Pattern is strictly up to you. A "u" pattern works good in that it funnels the birds to the shooters. Foggy days, set the dekes closer togther. I too hunt TX coast(Eagle Lake, KAty) and in the begining of the year, they are in large masses, 1000+ dekes will work good. Later in the season, they split up into family groups. During this time(Right Now) setting out less decoys is usually better. BUT ALWAYS, the key to a good hunt here on the prairie is to be where the birds want to be.