Retrieving ducks

[marcella69]

Does anybody out there have any suggestions for retrieving downed ducks on the water? I am currently using a Pocket Fisherman tricked out with a caster, bobber, and treble hook. It works pretty good, but only out to about 10 yds or so. I have even entertained using a retrieval decoy! (I do not have a boat, dog, or swimming trunks .)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYkP2Zp4Y-k

 

[iride]

Cool, Looks like you need to get you a retrieval decoy,
Mike

 

[Wadcutter]

I had a Red-tail snatch one of my downed ducks off a pond while waiting for the wind to blow it ashore. Maybe you could train a Hawk or Falcon to retrieve your ducks.

Of course one of these might be easier......
https://www.walmart.com/ip/16637564?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000836355&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40967987312&wl4=pla-78910649792&wl5=9016563&wl6=&wl7=9016564&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=16637564&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[marcella69]

I'm willing to try anything at this point. I've seriously considered tricking-out a drone.

 

[Marksman3006]

Im surprised you cant get farther with the trouble hook. Get you a really big one with a couple of lead weights. No bobber. I can remember catching turtles like this when I was a kid. Should be abke to get out there 40 yards or so. Cast over the back......start reeling as soon as it hits water.......line over duck......reel as fast as you can.

 

[Calbarry]

Go buy a top water lure like a Zara Spook. It's heavy enough to cast pretty far and has treble books on it. Cast it past the duck and drag it over the duck to snag it. Depending where you are, this could be interpreted as fishing and you might need a fishing license. Good luck

 

[Smaug]

A drone with a treble hook would do it. Maybe a colorful bobber just above the hook.

I have a Traxxas Aton that would do the job handily; plenty of power, even in wind. You could chase off the hawks with it too.

 

[guod123]

Having no urge to delve into the latest tech gadgets how bout a simple cheapo 1 man kayak, also very effective a stiff spinning rod with spyderwire and a snag hook

 

[DellaDog]

<--- This! Loves the water and won't quit till she drops.

 

[Nueces]

DellaDog, AND a good friend to boot.

 

[Gunnertrones]

A toy boat with a drag behind it?
http://elefun.no/p/prod.aspx?v=33416

 

[bowwild]

I hope you aren't hunting ducks with a single lead projectile? Only steel shot is legal for use in duck hunting. Regulations are very stiff; seasons, bag limits, state license, federal and state duck stamps, steel shot, etc. Federal offenses are very expensive.

 

[Calbarry]

"bowwild"I hope you aren't hunting ducks with a single lead projectile? Only steel shot is legal for use in duck hunting. Regulations are very stiff; seasons, bag limits, state license, federal and state duck stamps, steel shot, etc. Federal offenses are very expensive.

I don't think the OP lives in the states

 

[NMshooter]

Try a large spoon lure with a large sharpened treble hook. The large spoon can be cast a long ways and easier to change direction. 

 

[marcella69]

NMshooter, the spoon lure is intriguing. Thank you

 

[NMshooter]

If the duck falls on frozen ice. Rec. a lighter spoon. I have also used this on decoys that happen to drift out above my waders. 

 

[Goodtogo]

"Calbarry"Go buy a top water lure like a Zara Spook. It's heavy enough to cast pretty far and has treble books on it. Cast it past the duck and drag it over the duck to snag it. Depending where you are, this could be interpreted as fishing and you might need a fishing license. Good luck

Just go with the Zara Spook. They cast a really long way even with that pocket fisherman. And since they float it will work easy.................unless you are dropping ducks in the weeds?

 

[marcella69]

I like the idea of the spoon that allows better direction control. (Thanks for the ice tip ;-).)

 

[marcella69]

Goodtogo, The Zara Spook sounds like the ticket: Farther casting, plus it floats!

 

[anomad]

"DellaDog"<--- This! Loves the water and won't quit till she drops.

+1 For Labrador Retriever...

Seriously though, waders or something small that floats like a cheap kayak.