Decoy Line
Hunting decoys need to be rigged with lines, weights, and clips in order to stay put when you drop them in the water and add ever-so-slight movement to the spread. Decoy line rigs can be as simple as a weight and line or complicated as an entire system for a duck, goose, or waterfowl spread. In still and shallow water spreads for puddle ducks, go with short decoy strings and lines that run about 4 feet; a tangle-free Texas line rig works best in this situation. When hunting in a river, reservoir, or lake, a thick 20-foot decoy long line is the best option to handle the busy current Easy-to-use tangle-free decoy lines make collection quick and easy at the end of the day; simply grab the line, pull up the anchor, and toss everything into your decoy bag. Whether your spread includes a flock of Canada geese or an assortment of duck decoys, the right lines, weight, and clips will keep them right where you want them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What line do you use for duck decoys?
The most common strings and lines for duck, goose, and other waterfowl include nylon, PVC, steel, and braided cord. Heavy nylon line works great in shallow and deep water duck decoy spreads. If using a Texas line rig for duck decoys, go with a steel cable. Braided cord is a great decoy string that won’t break or tear through your decoy gloves.
How long should a duck decoy anchor line be?
The length of your duck decoy anchor line will depend on the depth of the water where you set your spread. 4-foot decoy lines are perfect in still, shallow waters with little to no wind. In deep water hunts in lakes, or rivers with a strong current, use decoy long lines running 20 feet to get the length you need to secure your spread.
What is the best way to rig duck decoys?
The best duck decoy line and weight setup is to use either a key line or a Texas-style rig. A key line duck decoy line and weight rig is simple: Attach one end of the line to the decoy keel, cut the line at your desired length, and attach a weight on the other end of it before dropping it in the water. Wrap the line around the decoy when you pick it up before storing it. This decoy line rig is best for deeper waters.
The Texas rig consists of a solid vinyl cord or steel cable with a loop on one or both ends and an adjustable sliding weight, a setup that allows the decoy to swivel gently in the breeze. Easy to set up and store, this tangle-free decoy line won’t get snarled when shoved into the bottom of your decoy bag, boat, or truck bed during transport. Texas decoy line rigs are best for shallow waters.