OTTER BOX

[woodsman]

I have a few spots on my line where I know there are otter, but theres no good way to pin them down. I got this idea from a guy that I talked to at the NC trappers convention and I have made up a half doz. to try out this year.

the box is 9x10 inches and 36 inches long. the wood frame on each end stabilizes a 220 size killer trap.
the fellow that I got this from used live bullheads for bait, but I am not sure if that is legal. I am going to try it using rubber crawfish fastened to a rock or pc. of wood in the center of the box. the whole thing will be submerged in spots where the otters are hunting . The box will be held in place with a rebar stake and the traps fastened to separate stakes so that once caught, the animal will not destroy the set.
the bait:

I know that this seems like a lot of work but there are several places in my area where I know that otter are going under bridges,and hunting around them, but theres no way to make a set. This just might get me anther otter or two. Tony

[Newt]

Be sure you let us know how it works.

[trapperzach]

kool im gona haft to try that im havin trouble gettin em where i now they are.

[45/70]

I run several of Mr. Bill Weeks' otter specific cage traps, usually on ADC projects. Live crawfish, with Bills' traps, contained in a bait box attached to the end of the trap, have been the best producers for me. The bait box has to sit a couple of inches higher than the floor of the trap. This ensures that the crawfish do not burrow down into the mud oozing up thru the bottom, and hide.
Adios,
45/70,
RKBA !!!

[colingtontrapman]

they work i have been using them on the OBX for a while me and another guy started making them after the otters were gettin in out crab pots and they really work mine are a lil different but i have had dozens of doubles in them

[hamman]

well, I know it has been a while but how did they work out for you this season woodsman, I am VERY curious. If they worked good I will probably try and make a few myself this summer.

[woodsman]

Hamman, I didn't get a chance to use them like I wanted to but I have the utmost faith that they will work. The commercial fisherman in the area have been using them for years. Tony

[mountainman]

I know what you mean Tony. I didnt really get a chance to use some things like I wanted to this past season, but will later on. I like your otter rig and them otters will be fighting to see who can get caught first. Wouldn't surprise me if a big ol mink got caught while trying to get him a crawdad.

[varmintshooter]

How do you set these?