shooting out of a layout boat

[satchel3006]

didnt want to hijack the other thread been looking at a few layout boats (i just started waterfowl hunting this year) how do you shoot out of these things? are they stable? i know that sounds like a dumb question (maybe it is) do you guys take decoys with you or just paddle around looking for ducks?

[Ragged Outdoors]

Obviously not having one yet I am no expert, but I think you just opened up a huge discussion with this one because there are so many different styles and techniques for these small boats.  The little I do know is that you can do all of those things you mentioned and probably more.  There are boats designed just for paddling up on ducks and those are sculling boats.  Then you have the layout boats that are pretty much made for hauling out to a spot with a larger tender boat and anchoring up typically shooting over decoys.  The other type would be the hybrid style(might be a different name, just what I call em) that can kind of do it all, like anchor up in the middle, float rivers, paddle up to em, etc.  I think some guys lie to use kayaks and canoes as well as pirogues, which I have been looking at those too.  Kind of a long slender style boat, as far as I can see maybe a cross kind of between a kayak and canoe, fairly low profile.  Im sure the guys on here can give you much better knowledge and advice than I can, there seems to be quite a few knowledgeable waterfowlers on here.  Good Luck!

[h2ofowlr]

I usually throw my aqua pod in my big boat.  Then park that in the channels and paddle up the sloughs jumping ducks or conceal it in the grass and throw out decoys.  The birds lay up very well as there are no point, blinds, etc. to flare them.  It makes for great shooting.

[adam.WI]

i  paddle to where i want to be lay out flat and then practice my sit ups while shooting birds. I've sat up and just pulled up and shot but have better success with the low profile of laying down.

As far as decoys I have had upwards of 5 doz, standards 1 jerk and two flappers in the marsh rat at one time. I sit on top of the sides with a seat I made that doubles as the backrest and then lay my legs on the sides. This is also how I have the greatest success with paddling that thing, but be prepared to have sore abs if you're going far or have any current.

As far as stability, I have an can shoot out of the marsh rat standing up (but would not recommend it) if you keep a low center of gravity, you damn near have to work to flip any of the layouts.

I also have used a 10 foot aqua-pod, very nice boat, but I like my marsh rat, and the service I got from the company.

[satchel3006]

do you have the standard or the magnum marsh rat?

[adam.WI]

do you have the standard or the magnum marsh rat?

Standard, I'm in the tacoma area if you want to try it out sometime. I also could bring a 10 ft aquapod depending on where you're from

[satchel3006]

tricities that would be cool maybe we could work something out this summer?

[AWS]

I built a transom for my partners RAT, and he uses a electric motor to get to spots he wants to hunt.

I use this rig as a layout by pulling it along a low bank or pulling it into a tidal cut and laying in the cockpit.  doesn't stick up above the low vegatation and works pretty well specially when having to cross open water.





AWS