ACTUALLY - It is a myth that turtles damage fish population in ponds, as far as them eating them and what not. They are too slow to catch most fish. Snappers have to sit very still with their tongue wiggling to land a fish, and most other types of turtles eat something else. This info is in Oklahoma Hunters Guide they put out each fall, so I constantly show it or relay it to folks who "turtle hunt" because they think the turtles are messing up their fishing. The turtles are actually harmless. Please don't hurt them, shoot them, kill them, rip the hook out etc. No, I am no tree hugger, but I do love animals, and turtles are at the top of my list. It might be a pain to hook em and get the hook out, but consider it good practice for when you catch a large fish. Besides, thats just a risk you take when you fish. It's not like a turtle intentionally ruins your day, but if you are harming or killing them, you are intentionally ruining theirs! God Bless