would like your collective imput:
1) jaw spread ( inches)
2) night latch (yes/no)
3) lbs. of pan tension
4) manufacture/style

Additionally, other than a flat set, what set do find minimizes non coyote furbearer catches?
thanks to all !!!!

There are as many answers on these questions as there are traps and trappers. My advise is try both a #3 and a #2 size trap and see which your most confident in and which works best for you. Personally the bigger trap makes since to me. Brand and style I think is more a personal question because there are many different ones that catch and hold coyotes well. If your the type the high end thing impress you then there are traps that fit that bill, if your the kind that is looking for a trap that will get the job done and is priced right there's good traps in that category too.

your mail box

Increase pan tension to 4-5# and you will reduce a lot of non-target catches.

The best trap is situation dependent. For instance, if you are in an area where you are likely to have to deal with stray dogs, an MB 550 offset is a great choice because it is not hard on them and makes for an easy release. It also beds easy. Also a good choice for a mixed line with fox.

Strictly coyote trapping and no other concerns an MJ 600 or MB650 are tough to beat.

I've tried and modded a lot of traps before I tried the 650 Cast jaws. Now I just use that trap. Sold most everthing else.

Jakes, they where made as a coyote trap and no need to do anything else to them.

A lot has to do with your state regs on jaw spread. For yotes 5 1/2" or more for jaw spread , yes night latch. I run mixed line so 2 to 2 1/2 lbs. pan tension still gets the reds, I like modified Duke #3, cheap and I like modding traps . Sometimes gang setting for coons and opossums for a week or so before setting for k9's helps keep the non coyote catches to a minimum .

Jakes or k9 extremes, but I don't have to worry about theft. These traps are tough, durable, and funtion extremely well. 4 to 5 lbs of tension definitely eliminates a lot of non target.

We have the best tools to choose from in the history of mankind. For straight coyote ( witch actually only excists in fantasy land) a 6 inch jaws spread adjustable dogless, 4 coil with at least 3/8 thick jaws, in my mund is ideal. But throw a 6 inch cover of snow in the mix ya may want a bigger jaw spread with even stronge springs. For around domestics and red fox/coon in the mix a 5.5 jaw spread dog on gets my vote 4 coiled and with the same jaw thickness. All the above offset for the mechanical advantage they provide. As for manufacture, your choice... But get the best you can afford.. Coyotes are tough buggers LOL

Nite latched with a crisp trigger and minimal pan drop are the things I look for most! Laminated jaws are a close second. Third is dogless I hate fixing traps in the mud and elements! Skys the limit on the options available. Confidence in your gear is the biggest hurdle to jump. No matter what you buy their is someone that dislikes them.

has anyone ever used 1 1/2 for coyote ??

In general,it is a bad idea.I would never set a 1 1/2 for coyote but have caught and held a couple when trapping for something else.Those traps had stronger springs but I still consider that luck and never use them now,if coyotes are in the country.Many 1 1/2's are just not built for it but there are a couple exceptions like the MB450.Still,I see the small jaw spread as the greatest issue.Using 1 1/2's greatly encourages toe catches and that is going the wrong direction.

You may have heard the expression,use enough gun".With coyotes,always use enough trap.Never underestimate what a coyote can accomplish.Every aspect of coyote gear from anchor to trap,needs to be properly sized and bullet proof.

I was handicapped for years with 1.5 coils. Used modified Montie round jaws. All I had so I used them. Held most but missed a bunch too. Now they are all water traps. The 450s catch and hold coyotes well but you'll have a better catch to visit ratio with a 5.5 jaw spread or larger.

thanks for the input will probably pick up some 2#s

If going with #2s, I would suggest the Victors. Often overlooked but they are great traps that hold. I like them better than my 550s (#2s size also).

I'm using dogless bridger #2 laminated and duke #2 laminated, center swiveled and night latched. Last few years I have ran around 3lbs pan tension this year I'm going to drop back to 2 2.5. I have 3 mb 550's and thats about where they trip at.
J

The offset #2 Bridger modded was the worst #2 trap I've ever ran. look cool but results were sub par, IMO.

I hope to refute that at the end of this season Calvin! I put all the MB's aside (I know you like the 650's), and going to put the 2's and 3's thru the meat grinder. Nothing else. I really like the 2's. They seem so well balanced. The 3 is a heck of a trap. Mine are tuned meticulously, and ready to roll.

Calvin
What troubles did you have with the bridger? One thing I forgot to mention I did take some of the offset out to close it up a touch for coon the gap is same as my duke's now. For what coyote and bobcat I've caught they have been good full pad catches.

My favorite coyote trap and I have never done any mods to is the mb 650. I love it and it holds them real good. I also like the bridger dogless #3. I always got the 2 coil ones and 4 coiled and welded lams on myself. Those two traps are my go to

I am also a fan of the 650 ! After trying several different types and sizes of traps I knew the 650 was designed with coyotes in mind . I also like not having a loose jaw !

I'm an MJ 600 fan.....have been since mid seventys when I drove to Rogers Ne and bought the first I owned. I use these same traps every year and have been for over 45 years. The best coyote trap that holds yotes!

I tried some #2 Bridgers last year and caught a sheep, yes a sheep, it was a young one around 75lbs had a heck of a time getting him out too lol I think they’ll hold a coyote

A picture is worth a thousand words. I cant type that fast.

The best coyote trap shouldn't have the word modification in the same sentence imo. And that is a humble opinion. Sterling MJ600. Like Lee said. I've got Sterling's that were built when I was 3 years old and still are as strong as ever. Lost count of the Coyotes and wolves they have held over the years. Jake trap when the forecast says heavy snow is coming. The rubber pads on my Jake's have also helped me to get on property that I wouldn't have got to trap with regular jawed traps.

I have used a 1 1/2 coil for coyotes. I did it once in a while till one chewed every single twin loop on my chain almost in half and bent the trap so the jaws wouldn't fit into the the space between the dog and the pan anymore. I graduated from the shoot it as soon as I see it stage to Sterling MJ 600 traps - sounds like a little later than the above post (slow learner). I too have some over them from the late 70's and early 80's still going strong. They don't hurt fox like some of the other big traps do.

Sterling mj 600 ,
Agreed Andy
Modified and best ??? Different imo also.

Can You still buy new sterling 600s and 500s?

I like a 5.5"-6" size and dogless in the Montgomery style. I like wire levers, but it's not a deal breaker.

The best trap for any species is one that needs no modification for that species- a purpose built trap. (I don't consider pan/dog tuneup as a mod) If it needs chain, springs, jaws, baseplates, pan, dog to be changed; it is the wrong trap for the job and at best will be a DYI-cobbled up-compromise, might as well build it yourself. Pay a bit more and get what you need.
Some times what we need is confidence, so if brand x feels better to you than brand y and other things are ~= take brand x.

Yes you can. The thing is they are put together by hand, with attention to detail (part of the reason they are such a good trap). This takes time, and the fella that makes them also works full time trapping so it takes some patience to get them.

No BS extreme offset 4 coil inside/outside lams coated w/ #3 twist link chain and 3 JC Conner rod swivels.
His black coated pre cut steel screen works flawlessly. Original wolffang anchors w/ 12" of 3/32 cable.

No BS 2s and 4s
Jakes
Sterling 650s pan design is flawless compared to the mb650
If you are forced into a 4.5 inch trap the mb450
Longsprings cast 3ns and the new bridgersr.

But you catch them and hold them in just about everything.
Most modifications are pointless with the 24 hour check laws most are forced into.

God Bless,

Dustin

Only trap I would add.into the mix is the coyote cuff. Ko,Jake, sterling,coyotecuff, and mb. Are the best traps made today,period. Pick one for your style of trapping and role with it.

Dogless for me. Any trap with a dog will have a "dead" area inside the jaws.
I haven't seen a need to mod my SVS #4s and don't think anything will get out of them.
Another consideration, for me the MB 650 has a deal breaker in the fact that it has no loose jaw, I like and want a loose jaw for a couple of reasons, it may not make a difference to you.
I haven't used them, but I think I would like the Victor Montgomery #3s or #4s.

On the night latch, I don't like fiddling around with them at the set, they have to be seen to insure they are just right, a proper short latch can be set by feel and a Miles trigger can set trigger tension- either is better than night latching to me. I do still have some night latched that I need to work on. (that "click you hear in the shed when setting the night latch up is indistinguishable from other noise amidst wind,rain and tinnitus in the dark and on the line)

Keep us posted on your results. Like Calvin I have gone to a full line of 650 cast. Adding more now. I have kept my older victors, just because. The casts are very easy on kitty feet.

Osky

Will do, Osky. Here's a fox in the only #2 that I got in the ground last year.

Yukonal, I use a #2 trap for most every set and my experience with the Bridger is just what you posted and deeper. I personally prefer the kb 5.5 but the Bridger #2 is a great trap. I just traded some no bs Jrs for some mb 650's so I'm looking to give them a honest try this season and see how it goes.

I banged my head against the wall for 4 or 5 years on the Bridger #2s. Modded, non modded, 2 coiled, 4 coiled...you name it. I caught critters and "Initially" was very happy but always had SOME loss. Lost a coyote I HAD to kill (pet killer) and finally threw in the towel.

But funny, I thought these traps were great when I started using them. "Built like a tank" as I always here. Kinda of like the guy who buys a nice new truck. Hard to convince him is a hunk of scrap...even after a couple years of issues.

I know guys who love the Bridger #2. I did UNTIL I compared it to a real coyote trap. Wish I would have done it years earlier. Sometimes saving a buck or two on cheaper traps will cost you much more in the long run. Now, I totally understand why real coyote and cat guys aren't afraid to run the high end/spendy traps.

If someone put a gun to my head and made me run the Bridger #2 now, first thing I'd do is decrease the offsets to half. (They are too wide for a #2 sized trap.) and keep the standard jaw if pets weren't a concern. Or just run straight jaw. Stock 2 coil springs are good for one season at best...then they need the helper 4 coil springs. Or better yet, get the #3s.

But as always... what works for one, doesn't always work for the next guy...to each his own.