I've got as much respect for softshells as I do for snappers, and if push came to shove, maybe more. They don't have a long tail that acts as a convenient carrying handle, and I really think they have a longer neck. For sure, they are just as fast.

I used to catch a LOT of them when I was a teenager, and found out that they could be butchered with a fillet knife. I wish I had learned the compressed air trick for skinning - I did it all with the knife.

With 4 big webbed feet, they sure can pull against a hook!! I'd snag them as they swam around in the lake, and caught them on trot lines baited with chicken gizzards and cut fish when fishing for catfish.


www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).