If I had to choose between a strong smalling bait and a strong smelling lure, I would choose the bait. However, the bait either has to be very visible or noticeable. A visible attractant, feathers, pieces of hide, surveyors tape will help when airflow fails to distribute scent.

I do like tainted bait. I know some claim marten and weasel need fresh bait and replace it if it is warm weather and it taints. Personally I have found I have better success with loud tainted baits. I've had no success with lure alone, but have found my best success with a lure and bait combo rather than bait alone.

One thing, (of many), I have learned on this site is that not all things work equally everywhere. What worked for me may not be so hot for another.

every good imfo, I'm going to Maine this fall to trap, sure wish some of them would comment, just to see what works out there

Thinking out of the box in my opinion makes a better trapper.

To expand on that thought from Oh Snap when others offer suggestions on how to trap or snare whatever target species keep it in mind as you never know when it may come in handy to catch it when other ideas didn't .

I've been using concentrated scents on a q-tip when setting my boxes. A chunk of beaver in the back, q-tip of castor, one dipped in raspberry scent, one dipped in blackberry scent, and pure quill high up on the tree. I trap a bunch of mice and freeze them, and throw one in the box for eye appeal. Seems the fruity scents have worked better for me. Don't know, maybe I got too much going on there. Lol.

Not a AK or Canadian longliner, here in MI we get 2 marten max.

Partner and I have it down to a pretty good system and we do well.

90% mailbox sets. Deer hide/beaver/muskrat or venison in the box with a gob of castor. Something loud up high, we use Gusto, Skunk Junk, Bailey Hollow and used to use Thorpe's Bad Medicine before it got bought out and tripled in price.

Paul's Skunky Backbreaker worked great as well.