Is a 220 or a 280 better, and what brand?

Both work, if you have tight spot the 220 may be the best choice, but in most situations I think the 280 is ideal. Probably more are caught in 330s set for beaver than anything else though. Brand is a personal preference thing and how much you are willing to spend. The belisle traps are some of the nicest body grips to work with, but they have a premium price too. Cheaper brands work too, they are just not as nice.

I agree with everything Seth said.

I agree with Seth also. I will.add that the Belisle spring latches and tightly closing jaws are what make them good BGs.

280s are the best otter BG.

It's a regional thing really, like many other aspects of trapping. If I was trapping the swamps of the south I'm sure I would use 280's-330's primarily and I do use them here in the north. However due to shallow rocky streams that I trap and the fact that the trap must be submerged by law, I use far more 220's.

A 220 is an otter trap.

I have caught more otters in 220s than any other trap.

If you have a tight spot the 220 may be the best choice, but in most situations I think the 280 is ideal. The 280 will take those large beaver that may shy from the smaller 220 as well as the rats and mink taken in the 220,

Belisle 280, end of subject. I just ordered a few and I can't wait to run them.

I use a lot of 220's and 330's, and after I got to handle 280's and set them, I'm sold. They are the Goldie Locks of traps. They are the perfect size for otters, work great on beavers, and hammer coons and nutria.

The 330 is okay, but there is too much wiggle room for me. The 220 is good, but I need to really have a choke point or fence in the set. Where the 220 shines is in bucket sets and cubby boxes in shallow water. When that otter sticks his head in one he is dead. But the 280 just fits the bill for the all around perfect otter trap. If I could find a local buyer for my 220's and 330's I'd sell them all and just run 280's.