Video: Ice Fisherman Catches Otter

*Warning: Video Contains Foul Language*

Earlier this month, angler Keith Poisant Sr. was ice fishing near Grafton, MA, when he hooked what he thought was a state record fish. Whatever was tugging on his line, giving him multiple drag-peeling runs, was going to be big. “I got it to the bottom of the hole a few times before actually being able to see it clearly. Each time it took off, it was yanking my arm down with it.” Poisant repeatedly tried to pull the mystery creature to the hole, and finally succeeded on the fourth try. What he saw was something he never imagined he’d hook in his lifetime: it was a massive river otter.
 
“He must have been 40 lbs”, said Poisant. “After about 8-10 times to the hole I saw the hook. I tried to remove it quickly but the 30-pound fluorocarbon leader finally gave up and snapped, which could have been from his very large teeth as you can see in the video.”

Rather than risk hurting himself or the otter any further, the line snapping may have been the best option the two could have hoped for. In the video, it’s clear that the otter was not seriously injured by the encounter. “The hook was at the edge of his mouth, not far in. Hopefully he works it out. I don’t believe it will affect him eating.”

All in all, Poisant claims the day to be a win. “What a day” he said, “we had six bass, two that weighed 3 1/2 pounds, four chain pickerel and Ollie.” Ollie was the name given to the otter by Keith Poisant and his friend, Dan, who assisted him in the process. Although it’s clear Ollie wasn’t happy to be hooked, we can be certain that he’s happy to be free.