How to Rig Duck Decoys With Weights

Hunters who hunt ducks over water use weights to keep their decoys in place.

Hunters place weighted decoys in the water in front of their blinds to coax ducks into shooting range. The decoys float and bob on the water naturally, but the weights ensure they do not float away. While it is possible to repair a broken decoy line or weight while hunting, it is a good idea for hunters to rig their decoys with weights -- and to make sure the rigs are in good condition -- before the duck season starts.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch nylon line
• Duck decoys
• Roofing tar
• Cigarette lighter
• Knife

Instructions

1. Drag the nylon line through roofing tar. The tar should coat the line in a thin layer. Allow the tar to fully dry on the line before further use. With the proper amount of tar, the nylon line will remain flexible, but be protected and less susceptible to breaking.

2. Tie one end of the tar-covered line to the duck decoy. Most decoys have a circular piece of plastic on the front or back. Tie the line to this circle via a bowline knot (see Resources).

3. Melt the tag end of the line where you tied it to the decoy. There may be an inch or more of extra line beyond the knot. Melting it with a cigarette lighter helps ensure the knot does not come apart.

4. Use a knife to cut the decoy line five feet from the decoy. Attach the lead weight to the line with a bowline knot. Again, use the cigarette lighter to melt any extra line beyond the knot.

References

• Game and Fish: Tricks of the Trade for Rigging, Hauling & Storing Decoys

Resources

• The Bowline