Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations A Turtle Story

I went to my pond this afternoon to check the rain gauge (1.35 inches) and to fish a bit. We have had severe drought with temps 98+ so I used a Slider worm for slow presentation.

I cast to a patch of water that looked promising. Just as the worm hit the water, I saw a large turtle head poke up a foot away. I turned the reel handle twice and realized I had accidentally foul hooked the turtle on its neck. I was using a light weight rod with 10 lb Fireline so I had to work it slowly. I managed to get the turtle to the bank for a good look. It was a common snapper - we also have some LARGE alligator snappers in my pond.

Holding the rod in one hand, I stepped back to my golf cart to get my trusty 22 magnum revolver. By then the turtle was swimming off. I managed to get it back to the bank again - its huge head was right at my feet. I held the rod high in my left hand and aimed the revolver with right hand. Suddenly the turtle lurched left and broke my line and I missed the kill shot.

I wish there had been a camera to record me with rod high in one hand and revolver in the other hand. Marlin Perkins Wild Adventure for sure.

In case you ask why I wanted to dispatch the turtle--a few months ago a buddy of mine caught a 4 pound LMB that got hung up on a shallow log. He paddled over to release the LMB and heard a splash. When he retrieved the fish, he had a set of treble hooks holding the head of a 4 LB bass. Only the head!! The turtle had eaten the body in one bite.

Anything that eats my 4 LB bass (other than me) is in jeopardy at my pond. That fish might have been my first 8-10 pounder in a few years.

Mr. Turtle is a very unwelcome guest.

Frank

"While I watch from the safety of the golf cart, Frank wrestles with the Snapping Turtle. It seems to have taken the revolver away from him ... it's firing as he backs off ... I see it has winged him."

"The turtle has a shell for it's insurance, but Frank has Mutual of Omaha..."

Seriously, I'm glad you're all right Frank, and I pity that Snapper when you next meet. Would you consider a holster to save the trip back to the cart?

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom...the good ole days.
Theo, maybe holstered hand guns strapped around the waist are only legal in Texas. Funny story, Frank.

Thanks guys. I guess I should get a holster although the golf cart was only a few steps away.
Theo, that's a pretty funny addition to the story.

My next encounter with Mr. Snapper will use a 22 magnum Ruger rifle with a high power scope.

Frank

Now you need a scabbard for the golf cart!

I usually fish with a S&W Model 66 on my right hip, in case I need to give anything Excedrin headache # 357.

Theo,

I have a gun rack in the golf cart. But that day I did not have the rifle with me.

I mainly take my revolver for snakes. The first two rounds in the cylinder are 22 mag shotshell followed by four Remington V Tip 33 grain cartridges. My Ruger rifle shoots best with those 33 grain Vtips. They are pricey but give me 1 inch groups at 100 yards.

Frank

I usually have my 22 mag with 33 VMAX tips...love them. Once it get to be dusk, I upgrade to the .223 with 40 VMAX. they are great for Coyotes...who eat my fawns.

You can never be too careful with the snappers, almost failed the 4th grade running the Houston bayous pulling them out by the tail...they were facinating, could bite thru a broom stick handle with one lightening quick reflex...to this day, the only turtles allowed im my pond are softshells, I cull the rest

My 6 year old daughter found out that even the cutest baby turtles can put a hurtful bite on you. She was holding a teenincy one (I'm talking between a nickle and a quarter size) playing with it. A few minutes later, a blood curdling yell, followed by screaming. That little guy with a mouth that would be hard pressed to open wide enough to fit a 12 penny nail had gotten my little girl on the inside of the thumb. No broken skin, but a helluva pinch, and a newfound respect for turtles.

Frank ... Sorry the picture's not more clear ...

There's a .22LR and a 20 ga 3" mag loaded with 6s on the gun rack, and a .357 loaded with rat shot in the glove box.

We have coyotes, racoons and snappers after our ducks, and water snakes that I HATE with a passion in the five ponds.

I gave up trying to trap the turtles, it's too slow. I gave up shooting them with the .22 for safety sake, too many ricochets at low angles. So the 20 ga 3" 1 oz load of 6s has dispatched more turtles than I care to admit to in print in public! All I can tell you is that I see VERY few turtle heads popping up anymore.

And by the way ... we haven't seen one of these on our ponds but they are sure in the area ...


And if you have dawgs ... make sure they are either snake trained or you keep them away from water moccasins ... here's a good illustration of why! http://www.bigdhrc.com:16080/gallery/index.php?cat=8