Top 10 Accessories for Long-tailed Duck Hunting
Rig smart for rough water and fast-moving sea ducks.
Dialing in long-tailed duck hunting accessories can make or break a sea-duck hunt. From longline rigs to steel-rated chokes, this list focuses on open-water spreads, non-toxic shot, and safe, ethical performance in windy, 30–45 yard scenarios. Always confirm local regulations before you go.
Long-tailed Duck & Diver Decoys
Species-specific blocks help birds key in; a mix of long-tailed and high-contrast diver decoys stands out on gray water.
Overview
Run 6–12 long-tailed duck decoys with supporting scoter/bluebill decoys for visibility. Stagger pods upwind of the boat or layout to guide birds across the kill zone. Add motion if legal and conditions allow.
Benefits
- Species realism increases confidence and finishing
- White/black diver patterns pop in low light and chop
- Modular pods shape landing lanes for safer shots
Notable Brands
- Avian-X
- Higdon
- Tanglefree
Longline Rigs & Clips
The backbone of big-water spreads—deploy and retrieve dozens of decoys quickly and safely from a boat.
Overview
Use tarred line, stainless longline clips, and drop lines 24–36″ long. Space decoys 3–5 feet apart, and run lines parallel to wind/current to avoid tangles and present a clean flight path.
Benefits
- Fast, organized spreads in rolling chop
- Easy repositioning as wind or tide shifts
- Safer handling with gloved hands in cold
Notable Brands
- Rig’Em Right
- Tanglefree
- Doctori/Doctari style longlines
Anchors & Drop Weights
Secure longlines and pods so the spread fishes correctly in current and wind without drifting into the boat.
Overview
Use 8–15 lb mushroom or grapple anchors on each end of the line; add intermediate drops where currents rip. Tie with robust swivels and label lines for quick deck management.
Benefits
- Keeps shooting lanes stable in tide and chop
- Reduces tangles and bird flares
- Safer boat positioning around layout craft
Notable Brands
- Rig’Em Right
- GHG (Avery)
- Do-It molds (for custom drops)
Layout Blind or Low-Profile Boat Blind
Classic sea-duck concealment—keep your silhouette below the horizon and let birds finish over the decoys.
Overview
Layouts shine in calm to moderate chop with a tender boat nearby. Use a dedicated tender and follow all coast-guard rules. Inshore, a low-profile boat blind with break-up mesh also works.
Benefits
- Ultimate concealment for wary flocks
- Controlled shot angles over water
- Keeps shooter stable and focused
Notable Brands
- MOMARSH
- Beavertail
- Bankes
Steel-Rated Choke Tubes (IC/Modified)
Pattern non-toxic shot safely and evenly—critical for 30–45 yard sea-duck shots in wind.
Overview
Start with Improved Cylinder for steel and go to Modified for bismuth or smaller shot. Pattern on paper at 35–40 yards to verify density and evenness with your chosen load.
Benefits
- Consistent patterns reduce cripples
- Safe constrictions for hard, non-toxic pellets
- Quick swap to match changing conditions
Notable Brands
- Carlson’s
- Patternmaster
- Briley
Waterfowl Shell Belt or Bandolier
Keep non-toxic shells secure and accessible when the flight turns on and birds pile into the spread.
Overview
Choose a rugged, water-resistant belt that holds 12–25 shells of your gauge. Avoid noisy buckles and ensure it rides comfortably over flotation coats or bibs.
Benefits
- Hands-free reloads in choppy conditions
- Prevents wet, loose boxes on deck
- Speeds safe ammunition management
Notable Brands
- Allen Company
- Beretta
- Rig’Em Right
Floating Gun Case
Protects your shotgun from spray and keeps it afloat if it goes overboard—a real risk in winter seas.
Overview
Look for full-length zippers, drainage, and dense foam. Fit the case to your barrel length and optics. Keep it closed when running to and from the spread.
Benefits
- Adds buoyancy and impact protection
- Manages condensation and salt spray
- Safe stowage during boat maneuvers
Notable Brands
- Avery (GHG)
- Drake
- Rig’Em Right
Waterproof Dry Bags & Crates
Protect spare layers, gloves, and first-aid from spray and rain; keep decks tidy during fast resets.
Overview
Use roll-top dry bags for soft goods, and latching crates for lines and anchors. Label by task (anchoring, repair, first-aid) to cut scramble time in weather.
Benefits
- Keeps essentials dry and organized
- Prevents line snag hazards on deck
- Faster, safer spread adjustments
Notable Brands
- YETI (Panga)
- SealLine
- Watershed
Non-Slip Shotgun Sling (QD)
Secure carry while boarding, retrieving, and resetting spreads; quick-detach swivels simplify storage in tight boats.
Overview
Choose a textured shoulder pad and rust-resistant swivels. Verify stud fit and make sure the sling doesn’t snag on life jackets or layout cockpit rims.
Benefits
- Hands free when handling lines and birds
- Reduces drops in wet, pitching decks
- Quick removal for layout shooting
Notable Brands
- Butler Creek
- Magpul
- Blackhawk
Waterproof Headlamp
Hands-free lighting for pre-dawn runs, rigging longlines, and safe bird retrieval in low visibility.
Overview
Pick an IPX-rated lamp with lockout, flood/spot modes, and a dedicated red/green for preserving night vision. Keep spare batteries in a dry pouch.
Benefits
- Two hands free for lines and anchors
- Improves deck safety in swell and spray
- Aids navigation and gear checks
Notable Brands
- Petzl
- Black Diamond
- Streamlight