Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Are Turtles Bad?

I've got lots of turtles in our 3.5 ac lake and wonder what the consensus is on turtles. I've read some comments that make me think they're not really well though of.

I'm wondering if there's a consensus on whether or not they're good or bad.

Thanks.

It is up to an individual's opinion. They may mess with your bait while fishing. But they do help keep the pond clean by being scavenger.

I don't think there is a consensus.

I live and let be. Never had a problem with them. I've even seen them around my fish cages and never had one damage them to get to the fish.

"If a fish gets eaten by a turtle, the fish deserved it." - Bob Lusk

Love that quote!

Turtles aren't bad, they taste like CHICKEN! And you don't have to lead them at all!

In all seriousness, turtles have a place, but too many is never a good thing. Know your pond and know what it needs.

I never felt the need to kill turtles. I even add them.

Never thought about it, but I suppose the turtles might
help clean up the dead tilapia mess the bass dont eat.

Aquamax and turtles just don't mix for me. I removed 172 turtles last year, and have removed another 53 so far this year.

I left a turtle trap on the bank when I left last week, and there were 16 in the same area this morning waiting for the feeder to throw.

What species are we talking about FIH? I've never seen any of the turtles I had go after feed. I wonder if it's species thing or what?

Not sure, but they do gather and pop up just before the feeder kicks off. Twice a day, regular as clockwork.

They won't eat until I leave the feeder area, and the turtle traps away from the feeders never catch any turtles.

I certainly have no issues with turtles in my lake, but the numbers concern me since they haven't seemed to diminish.

what did you do with 172 turtles?

I forgot, but my guess is they won't be back. Now, if I can forget what I'll do with the beaver in my lake, I'll be set.