How To Fish For Snapping Turtles: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you fish for snapping turtles? Yes, you can legally fish for snapping turtles in many areas, but it’s crucial to know and follow your local regulations. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about catching snapping turtles safely and effectively. From finding them to setting traps and handling these ancient reptiles, we cover it all.

How To Fish For Snapping Turtles
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Discovering Snapping Turtle Habitats

Finding snapping turtles is the first step in successful turtle fishing. These turtles are widespread, inhabiting a variety of freshwater environments. They prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters. Think about places like:

Ponds: Many ponds, especially those with soft, muddy bottoms, are prime snapping turtle real estate.
Lakes: Quieter bays and shallows of lakes are often good spots.
Slow Rivers and Creeks: Areas with gentle currents and plenty of cover are ideal.
Swamps and Marshes: These wetland environments offer abundant food and hiding places.

When you’re looking for them, pay attention to areas with:

Sunken Logs and Debris: Turtles love to bask on or hide near these.
Overhanging Vegetation: This provides shade and ambush points for prey.
Muddy or Sandy Bottoms: They often burrow into the substrate.

Spotting Snapping Turtles in the Wild

Once you’re in a likely habitat, how do you actually see them?

Basking: On warm, sunny days, snapping turtles will come out to bask. Look for them on logs, rocks, or the bank. They might look like logs themselves, so keep a sharp eye out.
Shallows: Sometimes, you’ll see their heads or shells poking out of the water in shallow areas, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Disturbed Water: If you see a sudden ripple or disturbance in the water near the bank or submerged objects, it might be a turtle moving.

Essential Gear for Turtle Fishing

To successfully catch snapping turtles, you’ll need the right equipment. Safety and effectiveness are key.

Choosing the Right Bait for Snapping Turtles

What do snapping turtles eat? They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. This makes them eager to take a variety of baits.

Popular Bait Options:

Fish Scraps: Leftover parts from cleaning fish are excellent.
Chicken Guts or Necks: The strong smell attracts turtles.
Raw Meat: Any type of raw meat, like beef or pork, can work.
Sausage: Smelly, fatty sausages are very effective.
Canned Dog or Cat Food: The strong aroma is a powerful attractant.
Worms: Large earthworms can also work, especially for smaller turtles.

The best bait is often something smelly and meaty. Turtles have a good sense of smell, and strong odors will draw them to your trap or line.

Setting Up Your Turtle Traps

Turtle trapping is a common and effective method for catching snapping turtles. There are several types of traps, and knowing how to set them is vital.

Types of Turtle Traps

Net Traps: These are typically cylinder-shaped nets with funnel entrances. Once a turtle enters, it’s difficult for it to get out.
Cage Traps: Similar to net traps, these are made of wire mesh and have one-way entrances. They are very durable.
Hoop Nets: These are large nets supported by metal hoops, often used in rivers.
DIY Traps: Many anglers create their own traps using materials like chicken wire or PVC pipes.

How to Set Turtle Traps

Setting a trap correctly ensures it’s effective and placed where turtles are likely to find it.

Location, Location, Location: Place your trap in shallow water (2-5 feet deep) where turtles are known to frequent. Near logs, vegetation, or known basking spots is ideal.
Secure the Trap: Ensure the trap is anchored securely to the bottom so it doesn’t float away or get moved by currents or large animals. Use weights or stakes.
Baiting the Trap: Place your chosen bait inside the trap. For net or cage traps, you can hang the bait from the top or place it in a mesh bag within the trap.
Entrances: Make sure the trap’s entrances are clear and accessible. If using a net trap, the funnel entrance should be open and inviting.
Check Regularly: It’s crucial to check your traps frequently, at least once a day. This prevents stress on any caught turtles and reduces the risk of other animals interfering.

Fishing with Lines and Hooks

Another popular method is turtle fishing with a rod and reel or trotlines.

Rod and Reel Setup

Sturdy Rod and Reel: You need gear that can handle the weight and strength of a large turtle. A medium-heavy or heavy-action rod is recommended.
Strong Line: Use braided line or heavy monofilament line (50-100 lb test).
Large Hooks: Circle hooks or J-hooks in sizes 10/0 to 14/0 are suitable. Circle hooks are often preferred as they tend to hook the turtle in the corner of its mouth, reducing gut-hooking.
Dropper Rig or Snag Rig: A dropper rig involves attaching a leader with bait to your main line. A snag rig uses multiple hooks without bait, designed to snag the turtle’s shell or leg.

Trotlines and Jug Fishing

Trotlines: These are long lines with many baited hooks attached at intervals. They are set across rivers or channels.
Jug Fishing: This involves tying baited lines to buoyant jugs. The jugs float on the surface, and when a turtle bites, it will often pull the jug under or move it erratically.

Setting Lines Safely and Legally

Marker Buoys: Always mark your lines with visible buoys that clearly identify you as the owner (name and address might be required by law).
Regulations: Check local fishing regulations for specific rules on trotlines, jug fishing, and the types of hooks allowed.
Depth: Set lines at depths where turtles are likely to be feeding or moving.

The Art of Turtle Retrieval and Handling

Catching a snapping turtle is one thing; safely retrieving and handling it is another. These creatures have powerful jaws and can inflict serious injury.

Safely Retrieving a Caught Turtle

Approach with Caution: Never approach a turtle from the front. Always come from behind.
Secure the Shell: The safest way to handle a snapping turtle is by its shell, specifically the back part of the carapace (upper shell) and the tail.
Use Tools: Long-handled nets, pliers, or a turtle grabber can help you maintain distance.
Avoid the Head: Keep your hands and fingers away from the front of the turtle, as its neck can extend surprisingly far and fast.
Container: Have a secure container ready. A sturdy plastic tub or a strong burlap sack works well.

Handling Snapping Turtles

Two-Handed Grip: If you must pick up a larger turtle without tools, use both hands to firmly grasp the sides of the shell towards the rear.
Preventing Bites: Be aware of the turtle’s range of motion. Even when you think it’s secured, it might be able to reach you.
Weight: Snapping turtles can be heavy. If you’re not strong enough to lift one safely, get help or use a different method.

Releasing or Keeping

Regulations: If you’re not keeping the turtle for food, release it immediately and gently back into the water, away from your gear.
Tagging: If you’re participating in any research or conservation efforts, follow proper tagging procedures.
Conservation: Be mindful of turtle populations. Only take what you need and what is legally allowed.

Legal Ways to Catch Turtles

It’s absolutely essential to fish for turtles legally. Regulations vary significantly by state and even by local jurisdiction.

Researching Local Laws

Before you even think about setting a trap or line, do your homework:

State Wildlife Agency: Visit the website of your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Wildlife Service. They will have detailed information on fishing regulations.
Fishing License: Ensure you have the correct fishing license. Some states require specific permits or endorsements for turtle fishing.
Seasons: There might be specific seasons when turtle fishing is permitted.
Size and Bag Limits: Most regulations will specify the minimum size of turtles you can keep and the number you are allowed to possess.
Gear Restrictions: Certain types of traps or fishing methods might be prohibited. For example, some areas ban snagging or certain types of net traps.
Protected Species: Be aware that some turtle species are protected and cannot be targeted or possessed. Ensure you can correctly identify snapping turtles.

Common Legal Restrictions to Be Aware Of:

No Interstate Transport: Many states prohibit transporting turtles across state lines.
Habitat Protection: Avoid damaging sensitive wetland habitats when setting traps or lines.
Public Safety: Ensure your gear does not pose a hazard to boaters or swimmers.
Permits for Commercial Fishing: If you plan to catch turtles for commercial purposes, you will likely need a special commercial fishing license and permits.

Advanced Turtle Hunting Strategies

For those looking to refine their turtle fishing, consider these advanced techniques.

Understanding Turtle Behavior Patterns

To become a more successful turtle hunter, you need to think like a turtle.

Seasonal Movements: Turtles are more active during warmer months. In colder weather, they may hibernate or become less mobile.
Feeding Times: They are often most active during dawn and dusk, though they can feed at any time.
Shelter: They seek shelter in dense vegetation, under logs, or by burrowing in the mud.

Optimizing Trap Placement

Beyond just putting a trap in water, think about strategic placement:

Near Food Sources: Place traps near areas where their prey (fish, amphibians, insects) congregates.
Travel Lanes: Turtles often follow predictable paths along shorelines or through channels. Placing traps in these “highways” can increase your chances.
Escape Routes: Be mindful that turtles might try to escape. Ensure your trap design and placement minimize easy escape routes.

Using Scent Trails

For line fishing, creating a scent trail can lead turtles directly to your bait.

Dragged Bait: Drag a piece of your bait along the bottom or through the water towards your trap or fishing spot.
Scent Dispensers: Some anglers use porous bags filled with bait that slowly release scent into the water.

Specific Techniques for Catching Snapping Turtles

Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics of actually catching them.

Using Hoop Nets for Snapping Turtles

Hoop nets are effective for passive turtle fishing.

Construction: They are funnel-shaped nets supported by rigid hoops.
Setting: You anchor the wide end (entrance) and place bait inside. The net tapers to a smaller opening where the turtle is contained.
Deployment: They are best set in areas with some current to help guide turtles into the entrance. Ensure they are anchored well and marked properly.

The Art of Snapping Turtle Traps

When using cage or net traps, consider these points:

Mesh Size: Ensure the mesh is small enough to prevent smaller turtles from escaping but large enough for your target species.
Bait Placement: Make the bait visible and accessible from the entrance.
Submergence: Most traps should be fully submerged.

Snagging Techniques (Where Legal)

Snagging involves using a weighted line with a large, barbed hook to snag a turtle, typically by its shell or limb.

Heavy Gear: Use heavy-duty fishing rods, reels, and lines.
Large Hooks: Employ large, strong hooks, often with barbs.
Casting and Dragging: Cast the line into areas where turtles are likely to be and drag it along the bottom or through the water column.
Snagging Motion: When you feel a tug, set the hook with a strong upward jerk.
Safety: This method can be dangerous to the turtle if not done properly and can also be dangerous for the angler. Always ensure it’s legal in your area and practice extreme caution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about fishing for snapping turtles.

What is the best time of year to catch snapping turtles?

The best time of year is generally from spring through fall, when the water is warmer and turtles are most active. Early morning and late evening are often prime feeding times.

Are snapping turtles dangerous?

Yes, snapping turtles can be dangerous. They have powerful jaws capable of inflicting serious bites, and their necks can extend surprisingly far and fast. Always handle them with extreme caution and from a safe distance.

How can I identify a snapping turtle?

Snapping turtles have a distinctive appearance: a rough, ridged shell (carapace), a long neck, a powerful tail, and a relatively small plastron (bottom shell). They are often larger than other common turtle species.

What is the legal way to catch turtles?

The legal way involves following all local, state, and federal fishing regulations. This includes having the proper licenses, adhering to seasons, size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions. Always research your specific location’s rules before fishing.

Can I use a trotline to catch snapping turtles?

Yes, trotlines can be effective for catching snapping turtles, provided they are legal in your area. Ensure you use appropriate bait and follow all marking and deployment regulations.

Is turtle trapping considered legal?

Turtle trapping is legal in many areas, but specific regulations apply. You must use approved trap types, bait them correctly, and check them regularly. Always verify local laws regarding turtle trapping.

Conclusion: Responsible Turtle Fishing

Catching snapping turtles can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique challenge and a connection to nature. By following this guide, prioritizing safety, and respecting all fishing regulations, you can enjoy successful and responsible turtle fishing. Remember that conservation is key; only take what you need and ensure you’re contributing to healthy aquatic ecosystems. Happy fishing!