Perhaps. Its just frankly not an issue I have here because we generally dont have clear water unless trapping the odd rocky creek, Clear water, coons get grabby and need to set the trap further off the bank. Also, I almost never put the trap in front of the pocket unless its for mink specifically in which case it goes in the pocket. I prefer to blind set the pocket on each sides which does a few things, less worry about said grabby coons because their attention is on the pocket instead whats under their feet, gets coons away from the pocket saving it from having to be remade since i long chain, easier to gang set 1 pocket with multiple traps instead of digging pockets for each trap. and generally better chance of catching every possible critter as they work the shelf instead of relying on them actually working the pocket.
1. 'Coon get grabby whether the water is clear or not. You set further off the bank and you'll be missing fur.
2. Most all my traps are centered in front of the pocket. Small pocket, guard stick on the outside of the loose jaw, narrow entrance on either side. 'Rats and mink will travel over the pan to get to the pocket. A 'coon will center step in front of the pocket to balance for a reach in. As one faces upstream, pocket on the right bank will produce mostly left front foot 'coon catches.
3. You place the trap in the pocket and you'll be missing fur.
4. Blind sets on either side of the pocket is a good idea.
5. All my sets are drowner cabled. Usually two traps to a single vertical terminal rod. Saves time and gear. One pair could be a blind set five feet to the left of the pocket and the trap centered in front of the pocket. Another pair could be a blind set to the right of the pocket, with a pipe set to the right of it. Four traps, two terminal ends, 4-day check. Often 3-4 'coon/others at the end of the cable. Pocket is spared destruction with 'coon sliding off into the deep.
6. Agreed, no need to dig pockets for each trap.
7. Indeed, increase numbers of traps increases chance of catching every possible critter as they work the shelf.
