The Complete Guide to Texas Rigs: Choosing the Right Length, Weight & Setup

By: Cupped

Texas rigs have become a staple in waterfowl hunting setups. They're versatile and reliable for hunters who want their decoys to perform in various water conditions. Getting the right setup can mean the difference between a spread that looks natural and one that spooks incoming birds.

What Makes Texas Rigs Effective

Texas rigs combine a weighted keel with a snap swivel connection. Your decoys move naturally with wind and current while staying upright. The design works in shallow marshes and deeper water, which matters when you're hunting different spots throughout the season.

The weighted keel sits at the bottom of the water column and keeps your decoy stable. The snap swivel at the top connects directly to your decoy. You'll deal with less tangling during transport, and setup becomes faster in the field. The separation between weight and decoy lets your spread move like real birds—feeding, resting, and reacting to conditions. Ducks and geese notice the difference.

Selecting the Right Length

Water depth drives your length choice. How much movement you want in your spread matters too. Keep multiple lengths ready as conditions shift.

30-Inch Texas Rigs

The 30" Texas Rig handles shallow water from one to 2.5 feet deep. Marsh hunters benefit from the shorter length. Less cord means faster setup and takedown when you're working in the dark before shooting light.

These rigs cut down on tangles in vegetation-heavy areas. Flooded timber, shallow ponds, and marsh environments are where this length shines. The compact size makes transportation simpler. You'll fit more in your boat or decoy bag without the extra bulk.

42-Inch Decoy Rigs

Deeper water needs 42" Decoy Texas Rigs. These work in water from 2.5 to 4 feet deep. Larger lakes, rivers, and coastal areas require this reach for proper positioning.

Your decoys ride naturally on the surface while the weight holds bottom. Hunters working open water or dealing with changing water levels need this option. Wind creates another advantage—the longer line absorbs shock and keeps decoys from pulling free.

Weight Considerations

Weight determines how your decoys react to wind and current. Heavy weights hold decoys steady in strong current or wind. Light weights create more movement when conditions are calm.

Three to six ounces covers most situations. Four-ounce weights make a good starting point. Your decoys drifting too much or pulling out of position? Add weight. Looking stiff and unnatural? Drop down an ounce or two.

Depth changes the equation. Deeper water puts more cord in the water column, which gives current more surface area to push against. You'll need heavier weights to hold position. Shallow setups get away with lighter weights.

Assembly and Rigging Techniques

Good assembly prevents tangles and extends your rigs' life. Thread your cord through the weight's center hole. Quality Cord Crimps secure the connection between cord and weight. The crimp needs to hold under tension without slipping.

Leave six inches of cord below the crimp for your weighted section. This tail stops the crimp from pulling through under load. Attach a heavy-duty snap swivel at the top end. The swivel prevents line twist. The snap lets you change decoys quickly without retying.

Test your crimps before the season. Pull hard on each connection. A failed crimp means lost decoys and a disrupted hunt.

Gang Rigging for Efficiency

Running individual lines for two to three dozen decoys eats up time. Storage becomes a headache. Gang rigging connects multiple decoys to a main line. You can deploy entire groups fast.

A Deluxe Gang Kit gives you what you need to build efficient gang rigs. Space decoys four to six feet apart along your main line. This keeps them from colliding in choppy water while looking natural as a group.

Gang rigs work best where you hunt the same spot repeatedly. They also help when you're setting large spreads in low light. Attach the main line to a buoy or anchor point at each end. Clip your Texas-rigged decoys to the dropper lines. Individual decoy positions can be adjusted without redoing the whole spread.

Maintenance and Storage

Rinse your Texas rigs with fresh water after each hunt. Mud, vegetation, and salt need to come off. Check crimps and connections for wear. Replace damaged components before they fail in the field. Hang rigs to dry completely. Mildew and corrosion develop on wet gear in storage.

Wrap rigs around cord winders or keep them in mesh bags. Airflow prevents problems. Good storage saves you from dealing with tangles when you're trying to set up. Label storage containers by rig length. You'll grab the right setup faster when heading to different spots.

Ready to Upgrade Your Spread?

Quality Texas rigs improve setup efficiency. Your decoys get the natural movement that pulls in birds. Shop our complete selection of rigging accessories and view all waterfowl hunting gear to build a more effective spread this season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Texas rigs do I need for a basic spread?

Most hunters start with 12 to 18 rigs for a small to medium spread. This covers a dozen decoys with spares for replacements or expansion.

Can I use Texas rigs in saltwater?

Yes, but rinse them thoroughly after each use. Salt water accelerates corrosion on metal components like snaps and swivels. Stainless steel hardware works better for regular saltwater applications.

What's the best way to prevent tangling during transport?

Wrap each rig individually around a foam or plastic winder, or use a dedicated rig bag with separate compartments. Keep weights separated from other gear to avoid snagging.

How often should I replace my Texas rigs?

Inspect your rigs at the start of each season. Replace rigs with frayed cord, damaged crimps, or corroded hardware. Most rigs last two to three seasons with proper maintenance and storage.