Center Rigger on CC - The Hull Truth

In2fowl · 03-01-2010, 08:37 AM

Been thinking of adding a center rigger to the boat. Biggest reason is sooner or later I see someone possibly getting hurt while reaching for the wwb rod in the rod holder on the hard top. A lot of our fish come on this rod so I can not see not using it. Currently have taco outriggers which I am not a fan of but the boat came outfitted with. Looking at the Lee riggers and it's mount. What degree holder fits this use the best? 45 or 22 1/2?

If anyone has a picture of their CC with it in place I would greatly appreciate it

2dogs1949 · 03-01-2010, 09:40 AM

I had a Lee center rigger on my 20 Grady and my 26 Albemarle. Rod went in the rocket launcher and up to the rigger. Somewhere I heard that you want your riggers even with the transom when deployed. My center rigger didn't quite make it but it was close.

albiewhore23 · 03-01-2010, 10:17 AM

the right number on a CC is something between the 45 and the 22.5 degree holder. i had a 22.5 degree on my last boat and it was too flat. Im installing a Rupp adjustable mount for my center rigger on my current boat next weekend and will be able to set the angle perfectly.

wbarrett · 03-01-2010, 12:59 PM

Here what I did on my Southport. Birdsall makes the portable center rigger mount that sits in the rod holders. I used the Taco centr rigger pole. I did add some straps to keep the mount from bouncing out of the rod holers. I also added a pushpin to keep the center rigger pole secure in the mount.

cobraarvey · 03-01-2010, 01:47 PM

Arecibo shows a great alternative to a center rigger. But if you want a more permanent solution, you want to go with the Lee 45 degree mount, or a Taco Sport Slam. I went with the Taco, as I needed the ability to raise and lower the rigger when going under a draw bridge near my dock. Also, it matches my Taco outriggers. Just be sure to install a backing plate under the top to handle the weight. I had a friend with a machine shop fabricate a plate for me.

billfishnfool · 03-01-2010, 04:24 PM

Here's mine,a Lee's 45deg.base with home made backing plate.12' rigger pole.

aftergolf · 03-01-2010, 05:14 PM

This might sound nuts, but I use a boat pole with a flat line clip attached in the rocket launcher and put the rod in the leaning postof the helm seat. Gets the center line up plenty high. Way cheaper and works well if you do not want to pay/install a dedicated center rigger.

hanapaa · 03-01-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aftergolf

This might sound nuts, but I use a boat pole with a flat line clip attached in the rocket launcher and put the rod in the leaning postof the helm seat. Gets the center line up plenty high. Way cheaper and works well if you do not want to pay/install a dedicated center rigger.

I do the same thing but I put the pole in the top rod holder. Works just fine so far.

Regulator29 · 03-01-2010, 05:26 PM

Billfishnfool
Hope you have a second one of those backing plates

, I will be duplicating your setup very soon

bens2 · 03-01-2010, 05:32 PM

Had mine on a 26 Reg like billfish and I had a detachable pole with a removable T pin in the base. I would put the rigger in place when we got to where we were going and put the rod in a leaning post holder directly behind the helm. I had cord I ran to the leaning post and the clip could be raised and lowered with a pulley. I only ran ballyhoo out of it nothing heavy like a bird or spreader bar because I did not through bolt mine...as I did not intend to use it that way. Through bolting would be smart if you plan to pull heavier stuff.

Regulator29 · 03-01-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bens2

Had mine on a 26 Reg like billfish and I had a detachable pole with a removable T pin in the base. I would put the rigger in place when we got to where we were going and put the rod in a leaning post holder directly behind the helm. I had cord I ran to the leaning post and the clip could be raised and lowered with a pulley. I only ran ballyhoo out of it nothing heavy like a bird or spreader bar because I did not through bolt mine...as I did not intend to use it that way. Through bolting would be smart if you plan to pull heavier stuff.

Know I will be pulling birds, bird bars, mongo bars and bars from my setup and it will be double rigged, so backing plate is a must for me.

Extractor · 03-01-2010, 06:07 PM

Dont think twice about adding a center rigger.....just do it. As you said, it is one of the most productive baits in the spread and it is no fun trying to grab it out of the ttop with a fish with any size to it.

The 45 degree Lees work great and the setup is rather inexpensive. I have the tacos for outriggers as well and the lee's center does not look bad with them.

eddy2419 · 03-01-2010, 06:30 PM

A lot of people use an extending paint pole in a holder with a length of mono and a release or rubber band. $20 at Lowe's or HD. Stow when not in use. Better than trolling a rod from up there.

billfishnfool · 03-01-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddy2419

A lot of people use an extending paint pole in a holder with a length of mono and a release or rubber band. $20 at Lowe's or HD. Stow when not in use. Better than trolling a rod from up there.

There's just NO WAY I could imagine using a paint pole for a rigger on my Reg.

eddy2419 · 03-01-2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfishnfool

There's just NO WAY I could imagine using a paint pole for a rigger on my Reg.

Yep. looks pretty tacky. That's why you store when not using it. He is running a rod from up there now, a paint pole is better than until he can get a real center rigger.

Nice boat fool!

slper · 03-01-2010, 07:41 PM

I painted a electric chain saw telescoping pole and put two stainless eyes in it. It's fiberglass too. I've never had one ounce of trouble with it. I love it, works like a champ and looks great too

In2fowl · 03-02-2010, 05:47 AM

Thanks for the fedback and pictures guys..just what I was hoping for

Looks like some online shopping is in order

nlirette · 03-02-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In2fowl

Been thinking of adding a center rigger to the boat. Biggest reason is sooner or later I see someone possibly getting hurt while reaching for the wwb rod in the rod holder on the hard top. A lot of our fish come on this rod so I can not see not using it. Currently have taco outriggers which I am not a fan of but the boat came outfitted with. Looking at the Lee riggers and it's mount. What degree holder fits this use the best? 45 or 22 1/2?

If anyone has a picture of their CC with it in place I would greatly appreciate it

I'm not sure how your boat is set up, but my contender has a rod holder on the transom. That prevents having to put your rod in the hard top rod holder. Might consider a transom rod holder instead of a center rigger.

Regulator29 · 03-02-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlirette

I'm not sure how your boat is set up, but my contender has a rod holder on the transom. That prevents having to put your rod in the hard top rod holder. Might consider a transom rod holder instead of a center rigger.

That works for the short center but for the WWWWWB, I think you need to get the line up as high as possible. I do wish I had room on my transom for rod holders across the back, especially on those days when the tuners are snapping on the tight baits

Ethan · 03-02-2010, 05:44 PM

I just stuffed in two center riggers into those useless rod holders on the cabin top. One 12'er and a18'er.
Absolutely Killer. Look closely.