Folks, than a ton for the replies! After reading all the information, I'm putting my money on an Otter.
Reason being, back in the summer we found droppings on the top of the deck, but didn't know what they were from. I remember seeing a lot of what looked like small white particles. At the time I had no idea of what Otter droppings looked like. Those white particles must have been scales. Searching the internet I found some black and white pics, and they back-up my blief that they were Otter droppings. What further confused me is that the amount of the droppings were enough for 5 or 6 humans!
Being that this property is a weekend retreat type, it makes self-trapping dificult at best. It would also answer your question as to why we have not seen the Otter. I do know the local conservation officer, so I will contact him this week in hopes of locating someone who can assist in trapping this no-good fish robbing pest.
