River Otter.  I personally didn't catch it.  Another angler in my boat did.  We were fishing spring salmon on the Cowlitz river using sand shrimp as bait.  We mad the mistake of netting the critter because we thought he was cute.   Bad mistake!!  He didn't like that at all.  Sorry I have no pictures.  We were to busy trying to get him out of the boat and didn't think about pictures.

Ron

 

I pretty regularly fish a place that has a family of 4 river otters in it.  I see them all the time on their back chowing on bluegill.  I am always afraid that I will catch one.  I never cast near them, but they see and hear very well and can cover a lot of water very fast, and there is not enough visibility for me to see them going after a lure.  I suppose it is only a matter of time, since I see them almost every morning I am there.  The only real option is to cut it off because between the claws and teeth, it would be a trip to the emergency room.  But, they arent like a fish, and a hook could cause them serious harm, so I would feel bad.

Alligator gar... In Arizona.

 

I pretty regularly fish a place that has a family of 4 river otters in it.  I see them all the time on their back chowing on bluegill.  I am always afraid that I will catch one.  I never cast near them, but they see and hear very well and can cover a lot of water very fast, and there is not enough visibility for me to see them going after a lure.  I suppose it is only a matter of time, since I see them almost every morning I am there.  The only real option is to cut it off because between the claws and teeth, it would be a trip to the emergency room.  But, they arent like a fish, and a hook could cause them serious harm, so I would feel bad.

My buddies were out this morning.  They are cool, but ruin the fishing I think.  I am guessing the fish all clear out when these guys are active.  That is the female and a juvenile, I think.  The big male was in the water cruising back and forth chuffing at me.

 

Rarest of rare for me is a 30lb silver pike on Wabigoon. Following that, I'd have to say my favorite rare catches are 10lb and over Brook Trout in Canadia, a naturally produced tiger trout, and a naturally produced Tiger Muskie. I've caught some oddball stuff on the flats, as well. Another rare opportunity, in saltwater, I hit a Flats Grand Slam in the same day in Belize. Even better it was on the fly.

Redfin Pickeral

Goose

Duck

Bull Frogs

Blackfish

Trumpet fish (Maui)