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I'm having trouble figuring this out, I'm going to be running solo next year and won't have my dad on the bank to help me set traps, so I need to learn how to do it in the water but I can't quite get it. I asked a couple of guys on discord and they gave me good advice but didn't know if you guys had any tricks to make it easier or should I trade all my coils for longs? Here's the video, so you can see what I do to set it. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TgkLk-MYC-M, Thanks in advance!
You just need practice, run the heel of your palm down the jaw, and use your digits to engage the dog. You can flip the loose jaw up so that you can manipulate the pan "under" the trap jaws...if that makes sense.
Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
See that's what I'm worried about taking the most amount of time since I'll be checking after school and be on a time crunch. I feel like getting in and out of the water multiple times is going to take a lot of time away, especially with 50+ sets.
I realize that I'm going to get blasted for this but I night latch all of my traps and set them with my feet. Lift up the loose jaw and set the pan level. Then I bed the trap.
I realize that I'm going to get blasted for this but I night latch all of my traps and set them with my feet. Lift up the loose jaw and set the pan level. Then I bed the trap.
There is no reason to feel bad about using your feet.
I see the way I showed ya works a little better start knocking out about 30push ups before bed. Seriously will help you build some muscle that will help
Originally Posted by TheYouthTrapper
I'm having trouble figuring this out, I'm going to be running solo next year and won't have my dad on the bank to help me set traps, so I need to learn how to do it in the water but I can't quite get it. I asked a couple of guys on discord and they gave me good advice but didn't know if you guys had any tricks to make it easier or should I trade all my coils for longs? Here's the video, so you can see what I do to set it. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TgkLk-MYC-M, Thanks in advance!
If you're in a time crunch...check, retrieve, and go. Leave the working sets for tomorrow, and remake when you have time. Trapping should be enjoyable if you're like me, and there's no money in it. Don't burn yourself out, you're too young!
Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
You just need practice, run the heel of your palm down the jaw, and use your digits to engage the dog. You can flip the loose jaw up so that you can manipulate the pan "under" the trap jaws...if that makes sense.
Yup, practice ... It's easier without gloves. And keep that thump from between the jaws, it's going to hurt.
Originally Posted by TheYouthTrapper
See that's what I'm worried about taking the most amount of time since I'll be checking after school and be on a time crunch. I feel like getting in and out of the water multiple times is going to take a lot of time away, especially with 50+ sets.
Preset them and zip-tie them open before going out. When ready to place on location, cut and pocket the zip-tie, drop the pan into the night latch and go.
Megapredator ... top of the food chain! Member of WTA Member of MTPCA Member of NTA
I realize that I'm going to get blasted for this but I night latch all of my traps and set them with my feet. Lift up the loose jaw and set the pan level. Then I bed the trap.
Same. I set longsprings on the knee, and sometimes a mb550, but most of the time I set coils with my feet. I see no reason not to.
If you’re having trouble setting them on your knee, just use your feet. If you gotta set it on the bank and carry it to the water, so be it. You’re worrying too much about running max number of traps and losing seconds here and there. My advise: you’re still in the learning phase. Don’t try to run 50 sets. Run 25 or 30, or less, take the time to slow down, notice things, take notes, make adjustments, and concentrate on doing things RIGHT, not fast. With repetition will come speed, but if you’re trying to rush through you’re gonna miss out on a lot of good learning opportunities.
Take your time, concentrate on learning and forget about the numbers. You will be a better trapper for it.
"I have two guns, one for each of ya."
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: Bob]
#7642539 08/05/2212:29 AM08/05/2212:29 AM
I realize that I'm going to get blasted for this but I night latch all of my traps and set them with my feet. Lift up the loose jaw and set the pan level. Then I bed the trap.
Same. I set longsprings on the knee, and sometimes a mb550, but most of the time I set coils with my feet. I see no reason not to.
If you’re having trouble setting them on your knee, just use your feet. If you gotta set it on the bank and carry it to the water, so be it. You’re worrying too much about running max number of traps and losing seconds here and there. My advise: you’re still in the learning phase. Don’t try to run 50 sets. Run 25 or 30, or less, take the time to slow down, notice things, take notes, make adjustments, and concentrate on doing things RIGHT, not fast. With repetition will come speed, but if you’re trying to rush through you’re gonna miss out on a lot of good learning opportunities.
Take your time, concentrate on learning and forget about the numbers. You will be a better trapper for it.
Best advice I've seen in a while. Quality over quantity. I expect 30 percent catch rate. Most are happy with 10 percent.
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: AJE]
#7642549 08/05/2212:52 AM08/05/2212:52 AM
If you're on a big time crunch, consider mixing in some colony traps.
I built 2 so far but need to talk to my mentor to see if they're actually going to work or if I just spent a bunch of time and money building tubes of wire.
I realize that I'm going to get blasted for this but I night latch all of my traps and set them with my feet. Lift up the loose jaw and set the pan level. Then I bed the trap.
I use my feet on land still because I'm fastest that way but when you're in 2-3 feet of water that is a little difficult.
Looks like you're doing it about the same way I do. It really just looks like you need practice, and to lose your fear of the trap. Practice makes perfect. Just set a trap on your knee 10 times a day until you get it down. Bet within a week or so you'll have no problem. As was said, the gloves make it 10x harder, at least for me.
Yukon John writes: "You just need practice, run the heel of your palm down the jaw, and use your digits to engage the dog. You can flip the loose jaw up so that you can manipulate the pan "under" the trap jaws...if that makes sense."
Good advice. I love the content that ADC puts out but compare your frame to his. Looking at those meaty mitts and arms I am pretty sure he could choke a gorilla into submission. I personally think if you can pus the levers down with you thumbs you probably should replace the springs or trap.
Practice is your friend. Isometric exercise is your friend. When you are on dry land, use your feet. Being older than dirt, I try to avoid folding like an ironing board to set a trap by using my feet. In time you will get that, but it is very poor body mechanics when it comes to back health.
If in the water but near a stream edge bank, carry a small piece of plywood or board. Set the board on the bank, set the trap down onto the board, and set. You can use your upper body weight when pushing on the levers in lieu of relying on hand strength.
Don't start worrying at you age. You have plenty of time to worry later on.
Build up your strength and stamina. You will need strength to carry all the money.
This is true. But, only if you take payment in pennies.
Sometimes a smaller, stout trap is more intimidating than a larger one. I have some #2 Dukes that are harder to set than my MB 750's Borrow a #3 or 4 to practice/work out with. Set it 10 times in a row, several time a week. It will soon become second nature. Good luck !
Might want to get one of those hand grip training things too to bulld up your grip strength too.
A good time saving trick is for opening day you can traps preset at home using zip ties. Of you have extra traps you can have those zip tied too and trade them out when animals get caught
The technique is something youll develop on your own but you can watch youtube and learn how others do it. The main thing is getting stronger. Its still only august so get started now. Google “grip strength exercises without equipment” or something similar. Tons of things you can do. Get a cheap gripper from walmart and work with that. Once you can squeeze that together easily, there are a lot if metal grippers of varying intensities.
No shame in buying a pair of setters for them either til you get more practice and more strength. Don't buy into some macho man BS, just however you can get the job done and be safe. Good for you for going at it hard.
No shame in buying a pair of setters for them either til you get more practice and more strength. Don't buy into some macho man BS, just however you can get the job done and be safe. Good for you for going at it hard.
I haven't been able to find a pair of setters for 1.5s yet, so I just decided to start practicing in case I don't find a pair.
No shame in buying a pair of setters for them either til you get more practice and more strength. Don't buy into some macho man BS, just however you can get the job done and be safe. Good for you for going at it hard.
I haven't been able to find a pair of setters for 1.5s yet, so I just decided to start practicing in case I don't find a pair.
That's the ticket TYT! No need to spend more money than necessary, just get better! I hope you make some bread on those rats, but like already mentioned, keep a keen eye on what's going on with your sets. You will get frustrated, which is ok, just remember if it were easy EVERYONE would do it! This game is an obsession, and will likely cost more than you gain, so, practice up and keep excited for the coming season!
Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
That's the ticket TYT! No need to spend more money than necessary, just get better! I hope you make some bread on those rats, but like already mentioned, keep a keen eye on what's going on with your sets. You will get frustrated, which is ok, just remember if it were easy EVERYONE would do it! This game is an obsession, and will likely cost more than you gain, so, practice up and keep excited for the coming season!
I get paid 1.5$ on the carcass and I would like to do some of my own this year but I don't have the facilities for it. I've been trapping for 3 years and I haven't made a dime if I actually had to pay for gas which now I do but I like doing it and I would be burning gas if I was doing sports or whatever, so it's not much different than driving to games or buying cleats.
As I suggested earlier look at setters called One Hand Setters made by David Sheldon. I did not include the name previously. They are great for working on traps too.
Look at Minnesota Trapline for setters they sell for their mb750 trap. The setter is generic and could be adjusted, modified, or remade for other traps.
As I suggested earlier look at setters called One Hand Setters made by David Sheldon. I did not include the name previously. They are great for working on traps too.
Look at Minnesota Trapline for setters they sell for their mb750 trap. The setter is generic and could be adjusted, modified, or remade for other traps.
Will do, I'll look at it but the main plan is to just get good enough to set them without one.
As I suggested earlier look at setters called One Hand Setters made by David Sheldon. I did not include the name previously. They are great for working on traps too.
Look at Minnesota Trapline for setters they sell for their mb750 trap. The setter is generic and could be adjusted, modified, or remade for other traps.
Will do, I'll look at it but the main plan is to just get good enough to set them without one.
Yep. You can set a trap on your knee. You already did in your video. Now you just need to do it over and over until it becomes second nature. In 6 months you'll probably be laughing at this post.
Yep. You can set a trap on your knee. You already did in your video. Now you just need to do it over and over until it becomes second nature. In 6 months you'll probably be laughing at this post.
You're probably right, I didn't have time to practice today since I was scouting out spots but I'll definitely set it a few more times tomorrow to make up for it.
Take a trap along with ya on your scouting trips. Find a good spot, practice setting the trap just as you would on the line you're scouting. You can set traps for strength on the front porch, but field experience is everything; since you're out and about. YMMV.
Megapredator ... top of the food chain! Member of WTA Member of MTPCA Member of NTA
Leggetts have a video showing how to set using your hands with a twisting motion. Method I still use. More technique than muscle. Maybe u can find on utube?
Just a tip... I am 81 years old and have got to the point that I couldn't set a #2 coil without assistance of my feet or setters. To add to the age problem, I also have ligament problems in my hands. So, using some of my life experiences I decided to strengthen my hands and to stretch the ligaments. I purchased a pair of spring hand exerciser/strengtheners. I still have to ware jersey gloves, which sometimes to tend to get in the way, but haven't pinched a finger yet. I use #2's for many water sets for coon, muskrats and mink. Also, the idea someone suggested... get some colony traps. Give me 10 to 15 colony traps and I will put the catch up against your 50 steel traps.
You can get the exercisers from Amazon... on sale right now. Sit around while you are watching tv and strengthen your hands, wrists, and forearms.
These are adjustable... And on sale!
Garry-
“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”
Just set traps! Any ways, all ways. Anybody really trapping has to have stories about catching a thumb or finger. Heck I even heard of a knee! At the NTA I saw a youngster across the way catch himself in what looked like a 1.5. He got out and did the ole whistle to yourself like nothing happened. Lol
Just set traps! Any ways, all ways. Anybody really trapping has to have stories about catching a thumb or finger. Heck I even heard of a knee! At the NTA I saw a youngster across the way catch himself in what looked like a 1.5. He got out and did the ole whistle to yourself like nothing happened. Lol
I caught myself in a 1.5 quite a few times on the trapline this year and a couple of times with 110s but nothing to do much of anything.
I have been caught in almost every trap I set at some point except a 330 and my mb 750s. 220, Bridger #5 and #2, my 550, 1.5 dukes, and some I'm sure I'm forgetting yep grabbed by the all.
Keep practicing your strength and technique will improve. You will eventually be able to set traps much bigger traps just using your hands no knee required.
Sometimes I think the smaller traps seem to bight my hands worse than the big ones. I did think I was going to have to drive home wearing that 220 but eventually got out of it
I have been caught in almost every trap I set at some point except a 330 and my mb 750s. 220, Bridger #5 and #2, my 550, 1.5 dukes, and some I'm sure I'm forgetting yep grabbed by the all.
Keep practicing your strength and technique will improve. You will eventually be able to set traps much bigger traps just using your hands no knee required.
Sometimes I think the smaller traps seem to bight my hands worse than the big ones. I did think I was going to have to drive home wearing that 220 but eventually got out of it
I just use my knee for the platform to set the trap on since I'll be in the water and won't have any land near me.
Exactly, at some point you will be able to set your traps without needing to set them against something be it land or your knee. You will be able to open them up and set them with just your hands . Then you will get older and go back to needing some leverage to get them set. Circle of life. My boys are 9 and 12 have to work really hard to get their traps set but they are getting better and faster all the time.
I know I bought some traps and to ship them the cheapest the guy had them set and wired.. I don't water trap but could it be possible to wire them open when you get to location anchor flip dog and snip the wire?? Just an idea not sure if it's even possible.
I know I bought some traps and to ship them the cheapest the guy had them set and wired.. I don't water trap but could it be possible to wire them open when you get to location anchor flip dog and snip the wire?? Just an idea not sure if it's even possible.
A lot of people on here have been saying to use zip ties and stuff like that but zipties are expensive and I don't carry a pliers with me into the water.
I know I bought some traps and to ship them the cheapest the guy had them set and wired.. I don't water trap but could it be possible to wire them open when you get to location anchor flip dog and snip the wire?? Just an idea not sure if it's even possible.
It's possible. It's how I started. I was trapping by myself when I was 8 years old and I could not set traps. Not even with my feet yet. So my grandfather would set them for me and wire them open. I'd pack them down like that, then set them, and snip the wire with a pair of side cutters. It definitely kind of sucked though, because whenever I made a catch or had a sprung trap, I'd have to take the trap home to have it reset and I had a limited amount of traps at the time. I think I only did that for one season. By the next season I could set them with my feet, and I carried a small square of plywood for setting them when it was muddy.
Didn’t read all the post but here’s your answer I got arthritis in both hands and these work great on 1.5 up to #4. After you use them couple times you can set a trap in seconds. Easy to carry and won’t rust ! I paid 18 bucks for mine 8 years ago ! Best money you can spend .
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: jbyrd63]
#7644177 08/07/2212:28 AM08/07/2212:28 AM
Didn’t read all the post but here’s your answer I got arthritis in both hands and these work great on 1.5 up to #4. After you use them couple times you can set a trap in seconds. Easy to carry and won’t rust ! I paid 18 bucks for mine 8 years ago ! Best money you can spend .
I'm going to the SD convention and will see if anyone there has a one handed setter before I order one in since I don't need anything else off WCS. Thanks for finding them though and commenting.
Tell you what you pm me your address and I’ll order you a set and have them sent to you ! Granted if they are still available. Good luck and keep your eyes open in the outdoors . Best training you can get is just try doing it
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: jbyrd63]
#7644185 08/07/2212:43 AM08/07/2212:43 AM
Tell you what you pm me your address and I’ll order you a set and have them sent to you ! Granted if they are still available. Good luck and keep your eyes open in the outdoors . Best training you can get is just try doing it
You don't have to do that I'm getting along decently setting them by hand.
A pair of vise grip style pliers on each lever works well also. They give you more leverage and are long enough to use you other leg to hold one down and free up a hand to set the dog. Almost makes a double coil set like a double long spring.
I use my feet. I carry a 8in x 8in x 1/2 thick pc of plywood, with a 3/4 hole in the middle with a 1/2 slot cut through to the hole. I slide the chain through the slot, and the swivel drops thru the hole. Then I can have the trap flat to set on. In the soft dirt/mud, snow, it gives you a flat surface to get it done. Works for me.
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: JTfromWV]
#7644387 08/07/2210:34 AM08/07/2210:34 AM
A pair of vise grip style pliers on each lever works well also. They give you more leverage and are long enough to use you other leg to hold one down and free up a hand to set the dog. Almost makes a double coil set like a double long spring.
Like that idea. Maybe a pair of adjustable wrenches as they usually have a convenient hole to toe some cord to them to keep em together.
A pair of vise grip style pliers on each lever works well also. They give you more leverage and are long enough to use you other leg to hold one down and free up a hand to set the dog. Almost makes a double coil set like a double long spring.
Like that idea. Maybe a pair of adjustable wrenches as they usually have a convenient hole to toe some cord to them to keep em together.
Those are both good ideas if I can find a couple of vise grips at yard sales.
Because if you are close enough to MN, there is a possibility that I may be able to go there and show you a bunch of tricks to get stuff set in the water.
Re: Setting 1.5 on knee
[Re: Mark K]
#7644885 08/07/2211:04 PM08/07/2211:04 PM
Because if you are close enough to MN, there is a possibility that I may be able to go there and show you a bunch of tricks to get stuff set in the water.
Lose you gloves set bare handed. You might wanna start lifting weights.
I did it about 5 or so times without gloves and it was way easier being able to do the dog, I'm losing the gloves for sure.
Unless its really cold old, usually what I do is wear one gauntlet. Gauntlet hand sets the trap in the water and the non-gauntlet hand handles the dog on the traps. If it is really cold, I will wear some of the cotton gloves with the PVC coating on the non-gauntlet hand so my hand doesnt freeze when Im handling the traps. I carry a couple extra of the cotton/pvc gloves in case I get the one im wearing wet
Unless its really cold old, usually what I do is wear one gauntlet. Gauntlet hand sets the trap in the water and the non-gauntlet hand handles the dog on the traps. If it is really cold, I will wear some of the cotton gloves with the PVC coating on the non-gauntlet hand so my hand doesnt freeze when Im handling the traps. I carry a couple extra of the cotton/pvc gloves in case I get the one im wearing wet
I like that idea but I might just have to suck it up and deal with dry hands.
They do make setters for coil springs that will give you a big mechanical advantage. I haven't looked, but I'm guessing MN Trapline Products has some in the their inventory. They aren't that spendy either.
I don't care how nice the hand soap smells, you should never walk out of the restroom sniffing your fingers.
For get the knee. I do it somewhat like the video showed. Take your trap and put non dominant arm or hand and put the fingers under the trap and the thumb on the lever nearest your body. Take your dominant hand and put your thumb on the lever furthest from you and press down on the lever near you and push away with the thumb farthest from you. This will open the trap up and when the jaws are nearly flat they have little power and are easy to hold, much like let off on a compound bow. Put your dominant hand right over the jaws and with the non dominant had flip the dog over and with your dominant had you can use your little onr ring finger to lift the pan and set the trap. I don't have any 4- coild 1.5 traps and I have not lowered spring tension, but I set all my 1.5 coils I have that way. Don't fight the trap let leverage and the trap do the work for you.
For get the knee. I do it somewhat like the video showed. Take your trap and put non dominant arm or hand and put the fingers under the trap and the thumb on the lever nearest your body. Take your dominant hand and put your thumb on the lever furthest from you and press down on the lever near you and push away with the thumb farthest from you. This will open the trap up and when the jaws are nearly flat they have little power and are easy to hold, much like let off on a compound bow. Put your dominant hand right over the jaws and with the non dominant had flip the dog over and with your dominant had you can use your little onr ring finger to lift the pan and set the trap. I don't have any 4- coild 1.5 traps and I have not lowered spring tension, but I set all my 1.5 coils I have that way. Don't fight the trap let leverage and the trap do the work for you.
Bryce
Can you send me a video of you doing this? I can't really visualize it.