decoy line (single)

Nick Zito

Active member
Searching for this came up with 251 pages of hits, so maybe easier to ask this. What is everyone using for single strung decoys? I got some tanglefree stuff a few years ago, and let me tell you, its not tangle-free. Some of my single decoys have up to 15' of line on them for tidal situations, so no knots preferred.

The rest of my gear is long line driven and the tarred line works well. Perhaps i just use a smaller diameter than the 120?
 
I have many decoys strung up with different kinds of line including tanglefree and tarred line. The tarred line is the best stuff I have used so far.

Where can I get tarred line? I need to make some lines that are longer for when I hunt the Gulf, though I suppose I could make a long line set up...but still I need some tarred line for the long lines.

Dani
 
Dani said:
I have many decoys strung up with different kinds of line including tanglefree and tarred line. The tarred line is the best stuff I have used so far.

Where can I get tarred line? I need to make some lines that are longer for when I hunt the Gulf, though I suppose I could make a long line set up...but still I need some tarred line for the long lines.

Dani

Memphis net and twine would be the traditional place, but amazon has tarred nylon too.I always use 96 or 120, but a lot of people use thinner.
 
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All my decoys are singles, but only 5-6' of line.
I always ordered tarred line from Memphis. Actually found it at Walmart years ago too but I dont think they carry it any more.
I like the larger diameter, tangles less.
If using twisted line, tarred is the only way to go.
Otherwise, stick with braided line.
I use simple loops on each end.
 
Bob Metrich at Decoy Rigs has a good selection of decoy line, i don't think he has a web site.
Located in Indiana.
 
I eventually switched to braided nylon, about 1/8", a little heavier is fine also, I get the gold color, blends good with a sand bottom, but I usually dip half the coil of line per decoy in net dip, so that you get a gold, black "Tiger" stripe that blends with any bottom.

You can make a net dip, or tar, with unfibered foundation coat and mineral spirits, thin to the consistency you like, but it's usually 50-50, it dries and stiffens your lines a little.
save the leftover tar, makes a good dip for rusty tow chains, tools, etc.
 
I use the tarred line also, all of my decoys are single strung. . I would go with the places already mentioned. I use large anchors because of the tide (they are around 3/4 of a lb.)and have tried several lines, find the tarred works best and is strong and durable. I cannot afford to lose my sean sutton decoys!
 
Have you considered 300# clear mono. With crimps. Texas rigged. Need to have a notch on decoy keel for line stop if using those long lines though not fully run out. I like you have a rig made up with about 18' tarred 1/8" for a certain deep water bend thats stays ice free on river I hunt. Those particular decoys don,t have an adjuster slot on decoy keel. When i,ve used these in shallower water i simply wrapped line around 8 oz. strap weight to get proper depth. You can,t do that with the mono but i,ve switched several other decoys out to texas rigged w/6oz. egg sinkers in lenghts up to 8' past couple seasons and starting to like them although they haven,t really been exposed to the tug of current driven ice flows yet. My open water bay rig of divers and puddlers I still use the tarred line and mushroom anchors on though.
 
Memphis Net and Twine was the source of all our rigging supplies and net panels for dozens of various lengths and mesh progression arrays for gillnets and trap nets. We even built the 1700' sieve nets we deployed in the reservoir to capture the carcasses of multiple Floy tagged fish we introduced into the turbine penstocks at intervals through the night over two years to develop a model to estimate sport forage fish mortalities due to cavitation and physical impacts with the wicket gate and turbine blades. Quality cordage. MN&T also sells commercial net coat to recoat cordage, otter and frame trawls as well as trap nets in black and green. They used to sell it in gallon and five gallon quantities. I still have about 2/3s of a gallon left from coating the last foot of anchor rodes and decoy lines rigged as singles. I also use it on whip finished long-line ends
 
Decoy Rigs
PO Box 366
Whiting, IN 46394
219 659-8371

I built my long lines 20 years ago with Bob's diamond braid product and it is still going strong. If you call, he will send a sample card with the different diameter lines to choose from.

RVZ
 
I have used quite a bit of this line over the years. Love it. I took the below picture so when I order more I can tell Bob exactly the line to send me. It is nice and stiff making it a joy to handle and wrap, does not tangle, takes to rigging knots, easy to clear a prop if fowled, and will last the entire life of whatever decoy you put it on. Also, this is used to rig my decoys that are boated to the hunting destination. If we are walking in the decoys are all Texas rigged with Husqvarna trimmer line. TX rigging is the best thing in decoy rigging in the past 30 years. Fastest way to set out and pick up.

Eric

View attachment IMG_0766[1].JPG
 
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Eric et al~


I couldn't help but smile at the label of your line from Bob Metrich. Not 1/8 inch diameter - which is a mere 8/64s.....but 9/64s.


We waterfowl gunners are a discriminating lot in all of our gear. "God is in the details." informs our every decision. No doubt that extra 64th will yield more birds in the bag - and certainly higher "hunter satisfaction"....


As it happens, Bob is usually set up right next to us at Tuckerton. I expect to pick up another spool or two of his 9/64 diamond-braided nylon in September.


BTW: I like Bob's line best for decoys. I have other, less expensive tarred nylon twines on hand for less demanding uses. Any of them are strong, durable and hold knots nicely and are useful in the shop and around the farm.



All the best,


SJS

 
Steve

I first learned about Bob in the early 90s from an ad in Waterfowl Magazine. He's been my go-to guy since then. Honestly, I'm surprised he's still at it. That's a long time for a side business. Or at least I think it was his side business. Regardless, I hope he can keep me supplied in the future.

Eric
 
Tarred nylon from Sgt Knots on Amazon. I use #48 for my single rigged decoys like puddle ducks, brant, and individual divers. Then I use the #120 for my diver main long-line. I can't comment on the 120# because sadly, my longlines haven't seen water since I rigged them up. The #48 is great stuff. I never really tried anything else because the tarred nylon doesn't rot, doesn't seem to freeze, and doesn't tangle easy either. It also sinks really well. It's not obnoxiously tarred either.

Most of my single decoys have 25-30 ft leads so it's cost effective as well.
 
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