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.

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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