Trap preparation for water line

Here is a pic of the size I like the chain to be.

Here is a pic of the size I like the chain to be.

Then I like to dip the traps black. There are a few ways to accompolish this. The easiest and quickest and also the method I prefer is to “speed dip” them. To do this you need to go to a trapping supply dealer either online or a local store and buy a quart of Spped Dip. Then you will need to buy yourself a gallon of Coleman lantern fuel. Dump the speed dip and the fuel into a bucket big enough to fit the traps you plan to dip, I use a 5 gallon pail. Mix it up well and it is ready to use.
The other method takes longer, is the more traditional method, and gives darker color and that is “boiling” the traps. To do this method, you would need to collect a bunch of walnut hulls. Break the nut out of the hull and then put the hulls in a pot with water. You will then need to have a heat source to get the water to a boil. The walnut hulls are black and the boiling releases into the water and makes it very black.
But first, in order for either method to be the most effective and retain the black color, your traps need to have a light coat of rust. Mine were lightly rusted from last years use already so all I had to do was brush the loose rust dust off. The rusting basically gives the dip or hulls something to adhere to.
Here is a pic of a nice lightly rusted trap before dipping.

Then I like to dip the traps black. There are a few ways to accompolish this. The easiest and quickest and also the method I prefer is to “speed dip” them. To do this you need to go to a trapping supply dealer either online or a local store and buy a quart of Spped Dip. Then you will need to buy yourself a gallon of Coleman lantern fuel. Dump the speed dip and the fuel into a bucket big enough to fit the traps you plan to dip, I use a 5 gallon pail. Mix it up well and it is ready to use.
The other method takes longer, is the more traditional method, and gives darker color and that is “boiling” the traps. To do this method, you would need to collect a bunch of walnut hulls. Break the nut out of the hull and then put the hulls in a pot with water. You will then need to have a heat source to get the water to a boil. The walnut hulls are black and the boiling releases into the water and makes it very black.
But first, in order for either method to be the most effective and retain the black color, your traps need to have a light coat of rust. Mine were lightly rusted from last years use already so all I had to do was brush the loose rust dust off. The rusting basically gives the dip or hulls something to adhere to.
Here is a pic of a nice lightly rusted trap before dipping.

When I dip the traps I use a wire with a hook on the end to lower and retreive the traps into the mixture. This keeps your hands somewhat clean because the dye can be a pain to get off sometimes.

When I dip the traps I use a wire with a hook on the end to lower and retreive the traps into the mixture. This keeps your hands somewhat clean because the dye can be a pain to get off sometimes.

I let the traps soak for a few minutes before pulling them out. I don’t feel they need to be in the mix for very long for the water line. Here is a shot of the finished product.

I let the traps soak for a few minutes before pulling them out. I don’t feel they need to be in the mix for very long for the water line. Here is a shot of the finished product.

Once I pull the trap from the mixture, I hang them on a board with nails in the sun to dry. Real humid days make the drying process a lot slower. With todays sun and light wind it was perfect for doing the few I have at home. I still have a large number of them in my storage unit to get done before the season starts.
Since I have the flat bottom, I plan to hit it really hard when the season opens this year. I am more excited about trapping then anything this year.

Once I pull the trap from the mixture, I hang them on a board with nails in the sun to dry. Real humid days make the drying process a lot slower. With todays sun and light wind it was perfect for doing the few I have at home. I still have a large number of them in my storage unit to get done before the season starts.
Since I have the flat bottom, I plan to hit it really hard when the season opens this year. I am more excited about trapping then anything this year.

Good info Mike, i used to dip my traps in husks too. I’ve been thinking abouty running a small line myself this season for coons and rats, all done from a canoe. Have you heard anything about this next seasons prices and what they might be?

Good info Mike, i used to dip my traps in husks too. I’ve been thinking abouty running a small line myself this season for coons and rats, all done from a canoe. Have you heard anything about this next seasons prices and what they might be?

I haven’t heard anything for price predictions for the upcoming season. I would really like to find out how many muskrats are still being held over after last season’s high prices. Coon will probably hold steady from previous years due to the many dog hunters as well as the popularity of coon trapping in this country. If I hear anything, I will let you know

I haven’t heard anything for price predictions for the upcoming season. I would really like to find out how many muskrats are still being held over after last season’s high prices. Coon will probably hold steady from previous years due to the many dog hunters as well as the popularity of coon trapping in this country. If I hear anything, I will let you know

Hey Mike , What are your reasons for shortening your chains on connibear traps? I seldom use the chain usually staking thru the the spring but I have never shortened them intensionally.

Hey Mike , What are your reasons for shortening your chains on connibear traps? I seldom use the chain usually staking thru the the spring but I have never shortened them intensionally.

The main reason is because with longer chains you have more chance of the chain getting in the way when the trap fires. Also, there really is no real good reason for the 110’s to have such a long chain. With short chains it is also easier to grab the traps when setting since they don’t get all tangled up in the packbasket or boat.
I do however keep the long chains on my 160’s so I can stake them farther away from the trap.

The main reason is because with longer chains you have more chance of the chain getting in the way when the trap fires. Also, there really is no real good reason for the 110’s to have such a long chain. With short chains it is also easier to grab the traps when setting since they don’t get all tangled up in the packbasket or boat.
I do however keep the long chains on my 160’s so I can stake them farther away from the trap.

Thanks Mike

Thanks Mike

Finally got all the #110’s done, all 59 of them. I could sure you more of them though.

Now, I need to get to work on the coon traps and make sure they are all adjusted and in good working condition. I may even need to weld up some more rebar stakes since I will be getting more #1.5 coils for coons.
I have been watching for activity just about everywhere I have been fishing and making mental notes for set locations. It is amazing what you see without realizing it when you are out in the boat. My mind is pretty focused on trapping areas anytime I am out on the water these days.

Finally got all the #110’s done, all 59 of them. I could sure you more of them though.

Now, I need to get to work on the coon traps and make sure they are all adjusted and in good working condition. I may even need to weld up some more rebar stakes since I will be getting more #1.5 coils for coons.
I have been watching for activity just about everywhere I have been fishing and making mental notes for set locations. It is amazing what you see without realizing it when you are out in the boat. My mind is pretty focused on trapping areas anytime I am out on the water these days.

Sure does get the blood boiling. Thanks for reminding me that I need to get my butt in gear and get my traps done.

Sure does get the blood boiling. Thanks for reminding me that I need to get my butt in gear and get my traps done.

This week i have picked up a dozen more 110’s as well as 14 more 1.5 coils. Luckily, all the new footholds I got are all dyed and waxed already
When the weather cools off a little, I am going to go on a little scouting excursion down a small river just to see what kind of sign I can find on the sandbars and along the creek banks. I have learned it is never too early to start preparing for trapping and scouting areas out.

This week i have picked up a dozen more 110’s as well as 14 more 1.5 coils. Luckily, all the new footholds I got are all dyed and waxed already
When the weather cools off a little, I am going to go on a little scouting excursion down a small river just to see what kind of sign I can find on the sandbars and along the creek banks. I have learned it is never too early to start preparing for trapping and scouting areas out.

Mike;
I’m really looking forward to your trapping season and hearing the daily reports!

It was a great read last season!

Mike;
I’m really looking forward to your trapping season and hearing the daily reports!

It was a great read last season!

I am with Gary on this one!

I have always had a hidden passion to trap I just could never fit it into the schedule. I cant wait for the reports!

I am with Gary on this one!

I have always had a hidden passion to trap I just could never fit it into the schedule. I cant wait for the reports!