Decoy riggin'

[Anatidae]

I'm considering converting some G&H mag mallard deeks (weighted keel) AND a few G&H hoker floaters, to water keel...mainly to get the wind to move'em around, more. I know G&H makes an 'economy' mag mallard decoy but their heads don't swivel and I don't care for their 'profile'.

I don't think merely dumping the sand out of the keel is gonna do it (also don't want to have to hold the decoy up-side-down for 5 minutes while the water drains outa the keel on a cold day, with the one-hole thing).

.......'am wondering about opening both ends of the keel, (still retaining the 'tie-off/take-up' hook on the front).

'Am also interested in other ways to manipulate the strings (i.e. where and how they're tied-off), to get the maximum effect.

Any tips?

[Jim]

I have found that simply combining several chores into one makes for a much simpler and easy spread.

There are lots of ways to rig a decoy.

This one is my favorite and I use it all the time.

[judge jb]

gee Anat.. that is kinda like the woman who came in today and wanted to stop recieving child support....
most of us try to convert water keel to weighted.... you may want to try one on a small pond or your swimming pool...... let us know how it works out... good question,, got me to wondering.......

judge jb

[Jim]

OH is this a serious question?

Shucks I thunk you was kiddin!

Drill small hole pour sand out fill will can foamie seal hole back up. Or seal back up with air in them.

The further you tie towards the center, to a point, the more they sail. Too much wind they sail too much. Weight in the butt under tail makes the bow stick up wind catches it better it will sail better.

We really shouldnt use the same decoys for windy and calm days but we do. Heck they cheap enough get some for both. Split shot or chunks of strap inserted in a hole in the decoy and then some resin squirted in the hole and to seal it puts the butt weight in there steady.
(gotta figure it but you will git it)

Make only a couple REAL squirrely, but not so bad they flip around sideways. (and dont set them close to the blind)

Cut some herters foamies in half after taking the keel blade out with a razor, cut them at and angle so the tail is tilted normally if they bottom feeding, glue half the keel strap on the bottom with a eye bolt through it and paint them dark brown.

Best bobbin butt tail in the business, catch wind REAL good and dance for ya.
That and tail heavy light keels they look like they doin the disco duck out there HEHEHE. (caution wind sensitive)

Get a dozen cheapies and wack them all to pieces foolin with it.

[ July 29, 2002: Message edited by: Old Salty ]