otter question

[wormbobskey]

Can any of you experienced trappers give me your opinions on the issue of the bottom edge otter set? We get our first otter season around here this year and I'm wanting to pick up my share. I plan to make a lot of beaver sets on the river and am hoping for an inccidental otter catch, but would really like to improve my odds of picking up an otter or two. I made a post a few months ago about otter, but would still like to hear as much as I can about them and any possible sets. Thanks, Worm.

[RdFx]

Worm;  Bvr swim where otter swim, otter swim where bvr swim! You have to have the bottom edge sets set up before the otter comes  to an area.  Otter visit all active and non active bvr ponds.  So  set up as many places as you can where otter inhabit or travel to and from.  Another hint is be PATIENT.  Some times you can get an otter the next day and sometimes it can be a month or more... Good luck and patience.

[Asa Lenon]

Here is an otter set as described in one of my Dad's 1950's trapping tips literature:
                             OTTER “ALL CALL" SET
     A big problem in otter trapping is to make one’s sets so that they overcome the otter’s swimming with its front feet folded and rear feet extended back and out.
     Here is a set that overcomes this.  After locating where otter frequent an area, locate a place where the water is 10” deep and the bank is at least 2’ high.  Dig a hole 6” in diameter, 15” deep into the bank and 18” above the water line.  Set a very well covered trap one foot out from the bank, directly below the hole, and one foot out from the bank.   Use a quantity of Lenon’s Otter Super All Call lure the size of a large bean on a twig or chip and place it a foot back into the hole.  Place the same quantity on another twig or chip and pin it to the bank six inches above the hole.  If bait is desired, fresh fish or a fresh shrimp is the best bait.   Place bait in the very back of the hole.
     When otter investigate the hole and lure, the water is deep enough so that the trap is not sprung by the otter’s body.  As the otter places its front feet on the bank to peek into the hole, it will drop its rear feet to the bottom and into the trap.
                    --Compliments of Lenon’s Animal Lures --

[steven49er]

You can and  will catch otter anywhere you can catch a beaver.  Personally I am not a big fan of the BE set for otter in open water, just my own personal opinion.  

Another hint is to gang set, doubles on otter are not uncommon, and triples do occur.  

Like Lee said patience is a prerequisite especially if the population is sparse.  I have set on fresh sign and waited up to five weeks for him to come back.  Sometimes they never do.