This spread works because diving ducks aren't the smartest creatures on earth. They see the setup from the sides, and turn upwind. Once they see the runways that the lines have created, they fly right up them, like jets coming in for a landing. When they reach the singles, they either plop down -- not much backpedaling with divers -- or shear off. The whole process usually takes seconds at most.

As long as the lines are straight, this rig will work effectively on all divers and shovelers. And teal seem to like it as well as geese do.

I like this rig because it's quick to set up and to pick up. I and a buddy or two can set this rig up in about 15 minutes and have it picked up and gone in about 25.

The second method of rigging a layout boat involves the use of single-strung decoys, usually placed in a "J" formation with the layout boat being placed in the curve. This formation is deadly for getting ducks right in your face -- a range of 5 to 15 yards is no exaggeration. I don't use this rig, because the thought of wrapping 30 feet of string around 88 decoys is neither an appealing nor a quick task (especially when your gloves are freezing to your hands).

My preference for layout hunting is as a leisurely experience for the weekend --one as little like work as is possible. However if you've ever wanted to see a duck's pupils before you shoot, this is the rig for you.

WHERE TO SET YOUR RIG
OK -- so now you have a rig. But where do you put it? The answer's really pretty obvious: out in the middle. Layout boats are not meant to be used around the shore. The idea is to get as far from the shore as you possibly can, out where diving ducks raft and make their floating homes -- especially when all waterfowl species wise up to the fact that, when they fly around the banks, they get shot at. Also, layout boats should be limited to large reservoirs, river systems, etc., where diving ducks congregate.