snapping turtles

[jtk2]

theres a pond i fish alot that has at least a dozen huge snappers. thats mostly where i accidentally catch them. its not uncommon to see 2 25lb+ snappers sunbathing together on the rocks there.

[loves2fish]

but its in mass though isnt it

[jtk2]

yes it is. i find more of them in small bodies of water than large. there may be more in the large bodies but they could be anywhere. try checking weedy places. they like to sit in them here and i usually find them 10 or shallower.

[loves2fish]

thanks for the tips i know a couple of farm ponds that arent very deep and arent very big but i bet are crawling with turtles. any tips on how to draw them in ?

[fishnmachine]

You're getting all pumped and psyched to catch a big snapper, but bear in mind, not to be a buzz-kill, one wrong move or mistake when handling one, and you're going to the hospital without that finger, hand, or toe. They are not a docile animal. They will attack. Their jaws are like the jaws of life, and they don't let go. I have seen a snapper break a shovel handle. Be careful.

If I really needed to get a snapper, I'd lean more towards the .22 instead of a fishing pole.

[sprkplug]

When we catch a turtle, we place it in a galvanized horse watering trough for a week. Run about 3-4" of water in it, and change the water daily. Turtles are nasty critters, you want to give them some time to clean themselves out before you butcher them. Be sure the trough, or trash can, or whatever, is in the shade, and do not place it too close to the house.....the sound of turtle claws scraping against galvanized metal all night will drive you nuts.

We also use the water hose in the body cavity trick... (after beheading of course).... it really does make the process easier.

[icin_eyes]

My son has been having a blast catching them this summer I set lines. Cut bluegill has worked well. Here are a couple of nice ones.

[0Dark30]

When i was in VT north hartland dam had quite a few big snappers as well as deweys pond in quechee and silver lake over in barnard. I dont know where you  are in VT.