Question:

When I hunt divers, I have always used decoys rigged with their own anchor. I have had trouble with drifting decoys and with the time it takes to pick them all up in deep water. I know some guys "gang-rig" them but I have no idea how much line to give each decoy, how close to space them, how long to make the mother line, and whether to use one or two anchors. What is the best way to rig a "gang-rig" for diver ducks?

-Brent Carlson-

Answer:

Brent,

Thanks for your question!  Gang rigs are a great tool for anyone who is hunting deep water or needs to deploy large numbers of decoys in an efficient fashion.  Typically on the rigs I have used we space the decoys from 5-10 yards apart on the string. Some people snap the decoy directly to the main line and others use  11/2 foot droppers (The droppers allow the decoys to swim a little more freely).  On the issue of the length of the mother line, it depends on your primary blind site but I have seen them as short as 60 yards and as long as several hundred yards.  Also I suggest using two substantial anchors as it alleviates sways in the line and will keep it and the birds tracking straight to your blind.  There are a couple of drawbacks against long lines 1) It is difficult for dogs to cross the lines and sometimes dogs can get bound up in the line (using droppers helps alleviate this problem) 2) In high traffic areas, other hunters or fisherman may cut through your decoys which may severe your line.

The components to build rigs are available from several manufactures and retailers, but I would urge you to use stout line and heavy hardware as heavy decoys in heavy seas can take a toll on light gear.

If you do have access to big open water divers, it is a great tool to try, and we all know ‘bills and other divers will fly a string straight and true.  Best wishes and good hunting!

John Devney

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