I talked with my buddy who traps coons to check for rabies and ticks. He said he just finished a 34 mile line with over 200 traps. I ask what bait he used and said sardines in water for cold weather and sardines in oil for warm weather and corn soaked in used cooking oil for hot weather. Any time the ants are a problem he sprays Raid under the traps.

You ever try menhaden milk. It stinks pretty good.

Oh, I wasn’t doubting what you we’re saying at all…..I’m just honary and stubborn by nature. I agree with you that the fish smell is likely a big key. I’m guessing coons and possums hunt with their noses. The only thing I’m really doing differently than what you’re talking about is not putting the fish scent directly in my DP’s. Instead I’m still casting the scent out but using the cat food in the trap since it’s a little cleaner and as simple as grabbing a small handful out of the bag and tossing it in. I believe the fish smell is what’s hollerin ‘em on in though. We'll see. I may change my mind by tomorrow.

For an easy bulk bait…..I’m thinking you could boil some carp and can it. It may be simpler though on a tracking job to just to chalk up a little bit of the proceeds to “supplies” and buy canned mackerel at $1.75 per can and mix it with some cheap cooking oil. You should be able to make a gallon of fish lure for less than $10 easy. I want used cooking oil though. You know I really like the corn soaked in oil idea too .....

Why is your buddy using cage traps instead of DP’s??? Is it a requirement? It looks cumbersome.

He uses the cage traps because he has to do sets within the city limits. City people don't mind a cage trap but would have a fit if they saw a coon in a DP trap.

Start looking for fruit coming off. Blackberries, Mullberries, plums etc.

I've got a couple of mullberries I intend to set up on in a couple of weeks.

That's the way I do mine but I use snare cable and double crimp on ferrules that I hammer on. They are pretty cheap from the trapping supply house.