Snapping Turtles

[FirstnameLastname]

How do you guys handle catching snapping turtles? When I use the occasional worm I will usually catch a big snapping turtle. I find them easy to unhook and I'll put a stick in its mouth and let it go. Do any of you actually target turtles? I don't.

[Heron]

I used to in my younger days.   Snapping turtle is good eatin. 

[bigbill]

I believe there protected here. I've pulled up 235-15 jeep tire sized turtles on Excalibur silver thread line. One place has a 4' diameter snapper with a big human sized head. Beaware these snappers sit on the bottom like a rock and will grab any lure that goes by them.

On the down side when snappers are near the bass bite is turned off.

[fishballer06]

I've never caught one, but I'll agree that the fish turn off whenever there is one around. 

[FirstnameLastname]

I dint know that the turtles will affect the bass bite. Thanks for the info.

[aavery2]

Use to catch them when I was much younger, sold them to a gentleman that turned them into soup. 

[bigbill]

That car tire sized turtle was clawing up the drop off all the way in. First he was right side up, then upside down he fought breek and claw all the way in. My Excalibur silver thread copolymer line held up to quite a abrasion test. I finally cut it loose.

Soon after it got darker the cat fishing was awesome.

[geo g]

I have caught several good size ones in the 2 foot range. I found them tough to get off the bottom. I thought I was snagged but every once in a while I could feel a little movement. 20 pound Big Game got them in.

[Darren.]

Caught several, and if I can - like you - I'll free them and release them. I mostly catch mud turtles if I'm using a live worm though, and on docks.

 

If the hook is lodged and nothing I do can set it "free" from the snapper, I cut the line as close to the hook eye as is safe and let it go. That's been only one instance that I can recall. The rest were set free sans hook.

 

My brother and I have tried to catch some - for "fun" - not for eats. Always catch, photo, release. Strong interest in herpetology, soooooo.....

[Ginosocalbass]

ive had them eat 7" swimbaits off the surface in 5 feet of water.   they will eat what they want to eat. lol

 

 

they are to much work for the meat on them. but i hear the soup is very tasty

[Bluebasser86]

Use to catch them when I was much younger, sold them to a gentleman that turned them into soup. 

Used to do the same. Used a basic setline like I was fishing for catfish except they were set very shallow in mucky areas. I caught some big ones but the biggest was about 30 pounds and a couple feet across. 

 

I've caught them on lots of different artificials, a long pair of pliers and quick reflexes are the best combo to unhook them. 

[Munkin]

Caught one on a baby brush hog and one on a jig, both were released.

 

Allen

[BasshunterJGH]

My little brother caught one in Nebraska. It came off. It was hooked on the leg. On a crappie jig.