Don't use them all the time. But useful to have.

When I run 3 rods, usually don't bother. However I have recently found a new use for them - greenstick with baits. Deadly.

Alan

This is what I have read recently and playing on my mind! In my case of running four rods, do you think all rods should be hooked up to an outrigger (i.e. 2 rods per outrigger)?

Given your intention to run 4 outfits I would have 2 in the outriggers.  Short corner a long corner run from the rod holders and short rigger and long rigger run from the outriggers.

Stiff outriggers will give you a crisper release than soft outriggers.

There are a number of articles available on the internet written by PP.  As a newbie this one's also worth a read.

Once you've digested that click the 'Menu' tab (upper right) and then click on 'Between the Lines'.  PP marketed a Between the Lines CD around 2004 as I recall, it's very informative.

Then the reel screams.

Nothing like the sound of the rigger popping.

Alan

Because its only part of it MB. The flat lines run in the clear window between the prop wash and the hull wakes. The main purpose of the riggers is to elevate the tow point, allowing lures to be towed further back but still at an angle that maximises lure action. Reversing that would defeat the purpose of the elevated tow point, and result in tangles each time you turned. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnMNaBrhv3I

Occasionally I get asked to fish on other boats that don’t have game poles… or even own game rods…like my brother and sister laws 6.5 extreme. Last year with them (their first time gamefishing) we just took the centre rigger from my boat on their boat and a few rods,

and ran the centre rigger as a single rigger on starboard side from a gunnel forward rod holder facing 30 degrees outward they normally strayline from. While shorter than my 14 ft riggers it worked really well as an outrigger. Not your classic spread but allowed one lure elevated and wide of the wash, as well as a starboard short corner and a long long corner on port side opposite to rigger lure, and another shotgun centre lure out back off one of bait board rod holders. Spread was good enough for a triple hook up of nice Mahis. Above is a pic of the centre rigger on my boat… we don’t catch many in driveway but good place to refine your set up. Just gotta watch the powerlines.