ianain

Them roosting fish are like that

Back to not knowing what to think or make of it Leave it to the 'experts' and start reading more of the posts

That's good though isn't it, keeps numbers down since there are only so many Kms of watercourse

A male otter can have a range of 40Km (25 miles) watercourse, and they set up a few base camps along the way, the females have smaller ranges. Now I'm thinking this may be why they don't eat much and just move along, something quick and light to keep them going. Since they control such a large range, there shouldn't be too many otters in an area. Many of the young die, some from fighting with other otters when moving through their territory.

Keep forgetting about eagles, I did consider dogs but changed my mind after Nicks comment about the foxes being chased off. But it does make sense. Now here's an interesting read which incidently answers your question Danny. I must admit, since reading it I'm starting to form new opinions and coming up with new theories (this could get dangerous )

I presume otters have no competition? (nothing preys on them)

The present bridge was completed in 1937 Cropredy Bridge that is. Think I've mentioned the chub under it before? if not, I have now. Not sure the cricket club let anyone fish there any-more, used to fish it quite a lot with bread and hemp.

Here you go gov:

They're a folk band, I used to live in Cropredy (not far from the battle field) for a while, I was never interested enough in listening to 'where on the stair', and 'all around my at' and there were far too many magic puffing dragons for my liking; Status Quo, Alice Cooper, and many others have been there, but I couldn't justify the price for an hour. Where I live now I can hear it when the wind blows in the right direction. I travel hundreds of miles to festivals, and don't go to the one on my door step. Now though, every man and his dog are trying to have a xstock, my village included; ours is more a beer festival though so I do feel obliged to support the initiative.

Have a look at this CM, third page, titled The battlefield today

Nige beat me to it. The field (top right) is where I think the main battle took place, there is a plaque by the bridge giving details. And many happy campers have stayed there for Fairport.

No, Cropredy. I've walked a lot of the canal last 5 / 6 months (drop shotting, just looking) from Napton southwards and that's the only sign I've seen. There are loads of people walking / cycling etc. them these days; hard to find somewhere to fish sometimes, found a couple of potential places. Still haven't caught anything drop shotting , but it really is a nice way to fish in the cold you get to see so much.

Plenty of them around, it was cold though so most stayed indoors and they're on the opposite bank; long walk round or risk the locks

It's how cleanly eaten it is that's odd, rats is a good call; thought birds of prey would peck randomly and fox would carry away or rip to pieces?

As you say, no one knows what had it or a share in it. Just blaming the poor old otters, might not have been one. I doubt fox involvement as they would drag something so small off with them, it's a busy stretch of canal and there are far too many 'scent trails' going on for foxes to stay around too long - so I supposed it may have been inquisitive hounds? but again they would just rip it apart?

Found this whilst walking along a local canal: Quite surprised to find so much of it eaten, normally find them with just their bellies missing. IMO ist's not so bad when they eat most of it, it's when they have a bite and leave the rest.

I think that they're a solution to a problem that doesn't exist: to qualify this a bit (my logic) - if your hands can tie your hook bait to the ring, you should be able to form a d-rig either by whipping or blobbing. Doesn't mean that they won't be useful to someone though. Just my take on it.

I think it may be partly because the oil is lighter than water and part trapping air? I've had it myself, my hand are always dry (can't (o.k. find it difficult) open bags in shops or turn pages in a book, and these new notes are a nightmare), but if I touch the lens of my glasses, I can barely see out of them they're covered in oil. And there is a transfer of whatever coats your hook baits.

Welcome to the forum. I don't want to put you off, but, why do you think you want 13ft 3.5lb tc rods? With so much information written, it can be confusing and puzzling for people new to fishing to decide what tackle they need; I get the feeling that you have looked at your chosen venue and decided you will need to cast vast distances and looked at the tools to do that - 20 / 20 for doing your research. There's more to casting distance than getting long rods.

I suspect that the link has been coated with oil, probably from your hands when tying the loop knot; what you can do is rub a little tungsten putty or plasticine into the braids and knot to help it sink.

Yes I use them on occasions, I have better days than others at hand tying loops - it's not always the fault of the material; by that I don't mean it's all the fault of the material and not mine. Like you though smuft, nice neat small loops - I also like the Gardner loop tier when I want to put a pellet band or bait stop on the loop.

Cross post , when I had my GSD he was with me all the time, I took him to work and fishing so we were together all the time.

It's mainly down to the owner, if you've had training in how to look after your dog and are confident in doing so then you should be alright. I had an Alsatian I used to take fishing and he was fine, unfortunately the dogs I've had since have been family dogs and my family is not trainable. I currently have a re-homed lab / lurcher cross and she is skittish and there is no way without tying her down that I could keep her in one place.

If he's a good mate, will he let you have a play with them? It's the best way to find out if they suit you.