Facts about Otters

[mhall]

Andrew Andrew Andrew. What has all this rain done to you my dear friend? I have spoken to too many folks that their reliable fishing pond is now void of a fishable population of bass due to the arrival of an otter or two. Most likely due to the tight quarters of ponds. I can understand maybe lakes and rivers where a faster fish can escape, but a different set-up in a "fishbowl"-like pond. I am sure there are some that don't mind seeing otters in their fishing areas, but I am not one of them.

Creek you are waisting your time he is on some personal quest to discount the theory that Otters are bad for our waterways. You and I need to slap some sense into him, LOL...
He won't listen to me either......

[mhall]

I saw a family of Otters at Cedar creek lake catch and eat what looked to be an at least three pound plus largemouth and they did it right in front of me and seemingly laughed at me from the bank...

[apb]

Creek you are waisting your time he is on some personal quest to discount the theory that Otters are bad for our waterways. You and I need to slap some sense into him, LOL...
He won't listen to me either......

Nope, no personal quest. Had no idea what the data would indicate. Just wanted to see some real data not the bs that has been flying around here. The data that I've seen shows that you are partially correct: in cases where you have a small contained area, otters can be a problem. I see no indication that they'll eat their weight in fish every day or that they can devistate any place they are present. Show me some real data to back up your hypothesis and I'll happily change my opinion.

Andrew

[mhall]

Nope, no personal quest. Had no idea what the data would indicate. Just wanted to see some real data not the bs that has been flying around here. The data that I've seen shows that you are partially correct: in cases where you have a small contained area, otters can be a problem. I see no indication that they'll eat their weight in fish every day or that they can devistate any place they are present. Show me some real data to back up your hypothesis and I'll happily change my opinion.

Andrew

Yes sir Mr Spock. That BS you posted doesn't disprove or prove anything. I know what I've observed in the field and stand behind what I believe and thats my right to do so.

[apb]

Yes sir Mr Spock. That BS you posted doesn't disprove or prove anything. I know what I've observed in the field and stand behind what I believe and thats my right to do so.

You certainly have the right to believe anything that you want. If you expect anyone to take you seriously you have to actually present solid data. Anecdotal evidence and hyperbol will not go very far in that regard. Like I said, provide some solid evidence and I'll have no problem changing my views on the subject.

Andrew

[mhall]

You certainly have the right to believe anything that you want. If you expect anyone to take you seriously you have to actually present solid data. Anecdotal evidence and hyperbol will not go very far in that regard. Like I said, provide some solid evidence and I'll have no problem changing my views on the subject.

Andrew

Have you considered there may not be any data per say? We have DNR and Conservation officers that go out and make reports on private properties of Otters raping ponds. That was told to me personally by a DNR guy in Indiana. Do I need to get a written signed report for you or did I just make that up, maybe I'm lieing because you know me I do that alot.

Even on Kentucky Afield on one of their call in shows the officers recognized that they can be very problomatic in small waters and in given geographic locations.

Maybe it hasn't went on long enough yet for it to come to light. Maybe the KDFW doesn't want to admit a mistake?
Anybody can look up a wikipedia type thing about Otters. That doesn't mean they can't be a problem. I will do some research and see if there is any way to find documentation of reports taken by CO's about said claims.

Until then you can use words like anecdotal and hyperbol to make me look like an unedumucated redneck I suppose, that certainly solidifies your position, lol.

[mhall]

Oh and it's Hyperbole with an E at least according to the internet, LOL.......

[apb]

...Even on Kentucky Afield on one of their call in shows the officers recognized that they can be very problomatic in small waters and in given geographic locations...

If you read what I wrote in several posts above you'll find that I agree with you on this. In small waters otters can be a problem. I found several sources of data that indicate this (listed in my first post). What I disagree with is that they'll eat their weight in fish every day and they are a problem on all bodies of water. You have yet to provide any data to back this up.

Yeah, my spelling sux!

Andrew

[stripernut1]

fish populations are declining, im not sure why....but its "one way or anotter"

[psprowler]

When you have 15+ years of intimate experience with a creek that drains less than 100 square miles you get a feel for what's going on. I know you have experience with some of these small gems in KY we've both been online for about the same amount of years. I'm going to go with that over some basic facts about the river otter from various state DNRs. I don't care about big rivers or big lakes because I don't fish them. On small bodies of water, especially after dry spells they are detrimental and don't belong. That is my official stance and I will not waver.

Large bodies of water - no official stance.

[fishincreek]

We at least have to give apb credit for giving us a reason to watch our computers during the crappy weather.

[psprowler]

Agree. I would like to see data post introduction at least in Indiana. I believe the release in the patoka lake area was 10+ years ago that's a sufficient amount of time for them to take hold.