I agree with ICMCumin.
Use three to six feet of cord depending on pond depth. If hunting rivers you can get real long. You can buy some crimps for that cord at Wal-Mart, along with decoy weights. They all work well together, and you will be happier with the set up! Hook the cord to the front of the decoy (front eyelet).
Ducks land head first in the wind so put your spread in a j or u shape leaving a spot for them to come in. If the wind comes from the left they will come in from the right. I hunt over seven dozen mixed duck decoys to give realism. Next year I will have ten dozen, and 1 dozen goose floaters.
You can make a jerk string for 1 or 2 decoys to add realism. Once you get started you will have a garage full of fowl hunting stuff just like me, and every other fowl hunter!
If you are serious about duck hunting, don't waist your money on cheap calls, because that's what they are. Spend good money to get a Taylor Talker, or RNT. You will notice the difference believe me.
Good Luck
Wade
