I like to use visual bait, marshmellows, I like one or two big ones hanging from a piece of clothes hanger right over the back of the pan and a few of the multi colored ones scattered around. I like vanilla wafers as well. If the skunks are moving either wrap your trap or get it off the ground or you'll have an unpleasant suprise. If you are no where near farm cats or town then you can use a good fishy bait, but same thing, skunks love fishy baits as well. I do not cover the bottom of the trap for coons. Yes the store bought traps will hold a coon. Most of my coon traps are 12x12x36.