First off i would like to say, welcome to the board and into the duck hunting world.

Once you try it, you will either hate it, or like most people, you won't be able to get enough of it. I would like to give you some advice. First things first, DON'T USE 2 3/4 inch shells, i would recommend 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch. Anyway about decoy set-up's. The J and I do work very well, but what i have found with puddlers is that they don't always form a certain letter or way. What we most of the time do, say we take 2-4 dozen decoys..we will take about 2-5 and put them at the edge of the pond and we will do this all around the pond(but leave plenty of room between them) and the rest we will put in the middle but leave a big hole for the ducks to land in. Also, if you have enough decoys, what i would suggest is making to spreads, one large one a little bit further back, and a smaller one closer to you...and make sure the smaller one has a hole to land in(most of the time the ducks will find themselves going to the smaller spread)..also different speices helps too...we don't just take mallards..we take gadwalls, wigeons, and teal. But what really helps is darker and lighter decoys..such as bluebills..since they are white and black..they make good visuals for the ducks...also Canada Goose floater/ fullbody's away from the duck spread is also another effective way. Some people wouldn't recommend this but for more success go with a Robo Duck or an Air Lucky Duck..trust me..they help...now some quick advice....

1. you can never have too many calls
2. the colder, the better
3. A clean gun will never fail
4. Scouting can really come in handy.
5. Watch the birds head movements(when your calling, if they turn and look at you in excitement, whatever you did to make them do that, do it again)
6. You can't beat a well covered ground blind(i like Finisher Blinds)
7. Practice your shooting and calling alot.
8. It's not always about the kill, Have fun, even if it's just you and another hunting buddy or whole group of hunting buddy's.