Today I went fishing for some snapper turtles in a Pennsylvania pond. Why would I do that? If you fish or hunt other animals, why not? Snapper turtles are a valuable food source in most areas. You will be helping the ecosystem by harvesting snapper turtles according to regulations. You will also be putting food on the table or in the freezer.
Everything needs balance and our water ways are no different. Ponds, lakes, creeks and rivers are are a source of snapper turtles. Every state has it's own laws and regulations about snapper turtles. First step would be to research regulations and also acquire any needed licenses or permits. You will also need to check out the allowed methods to catch snapper turtles.
Snapper turtles can and will clear a pond out. They will eat the fish and other animals like birds and ducks. Some ducks can be seen with one leg and that's from snapper turtles getting a hold of them. Each pond can sustain only a certain amount of snappers. Since snapper turtles don't have natural predators, it's our job to harvest them.
I will explain how I go fishing for snapper turtles in my area of Pennsylvania. This is not the only way but it is the way that works for me. I like to use hooks on a rope with bait. In Pennsylvania we have to use turtle hooks. They are 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. This is to keep other animals from being able to swallow the hook. About the only other thing you may catch is a catfish. If you catch catfish in the following method, they need to be released.
Bait is a hot topic and everyone seems to have there own favorite. The most important factor is that other critters will be eating your bait before the snappers get to it. A way to get around this is to use durable bait. Chicken liver is too soft so I use chicken gizzards instead. Chicken gizzards are fairly easy to use and handle. Some people like to use ground hogs with the skin intact, but those critters stink and I don't want to handle them.
I use about 12 feet of thin, strong rope connected to the 3" turtle hook. Then I either tie the other end to a stationary object or a stake I put into the ground. It's usually easiest to just tie them all to stakes then wrap the rope around it for easy transport.
In Pennsylvania I can set as many lines as I like. I usually wont set more than 10 lines in an area because I will probably forget where I put them. Some people mark the line with a ribbon but that makes it easy for poachers to mess with your line. If you choose to leave your lines untended you will have to have each line tagged with your name, address, and phone number. You can make labels from little rectangles cut from soda cans. Use a ball point pen to inscribe your information.
I recommend setting your lines as close to dark as possible. This keeps most kids and poachers away. It also gives your target species a better chance to get to the bait before others do. Just tie or stake your line, then bait and toss.
Wake up early the next morning to check your lines. Take caution because most times the turtles will be waiting on land when they are caught. You can easily loose a finger or body part so be careful. Pick up your line and pull slowly till you have your snapper turtle on land. It's best to hold the snapper turtle by the tail and use the rope to control the head. Keep the turtle away from your body as you hold it.
That's how you catch snapper turtles and we wish you luck. We will shortly be putting up a cooking video on our YouTube channel so please subscribe.
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