The Flat Set Fix DVD – Kellen Kaatz

Dirt hole and flat sets make up the bulk of a good fox and coyote trapper’s arsenal, but the flat set is probably one of the least understood sets in trapping. While most beginning predator trappers learn to master the dirt hole, the flat set comes later. Flat sets add variety to a trapline, and can be much more effective than dirt hole sets in many situations, but getting the flat set right can be a long and difficult process.

In “The Flat Set Fix“, Kellen Kaatz takes trappers through his process of making flat sets on a northern Illinois coyote line. Kaatz is an accomplished coyote trapper and lure maker, and author of the recent “Black Book of Coyote Trapping”, a go-to resource for today’s coyote trapper. In this hour-long DVD, Kellen shows examples of several variations on the flat set that work well for him. You’ll pick up on subtle details that often can’t be explained in a book or a simple conversation.

Here are a few key points I learned from “The Flat Set Fix”:
-use the largest trap possible in flat sets to maximize catch area
-blend the trap bed well – you want it to look just like the surrounding ground
-use subtle objects to guide the animal’s foot onto the trap pan area
-make the set such that it’s only worked from the trap side
-mix and match ‘obnoxious’ and subtle style sets on your line

There’s no way a one-hour video can teach you all you need to know about the flat set, but this one will get you off to a great start. The focus is on the midwest coyote line, which means most sets are in farm ground, and grass is a major component to the flat set here. While the sets are different than flat sets you’d see in the timbered East or arid West, the concepts are the same.

There were a few video and audio issues (in other words, it’s a typical trapping video – nothing is perfect!). Audio is up and down, the camera bounces in some scenes, and video/audio aren’t always in perfect sync. But that said, the information in this DVD is well worth the cost, and it’s still easy and entertaining to watch.

Whether you’re looking to learn the flat set for the first time, or want to pick up a few pointers to improve your flat set game, “The Flat Set Fix” is a great resource for the coyote and fox trapper. And it’s only $15 bucks!