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Divers for Dummies

2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  ohioboy 
#1 ·
I starting hunting divers and quickly realized there was a better and easier way to do it that did not involve 2 hours of set up. Most threads on here involve dozens of decoys and 4 guys and a huge boat and special stuff.

Here is how I kill divers. Its easy and cheap.

1. Buy decoys to match the ducks you see (I prefer GHG, but be ready to shoot your decoys)
2. Attach heavy duty snap swivels (fishing type) to both ends of the keel (drill hole if needed) with 2-3' of decoy line
3. Attach heavy duty snap swivel to a 5-12' section of decoy line and tie the other end to anchor, go bigger rather than smaller (I prefer pyramid anchors used for saltwater fishing)
4. Cut a 40-60' section of decoy line and again attach the snaps to both ends
5. Find something to use as a main anchor (i use grapple anchors to cut weight in my layout boat)

With this system you can run singles and/or a line that is as long as you want it to be. Divers will fly right to you no matter how many you have. I have had them land on 2 the same as 2 dozen. If you need to adjust the rig, its easy with this system. You can run some backwards, make strings bigger or smaller and move quickly if needed to avoid ice or grass or boat traffic. I tend to float a lolly-pop shaped rig, with me as the center of the candy.

Once put together, you can store in a 12 slot bag (or any really) and then set up is really easy the next time out. Need to adjust? Simple.

Hope this helps somebody. Ask if something is not clear.

ohio
 
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#3 ·
I agree pictures or a sketch would help, but I get the idea. Sounds pretty slick! Thanks.

Got to ask, I'm guessing shooting the decoys is because of the birds buzzing by so low? How many do you loose in a season?
 
#10 ·
So the 40-60' piece of line is connected to each end of just one decoy? I guess I'm a little confused. This is all really new to me. I just got into the sport this yr and am mainly hunting puddle ducks and have all my decoys texas rigged. I have some divers and wanted to get some more, but obviously there is a learning curve involved and I am struggling with the concept of how this rig works. Thanks in advance for your help!
 
#11 ·
40-60' piece is for you to run a longline. Sorry, should have explained that better. Never written it down before. If you do shorter, anchors will drag and/or decoys will go under. The angle helps with both. The shorter anchors allow for you to put out singles. I sometimes will run groups of 3 or 4 even.

You set up at the end of the line. Divers will fly down the line to you. You just need to shoot them. :thumbsup:
 
#12 ·
Tealer said:
It's easier and faster to just set a regular long line. I can run 150 decoys in an hour. Faster if my crew has worked with me before.
Not everyone has money or space for 150 decoys. Not everyone has a crew.

Like I said before, this works for me and I am in a kayak. And I can set up my spread in 15 minutes tops.
 
#14 ·
Looks effective but personally I would replace the line at the rear of the decoy with a loop of 550 cord (parachute cord). Then I would replace the snap swivels with long line clips. This would make the system more managable in cold weather with gloves. When I first strated chasing divers I used large snap swivels...I'll never go back.
 
#15 ·
wstober said:
Looks effective but personally I would replace the line at the rear of the decoy with a loop of 550 cord (parachute cord). Then I would replace the snap swivels with long line clips. This would make the system more managable in cold weather with gloves. When I first strated chasing divers I used large snap swivels...I'll never go back.
Heavy line holds water and ice and picks up grass, leaves and sticks. Longline clips are heavier and make my system ride in the water funny. They tend to pick up crap in the water as well. I tried lots of things and decided this was the best for me. I do like other people giving me ideas. That is the cool thing about DHC-I learn something new every day on here.
 
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