Abstract: A trap having jaws closed by a spring and a winding shaft on which the operating spring is mounted. The shaft is capable of being rotated in one direction by use of a lever to apply a selected amount of tension to the spring and normally is held against rotation in the opposite direction by a ratchet mechanism. The trap has a trigger assembly connected to a bait holder by a release member so that the set trap is released only in response to a pull exerted on the bait holder.