280 is the ultimate otter trap

I’m not so sure I’d go that far…I don’t own a 280 but sure enough put down plenty of otters with 330’s. I’d suggest tuning triggers on any conibear that you set in open water. Under the ice, I really don’t think it matters.

If you’re dealing with an open water crossover, a #3 CS with 3 pounds of pan tension will also do the job….put it on a slider to deep.

I have taken otter accidently with a Victor 1 1/2 coil spring on a drowning rig set up for coon or mink. If I were specifically targeting otter with a foot hold, I would use a Victor 1.75 CS with a drowning rig a must.

I prefer to trap them with 330 bodygrips, but have caught some in 220s & 280s. I had my best success with 330s by camouflaging the outline of the trap.

As others have already stated, "the 280 is the ultimate otter trap".
For fast moving otter’s a 330-size trap quite often closes on them to far back resulting in poor hip catches that don’t dispatch them quickly, unless completely submerged under water. My experience with the smaller 280 is that it closes faster and results in fewer, if any, poor catches. The 280 will also capture more of the incidental mink and muskrats that often trigger 330 beaver and otter sets without getting caught. Thus, it is the ultimate otter trap.

As others have already stated, "the 280 is the ultimate otter trap".
For fast moving otter’s a 330-size trap quite often closes on them to far back resulting in poor hip catches that don’t dispatch them quickly, unless completely submerged under water. My experience with the smaller 280 is that it closes faster and results in fewer, if any, poor catches. The 280 will also capture more of the incidental mink and muskrats that often trigger 330 beaver and otter sets without getting caught. Thus, it is the ultimate otter trap.

What is it, an extra 2" in jaw spread? The difference in closing speed when comparing a belisle 280 to 330 is milliseconds. Even an otter moving at mach 12 will have no problem being ethically caught in a properly tuned 330. Most guys are just too lazy to properly tune them

Don't do a lot of otter trapping. But we have found some sign and the boy wants to catch one. What is the best size traps for them? I know 330s will work, I have some. I also have several 220s are they big enough? What about catching them in coils? I have most sizes from 1 1/2 to # 4s, some are off set. I am guessing a closed jaw is the best, but what about trap size. Do you off set them in a slide, like you would for beaver? Also make a pocket set or dirt hole?

Thanks