibitor.

Mount systems should be checked for proper torque on all fasteners at least once per season, and locking mechanisms should be lubricated with a marine-grade grease to prevent galling and ensure smooth operation. Halyard lines — whether internally or externally rigged — should be inspected for chafe and UV degradation and replaced on a regular schedule.

Our detailed hunting and fishing gear maintenance guide provides a full seasonal checklist to keep your outrigger system and other fishing hardware in top condition throughout the year.

Where to Buy TACO Marine and Tigress Products

Boat Supply Store carries a curated selection of TACO Marine and Tigress products, including the full range of outrigger poles, mount systems, and accessories covered in this article. All products ship with full manufacturer warranties, and the product listings include detailed specifications to help you confirm compatibility with your specific boat and rigging configuration.

Shopping from a dedicated marine retailer rather than a general marketplace ensures you're getting genuine products with proper manufacturer support — important when you're investing thousands of dollars in offshore fishing equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the TACO Grand Slam 300 and Grand Slam 300XL outrigger mounts?

Both mounts are designed for 1-1/2" diameter outrigger poles and feature TACO's precision locking mechanism with 360-degree rotation capability. The 300XL is a heavier-duty version built to handle the additional torque and mechanical stress associated with larger poles and more demanding offshore conditions. If you're running 22-foot carbon fiber poles in rough water, the 300XL is the appropriate choice. For moderate conditions and shorter poles, the Grand Slam 300 delivers excellent performance at a lower price point.

Are carbon fiber outrigger poles worth the investment over aluminum poles?

For serious offshore fishing, yes. Carbon fiber poles are significantly lighter than equivalent aluminum poles, which reduces the stress on your mount system and makes manual adjustment easier. They also have superior stiffness-to-weight ratios, meaning less tip flex when baits are deployed. The weight savings matter most on longer poles (19' and above) where aluminum poles become heavy enough to create real ergonomic challenges during deployment and retrieval.

How do I know what length outrigger poles to choose for my boat?

A common guideline is to choose pole length based on boat beam — you generally want your deployed poles to create a spread roughly 1.5 to 2 times your boat's beam. However, fishing style matters too: trolling for billfish and wahoo in open water benefits from the wider spread created by 22-foot poles, while inshore or nearshore trolling may not require that reach. Our gear selection guide covers this in more detail.

What maintenance do outrigger mount systems require?

At minimum, rinse all hardware with fresh water after each saltwater outing. Inspect fastener torque and lubricate locking collars and pivot points with marine-grade grease at the start of each season. Check halyard lines and rigging hardware for wear annually and replace as needed. Full details are in our seasonal maintenance guide.

Can I install TACO or Tigress outrigger systems myself, or do I need a professional?

Both brands' systems are designed with installation practicality in mind, and mechanically capable boaters regularly install them without professional help. That said, proper installation — particularly ensuring fasteners are correctly torqued and sealed against water intrusion — is critical to long-term performance and preventing deck damage. Our step-by-step outrigger installation guide walks through the complete process. If you're not confident in your mechanical skills or your boat has complex deck structures, professional installation is a worthwhile investment.

Gear Up with the Best

TACO Marine and Tigress represent the top tier of hunting and fishing hardware for serious boaters. Whether you're investing in a complete carbon fiber outrigger system for tournament-level offshore work or looking for a robust, crank-operated mount solution for frequent use, both brands deliver the reliability and performance that demanding conditions require.

Don't settle for gear that will let you down when it matters most. Shop the complete hunting and fishing collection at Boat Supply Store and find the right TACO Marine and Tigress products to take your offshore fishing setup to the next level.