Well I'm reading about trapping and having some luck figuring things out. I've got a buddy that enjoys quite a bit of success on yotes and bobkitties so he's helping alot too. Still left with some ?s

I'm looking at #3 double coil spring traps...probably Montanas

I can see the difference of a "modified" trap with the rolled steel welded to the trap jaws but what about offset verses standard? Is one better than the other for mostly yotes, fox, bobcat? Thanks!

The offset jaws allow the spring levers to ride farther up the jaws when the trap is closed. Foothold traps don't exert very much pressure on the animals foot when closed, it is just very hard to spread the jaws apart. If you catch the animal across the pad like we hope to do, the jaws have to be spread apart some in order for it to pull its foot out. The higher the spring levers are, the more leverage and therefore it is even harder to spread the jaws apart.
Hope that makes a little sense but the bottom line is they do have more holding power. I have never use #3's and if your friend has and likes them that is fine with me. I have caught quite a few coyotes with 1.75 and 2's and think they are the perfect size. I have even caught and held some in 1 1/2's when targeting fox. It seems to me the 3's would catch too high on the foot but I could be wrong. If you are going to target fox at all the 3's are way too big, in my opinion.
I have had pretty good luck with Sleepy Creek traps for the money but haven't bought any in 6 or 7 years so things may have changed.

To add to trappers info there is usually a 3/16 gap at the jaws also.

The modified trap is anything you do to a trap. Normaly weld a baseplate, add jaw laminations, change pad or otherwise customize it for your needs.

Your replies are very helpful. Sounds like the offset might be worth a extra dollar or two. I'm rethinking the #3 issue. My buddy has had quite a bit of luck but he too is still pretty new to trapping. His brother-in-law is the source of his info so I'm not sure why he/they choose the #3s. If #2s are good for coyotes it seems like they would be plenty if not close to overkill for bobcats and small foxes. Thanks again for the great info.

A 1 1/2 will hold a coyote if you catch it. The problem is the smaller jaws don't catch it high enough on the foot, more like the toes sometimes. The goal is right across the middle of the pad. A 1.75 or 2 does this. In my opinion the #2 is overkill for foxes. You sometimes catch them up on the wrist with a #2.
I would suggest trying some of each rather than stocking up on something you may end up not liking.

Just found out that the Montanas are made in China and the Sleepy Creeks you mentioned are made right here in the ole USA. Looks like Sleepy Creeks for me. I'm getting real close to pouncing on six 1-3/4 offset Sleepy Creeks.

Thanks

Here's one I never even thought of. Round or square pan? I can't see where one would be easier to keep dirt/rocks from under the pan than the other but it seems like that could be one of the differences.

I didn't know sleppy creek offered a square pan. All of mine are round and I like them. I would highly recommend buying one of Hal Sullivan's books, either Trapline 2000 or Canines 2000. I like his suggestions for tuning the traps and modifying the dog and pan. They will need to be modified so get them early to give yourself plenty of time.

Trapline 2000 book in hand and though I've only had time to read a few pages it looks very informative. Sure enough, he says a 1-3/4 is right on for fox, bobcat, coyote. I really appreciate your help and insight. Sorry if I'm asking too many rookie questions.

Ask all the questions you want. It is hard to ask too many.
I read that book a few times and it is very helpful. Keep us posted on your progress.

Never dreamed I'd enjoy that book so much. It's been read through for the first time already, which is very fast for me. Just as you said, the parts about trap tuning were very interesting.

Here goes with the questions again. With your SC traps do you use the "pan can" method and tamp the dirt around the can or the fiberglass over the top of the pan and lightly cover...or both?

I don't use pan covers anymore. By packing some dirt inside the jaws I think it helps you get your trap bedded rock solid. This is very important with coyotes. I have used the trappers caps and they work well most of the time. Sometimes I put something under the pan like a wad of dead grass or moss to keep the dirt from getting under it. I have all my traps filed with a night latch so the pan doesnt' have to travel very far at all before it trips.

My trappin buddy uses a small tuff of fiberglass insulation under the pan. I thought that was a pretty clever idea as it's so light it barely effects the pan pressure required but definately keeps the junk out.

That is a good idea. I never thought of it. How does the insulation hold up if it gets wet?

insulation will turn to mush if it gets wet...It also has an oder.

May have to vote against the insulation thing. Any recomendations for good books concentrating on bobcat trapping?