Just like a battleship’s anchor secures the ship, keeping her stationary and locked to the bottom, a decoy anchor serves the same purpose. It’s either anchor or chase decoys, which all duck hunters have done at one time or another.
Most puddle duck hunters use two types of anchors today. The first is a static anchor consisting of a clip, anchor line, and non-moving/sliding weight. The other, known in the field as a Texas Rig, features the same attachment clip and line; however, either the weight or the secured decoy itself, slide up and down on the line, thereby self-adjusting to water depth or wind drag.
A decoy anchor system consists of three components, all of which are vital and all of which should be inspected and maintained at season’s end, if not before. These components are –
Clip: Often a heavy duty swivel style, the clip allows the decoy to be fastened securely to the anchor system.
Cord or Line: Various types, including #400 to #600 monofilament, extruded PVC, and PVC-coated steel cable. Old School heavy duty nylon twine, though less convenient, is nonetheless an option for the DIY-er.
Weight: Four- to eight-ounce weights are the norm; however, weights can be more or less, depending on the situation. Strap weights can be wrapped around the decoy neck when not in use. ‘J-weights,’ named for their shape, can be hooked on the keel, again when not in use. Weights on Texas Rigs are often egg-shaped; however, Rig ‘Em Righ’s Twin Pyramidal Xtreme Weights provide greater hold under tough wind, wave, and current conditions.
The science behind decoy keels
The keel on a duck decoy serves three purposes. One, it adds a bit of weight which, in theory, helps set the decoy upright when thrown. Two, it allows the decoy to ‘ride’ the water naturally and without an unrealistic side-to-side motion. And finally, the keel provides a spot at which to attach an anchor line of some nature.
Two primary types of keels exist. The water keel is a hollow tube that, when set and filled with water, provides the aforementioned weight. The advantage to water keel decoys is they’re lightweight and easily carried. The second type is the weighted keel. Here, the keel is filled, usually with sand, and sealed, creating a watertight weight that again keeps the decoy riding the surface as it should. Though heavier than water keels, weighted keel decoys usually right themselves when they’re thrown, along with sitting atop the water and moving realistically. The majority of the decoys used today, including the whole of Rig ‘Em Right’s Mainline Series, use weighted keels.
All keels, regardless of type, feature some way by which an anchor system can be attached. With the Mainline Series, this is hole on the front and rear of the keel. Simply clip a Texas rig or line with a J-weight or strap style anchor, and it’s done. On still water, it’s often best to rig 25 percent of the decoys from the rear attachment point, as ducks at rest will face to all points of the compass.
