First Thoughts on the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy
For years, I’ve relied on the classic splash-and-wait decoy spread, hoping ducks would find my little corner of the marsh inviting enough. But watching flocks skirt my decoys, heading instead for the ripples and lifelike motion of a neighbor’s spread, I knew I needed an edge. That’s when I began looking at jerk rigs, specifically the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy.
My goal was simple: impart realistic movement to my decoys without spending a fortune or wrestling with complicated setups. This system from Rig ‘Em Right promised to deliver that, boasting a heavy-duty winder, oversized clips, and a convenient folding anchor.
When the box arrived, my initial impression was positive. The components felt solid, and the inclusion of a floating stuff sack was a thoughtful touch. I had been considering building my own jerk rig, but the convenience and seemingly robust design of the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy, for just $37.49, swayed me. I was also looking at the Avery Outdoors Duck Jerk-A-String and the Tanglefree Jerk-A-Spreader, but the integrated anchor and stuff sack of the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy gave it the edge in my book. I was excited to get this into the field and see if it could transform my duck hunting game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy was on a frigid November morning in a flooded timber hole. The water was murky, the air was crisp, and the ducks were flying – or at least, trying to. I set up my usual spread of a dozen mallard decoys, incorporating the jerk rig with four mallards in the kill hole.
Setting up the rig was straightforward. The oversized decoy clips made attaching the decoys quick and easy, even with gloved hands. I appreciated the weight of the 1.5-LB folding anchor; it held its position well despite a slight current. A few pulls on the deluxe handle, and the decoys danced convincingly on the water’s surface. The realistic motion immediately drew the attention of a passing flock of gadwalls, which locked their wings and committed to the decoys.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of using the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy multiple times a week, I’ve grown confident in its reliability. The heavy-duty mainline rope shows no signs of fraying, and the string winder continues to operate smoothly. While the floating stuff sack has proven invaluable for keeping everything organized, it does collect mud and needs occasional rinsing.
Compared to previous seasons without a jerk rig, the difference is night and day. The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy adds a crucial element of realism to my spread, enticing wary birds to commit. The system has consistently outperformed static spreads, especially on calm days when decoy movement is minimal.
Breaking Down the Features of Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy
Specifications
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy is designed to create lifelike decoy motion. It features a heavy-duty string winder with a deluxe handle for comfortable, all-day use.
Oversized decoy clips allow for quick and easy attachment of up to four decoys to the mainline. The system includes a signature 1.5-LB folding anchor to maintain position even in moderate currents. Also included is heavy-duty mainline rope for durability and a floating stuff sack for convenient storage and retrieval. It is recommended for water depths up to 5 feet.
Performance & Functionality
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy excels at its primary function: creating realistic decoy movement. The smooth operation of the string winder allows for consistent and controlled jerking action, mimicking the natural feeding behavior of ducks. The oversized clips securely hold the decoys in place, preventing them from detaching during use.
While the system works best in water depths under 5 feet, I found that it could still be used effectively in slightly deeper water by adjusting the length of the mainline rope. However, the anchor’s effectiveness diminishes in stronger currents or deeper water.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy prioritizes ease of use and portability. The heavy-duty materials ensure durability, while the compact design allows the entire kit to fit easily into a blind bag.
The deluxe handle on the string winder is comfortable to grip, even for extended periods. The floating stuff sack is a practical addition that prevents the frustration of losing components in murky water.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy is built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. The heavy-duty mainline rope and robust anchor are designed for long-term use.
Maintenance is simple: rinse the components with fresh water after each use to remove mud and debris. Periodically inspect the mainline rope for signs of wear and replace as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy is primarily a standalone system, but it can be easily customized to suit individual needs. Adding additional decoys to the mainline is possible, but it may require a stronger anchor.
The system is compatible with most standard-sized decoy cords and clips.
Pros and Cons of Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy
Pros
- Adds realistic movement to decoy spreads, increasing their effectiveness.
- Easy to set up and use, even in cold or wet conditions.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
- The included floating stuff sack is a lifesaver for organization and retrieval.
- The compact design fits easily into a blind bag.
Cons
- Best suited for water depths up to 5 feet.
- Anchor may struggle in strong currents or deeper water.
- The stuff sack requires occasional cleaning to remove mud.
Who Should Buy Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy?
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy is perfect for duck hunters looking to add a new dimension to their decoy spreads. It’s especially beneficial for those hunting in calm waters or pressured areas where ducks are wary of static decoys. This product is ideal for hunters who value simplicity, portability, and reliability.
Hunters who primarily hunt in deep water or strong currents might want to consider a more robust system with a heavier anchor and longer mainline.
A must-have accessory would be a pair of sturdy gloves to protect your hands while operating the rig in cold weather.
Conclusion on Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy
The Rig ‘Em Right Step-Up Jerk Rig with Decoy is an excellent value for the money. For around $37, it offers a simple yet effective way to enhance your decoy spread and attract more ducks.
I would definitely recommend this product to any duck hunter looking to add realistic movement to their decoys without breaking the bank. It’s a game-changer that has consistently improved my success in the field. Get yours today and watch your decoy spread come alive!