Every tidal muskrat trapper on the Eastern Shore will tell you the greatest success comes from setting on top on a flood tide when the temps are above freezing. That having traps out when freezing temps are forecast is a waste of time. Every forecast above freezing with a flood tide coming you can drive by 10s of boats loaded to the gills with traps. I myself subscribe to this approach however I can't stop myself from leaving 5-6 traps out set deep is hopes of picking up 2-3 rats suffering from cabin fever. lol






Plus, the scenery on cold mornings isn't bad either.

interesting tell us more

About what?

Nice pictures. Thanks.

tides

only seen tides a few times in my life I got to the east coast , never been to the west coast

I can not wait to see your muskrat videos! Please dont hold back! I am told we dont muskrats here so I would be interested to learn about their habits- I cant wait to see how they react to buried eggs!

Is that a black one in the second pic?

Keep it up

I’d like to hear more on tidal trapping too. I’m still learning and agree with the tide and thaw.

Yes



You will get a number of different answers on "what time" is the best tide. Appears to be a personal preference.

I like a flood tide just about dark.

Rats will wait on the tide. Predators on foot don't hunt flooded marsh.

Setting when it is likely to freeze will lead to fired empty traps when it thaws.

Set where they are going, not where they have been.

The setting deep comes from a page out of the ditch bank muskratters.

I wouldnt consider that ditch you have in pic as set deep . It would ebb dry on a normal tide cycle . Deep to me is when you barely see the leed on a blow out tide .

How far do you think it is from the water there to the top of the marsh?

you boys....don't make me get into this.

lol

come on guys im waiting

I am eager to learning about trapping tidal water..its on my bucket list

"What we have here is failure to "conversate"

May be a personal preference but high water at dark means you get high water at right before light. 2 tides gives you two chances to miss him.

Yes rats will wait. Loads of coons that live out in the marsh year round too. And more come out in the spring. And eagles. And owls. And hawks. And monk mice can swim with the best of them and eat while they swim.