Decoys

[Guest]

Is there any easier way to put out decoys then one at a time on single lines, or am I just doing it the hard way? For a few years I just used a dozen decoys, I didn't have a boat and could only use what I could carry. Now I'm using 3 -4 dozen and am finding that it's kind of a pain. I can't even imagine putting out 100+ decoys. Do you guys use rigging cords, single lines, or am I missing something?

[Fisher Dave]

I used to use lines ( 5 lb weight holding down head decoy, and line runing from decoy to decoy for X number of decoys for single file line ) for creating a perfect single file line (or 2) into my puddles and it did work well. I eventually got away from it beacuse the lines tend to tangle into other decoys or items in the boat while transporting. I set a minimum of 75 decoys when I hunt and usually have around 120 decoys out .. its alot of work but you get used to it. I use Tanglefree® or similar lines that are less prone to tangling. On cold days and retrieving your decoys at sunset its a must for speed. With that line one can just throw the decoys in the boat without wraping them up. It takes a little time to wrap them at the access, or at home later, but its better than freezing and losing decoys in the darkness.

A friend of mine used to carry a gaff type intrument along to help retrieve decoys .. it really helped being able to *scoop* a few at a time and pull them to the boat.

Some people carry long lines with snap hooks every so often to hook onto individual decoys. I have never tried this method but it would seem to eliminate tangles when lines are being used.

[Guest]

Fisher Dave,

On average how long does it take you to put out /pick up decoys? I never really minded but I was trying to pick them up out of deeper water yesterday from the a canou and it was tough in the wind.

[Fisher Dave]

Sorry it took so long to reply .. just got done moving.

It takes me an average of about 30 mins to set my decoys out properly. That includes running lines and * fine tuning * them so theres no breaks or gaps, and making sure my puddles are placed exactly the way I want them. With a well placed spread you can bring the ducks in exactly where you want them most of the time. It takes the same or less time to take my decoys in, far less if I'm not wrapping them. The wind usually works as an advantage if you position your boat upwind and drift across your decoys. The reverse process is best for setting out strait lines ... let the wind work for you.