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Viewing 1 to (14 Total) Otters back at Retreat |
Total Posts: 10
Joined: August 4, 2020
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Hi Guys
Fished at Retreat Farm Pool 1 yesterday. I'm afraid shortly after setting up I spotted a mink on the peg platform on the opposite side of the bank to where I was fishing and just off the island I saw a couple of otters. After seeing them I decided to have a walk around the pool to see if I could see any remains they have left but I didn' see anything or any signs of scales. Their was no mistaking them for otters as later in the day they appeared under my rod tips. As i was packing up I again saw one of them but it was out of the pool and was running over the field towards the river. With how close it was to me I'd say it's not a juvenile otter it was quite a big adult and would decimate the pool stocks if it decides to stay at Retreat.
Just thought I'd let you guys know what I saw as there was no one else there yesterday and hopefully the fishery manager may see this and keep his eyes open for them.
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Posted on October 25, 2020 at 9:16 AM
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Total Posts: 280
Joined: December 27, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Over a week and more than 260 views - and not a single comment for the BAA head honchos....
Posted on November 4, 2020 at 8:27 PM
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Total Posts: 191
Joined: May 3, 2016
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Yeah but the 2021 membership on sale now!!!!
Posted on November 4, 2020 at 8:39 PM
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Total Posts: 10
Joined: August 4, 2020
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
KenL it's disappointing to say the least really
I tried to fish Retreat 4 days after I reported this but due to the lack of interest I didn't think anyone would be bothered to know what I saw, the fish scales around the pegs or how it fished. I know everyone pretty much prefers to fish the rivers as I do but Retreat is still one of our waters and is it better than we don't know if there are any fish left in a pool while we spent all day waiting for a bite that we won't get. I hoped someone would have at least replied or advised if they had seen something similar or encountered. Unless it's a double figure barbel I don't think many people are to bothered.
Posted on November 4, 2020 at 10:41 PM
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Total Posts: 407
Joined: June 10, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Barring putting otter fencing up, there's not much the BAA can do about predation from the pools there. With them being in close vicinity to the river, they will always visit the pools for a free lunch.
I'm guessing putting fences up would depend on what the landowners say, and their effectiveness depends on whether people keep gates shut etc.
JC
Posted on November 5, 2020 at 9:16 AM
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Total Posts: 191
Joined: May 3, 2016
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
The farmer/Landowner seems pretty keen at retreat,he stepped in before the baa regarding illegal night fishing,the last time I went he personally made sure everyone was off the water at a certain time and I presume he pushed the association to fit a locked gate. Let's hope he as passionate about otters.
Posted on November 5, 2020 at 11:47 AM
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Total Posts: 663
Joined: May 30, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Everything Johnny has said above is correct.I suppose if fencing was to be put up then issue of gates being left open could be solved by using spring hinges that shut behind you.Let’s face it some members can’t be arsed to shut some of our car park gates behind them so as you say the fences are useless if the gates are left open.
Posted on November 5, 2020 at 5:06 PM
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Total Posts: 15
Joined: November 6, 2020
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
It's a shame if fish stocks are being depleted by otters, but "we" ( the land owner / BAA ) have gifted them a stocked larder. It's up to "us" to protect what we have stocked, with the correct fencing. I've fished retreat pool 1 twice in the last three weeks because it's local to me, blank first time, a lovely 13lb mirror on Friday 6th. So i have to say i'm chuffed with the fishing there so far.
Posted on November 7, 2020 at 7:09 PM
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Total Posts: 821
Joined: July 4, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
When considering what angling club to join, and if your interest is mainly still water the main consideration would be are their water's otter proof?
The easy take away facility we provide for the Otter merely promotes their sustainability in their preferred rivers habitat.
Food availability determines Otter numbers, so the local pond sustains an unnatural amount of Otter that far exceeds past numbers.
Coupled with Otter having no man or beast that predates on them, its going only one way...unless we take steps to protect what we have, its just good management practise after all..
Posted on November 8, 2020 at 6:04 AM
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Total Posts: 130
Joined: February 26, 2016
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Any otter-proof fence also needs to be badger and fox proof too.
It is no solution if animals can dig holes through which otters just walk to get their dinner.
Posted on November 8, 2020 at 6:06 AM
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Total Posts: 821
Joined: July 4, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Any holes can be repaired, far better than having the perimeter unfenced.
Posted on November 8, 2020 at 7:52 AM
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Total Posts: 130
Joined: February 26, 2016
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
There is no mention in my post of not having a fence, so, onelastcast, I don't know what you are babbling about.
Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure!
A simple buried chicken wire around a fence perimeter would probably suffice, which should keep out any diggers.
Posted on November 9, 2020 at 6:17 AM
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Total Posts: 821
Joined: July 4, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
No need for the negative comment Tracker, I was not having a swipe at your post, so wind your neck in.
Posted on November 9, 2020 at 6:35 AM
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Total Posts: 663
Joined: May 30, 2015
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Re: Otters back at Retreat
Oh god...here we go again
Posted on November 9, 2020 at 8:27 AM
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