how do you unhook snapping or loggerhead turtles when fishing?

Question

without getting bit cause i hear they can do a damage to fingers or is it just better to cut the line?

when i was a kid my dad and others just cut the line but i didnt know if there actually was a safe way to unhook them.

Answer 1

Well im pretty sure that here in Wisconsin you need a small game license to take a turtle of any kind as far as killing and eating. Im not sure if theres a season or if its year round either so id check your state regs if you like to harvest turtles

As far as getting your hook back. Id snap the line near the hook as carefully as possible. Youde be suprised how long thier necks are and trust me...you really dont wanna have that suprise clamped down on your hand. The hook will basicly dissolve eventually and the turtle will be fine. Like others have said...you can go buy another hook...you cant go buy another hand or more fingers. Those snappers are some nasty creatures. Nasty powerful jaws in front of bad attitudes will ruin your fishing trip, your day, and possibly your life (having one hand would suck) if youre not careful. Leave em alone if you can. Ill never forget the snapper we saw in Canada. He was sunning himself on a huge boulder and he had to go 200 to 250 lbs and thats not an exaggeration. He was HUGE! We passed him slowly so we could get a good look at him and he looked at us like " what the hell are you @ssholes gonna do?" He had to be 100 years old. Was pretty awesome to see one that big..

Answer 2

You want your hook back safely? Make soup. Other than that, cut the line, not too close, though, because if it lunges it can still get your fingers. As far as them being able to break a 2x4? That's a load of crap. Yes, they can do some major damage to dowels and branches and such, and a big one could easily take your hand, but a pressure treated 2x4? I laugh. Honestly and loudly.

Maybe one of those fish dehooker things..... might be worth a shot if you have one, but be prepared... you might not have much of a dehooker left once it gets to the hook.

Edited to add.....
If you do decide to make soup, make sure that what you have is a common snapper and not an alligator snapper. I'm not sure if gator snappers are federally protected, but I know in many states, they're considered an endangered species....

Answer 3

Wow interesting question. Yes snapping turtles can do serious damage. Ive seen medium sized snappers break a 2x4. Best to just cut the line and try again.

Answer 4

I would shoot it, but since it is illegal in the State of Georgia to kill and Alligator Snapping Turtle, I just cut the line...the hook will rust out in a few days to a week...but my fingers will never grow back...those things are vicious...

I cut the line when I deep hook a bass too...it has a better chance of living if I don't mess with it's insides...

Answer 5

Dealing with toothy saltwater fish (like barracuda or sharks) we use needlenose pliers. I wouldn't put my fingers anywhere near their mouths -- but with fish we don't have to worry about them twisting their necks and getting you.

In the salt we also occasionally hook cormorants, which have long necks and very sharp beaks. While holding the bird's body in one hand, pull the line tight with another hand to extend the neck, then with a third hand use the needlenose pliers to get the hook out. (Yes, this takes two people.) If the neck is extended, it can't swing around and snap at you. I think this approach would also work with turtles if they aren't too big.

If you can't get the hook out safely, just cut the line as close to the hook as possible.

Answer 6

Well carefully is how I would unhook them , Cutting the line is the best method

I have unhooked them before I get them to bite a stick and pin their jaw to the ground with one hand then use my other hand to get the hook out . But I wouldnt suggest it unless you know how to do this

Answer 7

Cut the line immediately,Loggerhead Turtles are internationally protected!!!!!Very Very large fines!!!!

Answer 8

Well, if you cut the line, you waste a tasty turtle, hold the shell, when he comes out, cut the head and then you got turtle steak!

Answer 9

Wow, I just realized I can't answer this, because I live in Alaska, and there are no reptiles here, they can't survive the harsh climate. But I do run into the occasional bear. I would probably just cut the line.

Answer 10

you don't unhook them you cut the line. snapping turtles are dangerous and you shouldn't screw with them. but if you insist upon getting your hook back i recommend a hammer. just kidding don't hit the cute, little turtles.