Fish is not the only thing that anglers target. Turtle fishing is also pretty common among fishers. If you are an angler who wants to catch turtles, here is how to catch a turtle with a fishing pole.
Requirements
You will need these things on your fishing pole to get a good catch.
1. Sturdy Fishing Pole
To catch a turtle, you will need a substantial fishing pole. It should not be lightweight as turtles are heavier than fish. You do not want the pole breaking when you have trapped the turtle. Choose a strong pole when casting.
Have a rod with the right flexibility and the right tension to hold the turtle when you are getting it out of water. The reels should also be high speed to withstand the action. Choose a monofilament line for the pole.
2. Decide On The Appropriate Bait
Turtles eat on anything, and therefore creating bait for them won’t be a problem. You can choose to have live baits. Get the best lures that will attract the turtles. When using live traps, fish is the best bait to use. Meaty foods attract them the most. Worms and vegetables like lettuce are all great options.
3. Bobbers And Hooks
Bobbers help determine if you catch a turtle or if it’s a fish. Have the correct bobber and tie it above the hook of your choice. Choose the appropriate knot to tie the hook to the line – something that won’t come out when the turtle is too heavy.
Have the right bobber that aligns with the time of fishing. If you are going to turtle fish at night, use one that glows in the dark. Go for bright bobbers. They are easier to notice when the turtle has been trapped with the bait as it will start going under the water.
4. Slip Sinkers
As you know, the bobber and the hook should be very close to each other. Add a slip sinker to separate the two and give additional weight to the line, and sinks the bait underwater where the turtles stay. The sinkers come in various sizes and shapes, and it is best if you choose the one that matches your preference.
How to Fish In A Spot With A Lot Of Turtles
There are specific places where turtles get concentrated, which is the spot to go for when fishing. Good bait and a right fishing spot are all that is needed to catch a turtle with a fishing pole. Turtles live almost anywhere in the water. It is easier to notice their presence since they like to come out of the water to bask in the sun. They also like to hide underwater while occasionally coming out a little to breathe and then go back inside the water.
It is also crucial to check with the local laws to determine a place to turtle fish. Some places can be restricted due to too much fishing of these species. Before you take your fishing pole, know if there is any permit needed for fishing.
Lastly, ask yourself whether the place you intend to fish is public or private land. Not all places are free for fishing, and some may require a permit to avoid trespassing.
What is Cast Out The Fishing Pole
Pitching or overhead casting are some of the methods you can use with the fishing rod. Firmly grip the fishing pole with your dominant hand. Your hand needs to be placed closer to the reel. Cast the pole forward and allow it to make a catch.
Give it some time when the spot you are fishing at has fewer turtles. You can also change spots if you miss a catch in that specific place. You will notice there is a turtle on the line when you feel the weight pulling down. Reel the line and pull the turtle up and closer to you. If not, have patience and wait a little longer.
How to Removing The Hooks
Turtles need to be taken out with care. You might end up getting bitten on the hands or risk getting a scratch if you are not careful enough. Turtles come in various types, some small, some large; it could be a snapping turtle or any other turtle. Some are more aggressive than others, so it is not advisable to risk, especially when you have no idea about the different types.
If the turtle is small-sized, take it out using your hands since it doesn’t so much like the larger ones. Apply the same method as you would usually with a caught fish. You can as well remove the hooks with needle-nose pliers. Do the reverse of how you had the hook in place before fishing after getting a good grip with the pliers.
For big sized turtles, cover it with a clothing piece to stop them from struggling to bite or scratch in a verge to escape back to the water. Give it something to bite on, like a large stick if it’s aggressive, and protect your fingers. To ensure it doesn’t let go of the bite, hold its head with the stick, so it doesn’t keep moving the head and accidentally dropping the stick from its mouth. Remove the hook with a pliers pair; if you an experienced angle, you can use your hands.
A thick glove also works if you hold it by the skull since not all turtles will stay still, they want to stretch their necks if they are in fear.
Most anglers will accidentally catch a turtle when they go fishing for fish. Some specifically go for the turtles when fishing. Fishing for turtles is easy, and it needs the right technique. Turtles get nervous and when using a fishing pole to catch one, make sure you remove it immediately from the hook before it gets stressed. One thing one shouldn’t forget when catching turtles with a fishing pole is the basics, as it can make you get a good catch or miss a great catch. Snapping turtles are aggressive, and you need to protect your hands from possible bites by covering their head and face with a piece of clothing.
