What length chain do you run on your mink traps and why?

I have a few coil spring traps I have acquired from a couple old Mink trappers and both there setup had 2-1/2' to 3' of chain on them, was wondering if I should be setting all my Mink traps up this way?

By no means a mink trapper but I like a good 3 to 4 foot of chain on them. That way most bridge or culvert walls I’m not to short of chain on the top edge sets in deeper water. But I always have spare lengths of chain in vehicle if more is need in a pinch.

Never thought about top edge sets needing longer chain. Great point Hammer!

run at least 3 on mine not that I trap a lot of mink. Most of the guys I now run longer chains as well. Doesnt take a lot of water to drown a mink and the trap drags em down. Rare that you have to dispatch a mink at the set unless it gets on land and stays there. Dont know many that run drowners

All my coon and mink traps have 4ish ft of chain with a quick snap.. Truly a mink set I sometimes link to a drag or clog that is in drown deep water

Unless the mink is found under water in the trap they rarely drown or die of CO2 narcosis (poisoning). When you come to a trap in a few inches of water holding a mink and it is above the water but obviously dead, perform your own necropsy and check the branchial artery. You may be surprised to see an aneurism (burst blood vessel) so the mink most likely died of a stroke. They are a nervous creature and many old mink trappers (1930'-1960's) told me to check them when skinned and they were correct. So chain length will allow the mink to maybe get to deeper water but the trap has to be lightweight enough for him to move it. The modded # 1.5's and larger coils set in shallow mud bed water are pretty heavy for a 3-4lb. mink to move very far. You can use the larger traps as killer types but skin out your next few mink that are found dead in your trap in inches of water and look for that darkened artery. Death by stroke is probably quicker than water. My experience. ...........................the mike

About two to two and a half feet of chain. If I need anything longer, that's what my trapping wire is for. I always put in a tangle stick in shallower water. Any water that drops off to 18 inches my 1 1/2's drown quickly. That a lot of weight with a chain for a mink to overcome

All this is great info. Really appreciate the reply's guys.

I know there close to 1.5s but 550s are not good mink traps haha sorry buddy just had to lol!

Hammer,....I am going to beat you!! Lol

Vic #2s will be getting all new chain added and new mink pans.

Chain length is based on your setting method.
I personally use 3' of chain with a small Mink drag. I pre-hook into root system or push drag into crick bottom or place large rock on drag. I only need 3' of chain for my style.