The force exerted from the strike of a marlin can test all of your gear. Most fishermen concentrate on making sure that their implements in the cockpit are up to par, but only the pros give just as much thought to their outriggers and halyards. 
 
One of the weakest links on any outrigger setup is the connection to your release clips — especially if you're using the Rupp style with wire legs. Once one of these legs gets bent, it will never stay in the clip properly and it could fall off. 
 
To keep that from ever becoming a problem, take some waxed rigging floss and wrap the articulating handles on the clips so they stay in place. Finish off the wrap by lashing a series of half hitches over the wrap itself. Your release clips will no longer be the weak link on your outriggers.

Allen Smith
Davenport, Florida