Before going to the ultimate question of “what is the best decoy weight systems for duck hunting?” – I want to put some light on why you should ask this question, first.
Let’s dive in -
Once, duck hunters didn’t have to think about tricking their prey that much like today. They just grab their weapon, their dog and went for bringing the dinner. In those days, ducks were abundant and carefree and more stupid than today, I think. Hunters might use some call, but using decoys all over the water was unthinkable.
Now, they use decoys, as it’s effective and reduce waiting time. Who doesn’t want to score more in a short period of time?
Moreover, in most cases decoy is a must now-a-days, I think ducks are become smarter. :’) It’s necessary to trick them into believing that a particular water is safe, have plenty of foods as there are a good number of carefree happy ducks are swimming for a long time. So, they would try to meet these new friends (decoys) and land in your preferable spot to shoot at.
But the problem is you can’t trick them if your expensive decoys are floating abnormally! I mean they should be looked like real living ducks, right?
So, if they are floating sidewise, or heads up – bottom down to water or any other unusual state then they wouldn’t convince the living ones, ducks aren’t that stupid either!
Therefore, you need to use a nice decoy-rigging system to make your decoy more natural. And, that is why finding out the perfect decoy weight system for your decoys is utterly important.
How to select the most suitable decoy weight system for you?
So, at last, we come to our ultimate question – what is the best decoy weight system for duck hunting? - a rigging system that can make your decoys appearing more natural by keeping them tangle free and balanced over the water. Also, it should be hassle free and quick to deploy and gather.
However, there’re many weight systems you can find in the market. Hunters prefer one over another based on their experiences. They use different types and recipes to make their ultimate system. Not one system is suitable for all as it depends on the hunting place i.e. different types of water bodies, current, depth, number of decoys you would use etc. So, there isn’t any alternative of trial and error process for finding the best system for you. Some like old school rigging system build by themselves, some like to go for ready made Texas style decoy weight rigs, some like long lines with clips etc.
I, here try to review some of the greatest weight systems based on my experience. This would be a long and comprehensive article covering all the aspects of decoy weight system. Hope you will enjoy and will be able to find the most suitable one for you.
Components of duck decoy weight system
A complete weight system comprises many ingredients i.e. weights, line, crimps, clips etc. Most important is the weight or anchor and the line used for attaching the weights with the decoy. Crimps and clips are used for fixing the weight with the line.
A solid system should have high quality components – each of them. It’s obvious, right?
Now, move on to available weight systems that you can buy from the market.
A. Texas rigs decoy weights for duck hunting
In recent years Texas decoy-rigging weight system is the most popular one, so as the most used one. Almost every one is using them, or at least, some part of their life. Most hunters prefer them for their tangle free nature. This system also allows them to use and carry a number of decoys very easily.
Let’s review some of the best Texas decoy-rigging systems:
6 Best Decoy Rigs
Rigs | Brand/ Model | Our rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | 9.5/10 | ||
  | 9.5/10 | ||
  | 9.5/10 | ||
  | 8.5/10 | ||
  | 8.5/10 | ||
  | 7.5/10 |
Among the available Texas decoy rigs this one is the best one, to my opinion. And, I can assure you that, very few who actually uses this particular rig would disagree. The thing is, if you want to use a single rigging system for your decoys, commercially made, then you can go for this one.
Features:
- 12 Completely assembled Texas decoy rigs and a big carabiner: This Texas rig is fully assembled. So, you won’t have to go through a tiring assemble tasks. It’ll save your precious time also. Lifetime decoy rigs also comes with a big carabiner which you can use for attaching this full 12 set to one long line or one central point. The helps easy carrying as well.
- PVC coated 30” steel made cables: This completely assembled rigging system comes with PVC coated cable which is water and rust resistance. This feature ensures you a long-lasting decoy rig. So, you won’t have to change them each year.
- 12 sets of 3 oz weights: You’ll get 12 sets of decoy weights with the system. These perfectly shaped weights will help you through the decoys easily and keep them in tangle free balanced position.
- Lifetime Texas decoy rigs will give you 3 years warranty and return your money if it’s become unusable.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This particular duck decoy weight system is undoubtedly one of the best Texas rigs you can find in the market. You can buy this thing without any hesitation. I highly recommend this rig to any duck hunters who want to use Texas rigs.
Another wonderfully made Texas rigging system is MOJO outdoors decoy rigs which you can’t complain much about. This heavy-duty high-quality product is suitable for hunting in different spots and places.
Features:
- Fully assembled 12 sets of rigs: Like the previous one this weight system is fully assembled with egg shaped duck decoy weights. Its hassle-free design will save your time and efforts.
- Well designed: This product is easily transportable to any hard to reach spot. Extremely well designed to keep your duck decoys completely tangle free.
- Heavy duty decoy line: All the decoy weights are attached to heavy-duty (400#) mono line which will allow you to attached it to your decoy easily. These lines are durable and destined to last long.
- Ready made loops: All the 12 set has ready made loops in the upper corner of the line so that they can be easily attached to a carabiner.
- Weight and line length variation: This Texas rigging system offers three options for the hunters – 4 oz duck weights with 36” line, 6 oz duck weights with 18” line and 6 oz duck weights with 48” line. Having options is always a good thing, right?
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This Texas rigging system is the most popular ready-made decoy weight system that you can get from the market. However, I have found some minor drawbacks, it’s still would be a very good buy for any. Also, this product has three options which is good for the buyers to choose according to his requirement.
Gerber decoy is a well-known name in this field. No wonder their products would maintain high quality. This Texas rigging system is another example of their high-quality product that must satisfy most of the users.
Features:
- 12 complete sets of Texas rigs: Like the previous two products, Gerber Texas decoy rigs also comes with a complete set of 12 durable rigs with 6 oz duck weight each. So, if you use this product ever then you’ll be very glad to realize that how much cost, effort and time you have saved.
- 6 oz of mushroom shamed duck weights with heavy duty line: This solidly build long lasting mushroom stinkers are attached to the heavy-duty decoy lines which won’t slide. Also, the #400 monofilament lines are extremely durable and rust free which ensures a long life of the system.
- Extra-large loop: This rig comes with extra-large loop so that it could be easily accommodated with waterfowl gloves.
- Carabiner: It has a 3” carabiner for each 12 sets. So, you won’t need to face the hassle of buying and attaching one by yourself.
- #200 heavy duty ball bearing swivel with coastal lock: this thing is extremely sturdy and well built.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This Texas rigging system is the most popular ready-made decoy weight system that you can get from the market. However, I have found some minor drawbacks, it’s still would be a very good buy for any. Also, this product has three options which is good for the buyers to choose according to his requirement.
This Rig’Em Right Decoy Anchors is kind of famous among the duck hunter for it’s unique design and hassle free setups. Like all the other rigging systems of my list it’s also come with 12 sets of fully assembled rigs.
Features:
- Three options of weights and length: Available in three sizes: 30” Decoy anchors with 4-oz. weights, 54” Decoy anchors with 6-oz. weights, 60” Decoy anchors with 10-oz. weights.
- Decoy line has large loops in end: With the help of this loop hunters can easily store and carry it with the help of a spring clip. That means you don’t need to use a decoy bag to carry them.
- Unique design: It has sliding weight design which allows faster deployment of the decoys using just one hand.
- Fully assembled: Like others, this rigging system is also pre-rigged with a carabine for one dozen. So, it’s faster, effortless and ready to use.
Pros and Cons of ACK, LLC RMR001-30 Rig'Em Right Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Although, I think it’s a nice product but the quality of this product has some controversy on the durability issue. It’s not that much durable withstand rough uses for many years, after 2-3 season you will have to repair it or look for another one.
Here’s another product from Gerber Texas decoy rigs with a different design and weights. And, like the previous one this product is also a high quality product.
Features:
- Al the features are similar to previous Gerber decoy rigs product except it has 8 oz of egg-shaped duck weights. Also, this offers two options of cable length 48 and 60 inches.
- That means it has - #400 monofilament cables, one 3” carabiner for 12 sets and all the 12 rigs are fully assembled.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
It's a nice decoy weight system which will reduce your extra efforts. They offer options to choose your suitable one from them.
B. Review of other decoy weight system
If you don’t want to use readymade Texas duck decoy weight system i.e. you want to build your own by yourself or use another style of weight system then you will need some components. These components are essential for making any sorts of duck decoy weight system.
Best duck decoy weight for duck hunting
It’s obviously the most important part of a decoy weight system. Finding the right weight is a bit tricky though. It mostly depends on the type and size of your decoy. Also, you should consider the hunting spot i.e. current of the water body where you are planning to use your decoy before choosing the weight.
Quality of the decoy weight is obviously crucial. Most of the weights are made of lead which should be as pure as possible. Otherwise you’ll have to deal with rusting problem.
Shape of the weight might be issue as it’s relates how it will be attached to the line. A wrongly attached weight would impact on the balance and steadiness of your decoy, which will finally results tangling.
Now that everything's been said, lets look at some high-quality decoy weights you can find in the market-
J shaped decoy weights with stretchy line is considered as the best decoy weights by the most hunters. As this weight system is tangle free it keeps the decoy in a stable position. Also preparing the decoy with this is pretty easy and hassle free.
Features:
- J shaped: This shape helps to keep the weight balanced and steady on the water. Also, it a neat idea which can be used to keep the line rolled around and attached to the decoy keel.
- Injection molded from virgin lead: Pure lead ensures rust free and longevity of the weight.
- Stretchy cord: This weight comes with pure rubber made stretchy cord. It’s supper effective for keeping the weights tightly in place. Fixing the weights with decoy line becomes much easier with this stretchy cord.
Pros and Cons of Avery Hunting Gear Ghg 4-oz Keel Grabber Decoy Weights-12CT (J shaped):
Pros
Cons
This USA made decoy weights the best mashroom shaped decoy weights you can find it the market. It's extremely durable and water resilient - have a longer lifetime than most decoy weights.
Features:
- Mushroom Shape: Keeps the decoy balanced while floating on the water. So, it keeps the decoy tangle free than any other design.
- Made in USA: Ensures greater quality of the material.
- Weight option: This weight offers 4 to 8 oz.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Waterfowl
Best decoy lines
After the decoy weights, decoy line is the most important component for preparing a decoy weight system. Some quality factor should be checked while choosing a decoy line i.e. it should not float, freeze or rot.
As the decoy weight will remain under the water most of the time it should withstand water for a longer period of time. So, at one hand it couldn’t be rotten and other hand it shouldn’t get rust.The line should keep the weight and decoy tightly knotted.
Here's some of the high quality decoy lines available in the market:
Best decoy line:
Decoy line | Brand/ Model | Our rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | 9/10 | ||
  | 9/10 | ||
 | 9/10 | ||
  | 8.5/10 | ||
  | 8.5/10 | ||
  | 7.5/10 |
As far as I’ve used, this decoy line seems to be a very good one. Although, this line isn’t solely made for decoy lines in mind, it is perfect for this activity. Let’s see why-
Features:
- High-quality Braided Nylon Twine: Extremely durable and long lasting. 100% pure industrial nylon grade ensures extra strength. It’s not that we need much strength to hold up the weights, but this strength actually ensures a life long service. According to the claim of the manufacturer break strength of this line is 190 lbs, although I haven’t checked it personally.
- 24 Braided size: This feature is important to reduce tangles. Perfect property for a nice decoy line.
- Tarred coating: This line is coated with tar to make it stiffer and weather resistant. This coating makes this line more water resilient and long lasting.
Pros and Cons of Lee Fisher Size 24 1 lb Braided Twine Black 700 Ft 150 Test:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you want to use a cost-effective decoy line for your decoy weight system and don’t want buy it every year then you can go for this line. You won’t regret.
This line is solely made for this purpose. So, it meets all the requirements that a duck hunter would want in this decoy line.
Features:
- Braided nylon line: To be qualified as a good decoy line, braid is a must have quality for tangle free property. This line has it. So, T.W Evans Cordage Co.’s decoy line is tangle free.
- Flexible: It’s a nice feature for a decoy line as you can tie knots easily.
- Tar coated and dyed black color: Tar coat makes the line more water resilient and weather resistant. It’s also resistant to oil and gas. For this reason, it won’t rot and will last for a long time.
- Very abrasion resistant: Ensures longevity under heavy uses.
Pros and Cons of T.W Evans Cordage Co. 12-618-500#18 500' Black and Tarred Braided Nylon Decoy Line:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
It’s a nice decoy line which solely made for this purpose. So, you can give it a try.
It’s another line which is solely made of decoy rigging. Avery is a renowned name in decoy field. They have a good reputation to provide high quality product to its customer. This camo braided decoy line is a good example of that. It has all to satisfy a duck hunter.
Features:
- Braided line: As I’ve mentioned earlier it’s a must have quality to make the line tangle free and strong.
- Camouflaged: This one is a unique feature. Three color nylon fiber - tan, brown, and green are woven together to make this camo effect. Why? - You know! if any part of it is visible birds won’t mind.
- Flexible: That’s why it’s easy to tie knots. Which is important for making loops, connecting the decoys with the weights, carabines etc.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
This line is a dedicated decoy line for rigging duck decoy weights. I previously mentioned the Rig’Em Right Texas style rigs, remember? This line comes from the same family. So, when it’s built, it’s built for serving the best interest of a duck hunter.
This product is excellent. I’ve personally tested this nice-looking line and I’m satisfied. Let’s see its features-
Features:
- Made with ¼” Solid Braid Polyester: This guarantees toughness, durability and rot resistance for years of service. Braided feature makes the line tangle free as well.
- Olive drab green color: This feature makes it ideal for heavy duty decoy line, gang rig mainline rope, hunting, camping or just good old utility rope.
- 150-foot spool: this product comes with 150-feet spool.
- Made of 100 %t polyester: This line is made with 100% pure polyester which has natural resilience to water and extreme weather.
Pros and Cons of Avery Greenhead Gear GHG, Camo Braided Decoy Line for Duck Decoys:
Pros
Cons
This one is the only PVC made decoy cord (it’s not a line) in my list of best decoy cord. This one is a popular choice for many duck hunters as, this cord has some unique qualities which you won’t find in other polyester or nylon made cords i.e. flexibility, cold resistance etc. The opposite is also true, you won’t get the benefits of them as well.
Features:
- PVC made with excellent quality: So, it very durable. PVC surface is waterproof and doesn’t get soaked with the water, so it has natural resistance against rot. Also, this will not get stiff during extreme cold weather.
- Smooth surface: This decoy cord has a smooth round shape texture which is good for gloves. It doesn’t cut through the gloves.
- Heavy: PVC cord is heavy so it sinks easily under the water.
- Stretchy: It’s a unique quality which you won’t get from other lines. You can stretch this cord when needed during assembling the weights and after that it will get back to its original length.
Pros and Cons of Mossy Oak Whistling Wings Decoy Cord PVC:
Pros
Cons
Another product from ACK, LLC Rig'Em Right family. This one has some unique feathers unlike the previous one. I personally liked it also. It’s definitely one of the top five decoy lines you can get from the market.
Features:
- Thick: Perfect size to rig up those blocks without the worry of breaking the line.
- Thick, tough but smooth texture: This feature makes it safer for your hand and it won't tear up your gloves or decoys also.
- Length option: 300-foot spool in general, you can also order for 100 as well
- Also available in 100
- twisted line: That is why it’s extremely durable.
Pros and Cons of Mossy Oak Whistling Wings Decoy Cord PVC:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This decoy line is good for extreme cold weather where gloves are must. This line is very user friendly to operate with wearing gloves.
Duck Hunting in Texas
Best decoy crimps
After buying all the other stuffs for making a solid decoy weight system you will need some nicely made durable decoy crimps to lock your duck decoys to the weight line. Crimps are normally required when you choose a PVC decoy line with which you can’t tie a knot. But hunters also use it for other decoy lines. So, don’t forget about this, it could be small but utterly important for fixing weight to your decoy.
Sloppy crimps may cost your expensive decoys or decoy weights. So, when you make the choice, choose wisely to buy the best decoy crimps.
Things you have to be careful when selecting your decoy crimps
- Durability
- Material
- Opening crimp sleeve/ diameter
- Required crimper
We have a list of recommended crimps bellow and I think all of them are good enough to go:
DecoyPro 110 Decoy crimps, I think, is the most popular crimps among the hunter. And, you know people won’t love a product which isn’t nice.
Features:
- Plenty of crimps in one order: You can get a large number of line crimps with little price in one order. So, you don’t have to be cautious with the number when you use them and use as much as you need to rig your decoy weights.
- High quality: The quality of these crimps is excellent, it will not break, rust or erode easily.
- Large decoy opening: This crimp opening is specially designed for duck, goose and all other waterfowl decoys.
- Crimp Dimensions: Large inner diameter for decoy line up to 3mm, 10.3mm wide, 12.7mm long. Suitable for all types of decoy lines.
- Very strong: These crimps are very strong. You will need a strong crimping pliers, bench vice or vice grips to lock them with decoy lines.
Pros and Cons of Lifetime Decoys 30" 3oz Texas Rig Decoy Anchors:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Highly recommended. If you’re using a PVC decoy cord you won’t need to check any other crimps I think.
Features:
- Aluminum crimps: Made with high quality aluminum. So, it’s rust-free, malleable and erode free.
- Easy but stiff crimping: This aluminum made crimps are very easy to crimp with simple crimpers. But it makes a very strong lock with the decoy line.
- PVC decoy cable: This decoy line crimps are suitable for PVC decoy cords.
- Double Barrel Aluminum Crimps 2.8mm ID hole 10mm long: This crimp can be used for up to 2.8 mm diameter decoy cables (700lb mono).
Pros and Cons of PVC Decoy Cord Black Aluminum Crimps pack of 100 pieces:
Pros
Cons
Best decoy long line clip for duck hunting
After waiting long days of a week when you finally get the time to hunt some ducks in the weekend, we all become impatience. And, at the spot, no one actually want to wait for slow motion arrangements of deploying duck decoys. We want the fastest way.
Fortunately, A set of high-quality longline clips can make your task lot easier and faster. These will help you deploying and gathering your decoys a lot faster as you will only need to control a fewer long lines.
Here are the best quality long line clips you can use for your duck hunting.
This stainless steel made clips are of wonderful quality. It is built specially for decoys and it tops my list. Highly recommended.
Features:
- 3" Mini Long Line Clips Stainless Steel with 2/0 swivel
- Pack of 10
- Rig decoys to main line
- 100's of uses
Pros and Cons of Decoy Long Line Clips Stainless Steel Pack of 10-3" with 2/0 Swivel:
Pros
Cons
This is an excellent clip for long lining duck decoys. I like them a lot for their usability – you can use it for connecting rigs to your main line, running diver spreads…all kind of things.
Features:
- 3" Mini Long Line Clips Stainless Steel: Great clips suitable for different types of decoy line. It always remains on its position and don’t slide even on 1/8-inch diameter line.
- Pack of 50: It’s an appropriate number for one hunter, I think.
- Rig decoys to main line: This clip is made for hunters. So, all the duck hunters find it very user friendly while using it for connecting their rigs to main line or any other purposes.
- 100's of uses: Yeh! That’s right 😀
Pros and Cons of Decoy Long Line Clips Stainless Steel Pack of 50 - 3" with Swivel:
Pros
Cons
This clip isn’t built for duck decoys. Still I gladly add it to my top 5 best decoy line clip list without any hesitation. It’s that good!
Features:
- Reliable strength: We have already seen many stainless still clips in this review, this one is no different. It’s made with heavy-duty Stainless Steel also that ensures it’s rust free strong property.
- Versatile usages: You can use them for decoys. But, it’s also great for long Line Fishing, floats, sharking, tuna Fishing, crabbing, shrimping!
- Durable: There’s no doubt about its durability. Built to hold up to harsh salt water use, which is great.
- A variety of sizes: This product offers several diameters to accommodate varied line sizes. It’s a very nice feature. You can have which one you need.
Pros and Cons of Riptail Stainless Steel Longline Snap Clips:
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This Texas rigging system is the most popular ready-made decoy weight system that you can get from the market. However, I have found some minor drawbacks, it’s still would be a very good buy for any. Also, this product has three options which is good for the buyers to choose according to his requirement.