I have alot of experience wrestling with the "snapper problem". With a trout pond and many snappers around, I have live trapped three of the monsters. While very strong and dangerous, I have live trapped 12, 14" and 15" diameter snappers successfully. They are elusive as heck, but it does work. The live traps are stronger than the snappers that can fir inside (probably a max of a 17" turtle). Bait with a plastic container (with a bunch of holes drilled in it) with chicken gizzards or even hot dogs. THEN, submerse 3/4 of the trap in the water (leave 1/4 in the air, so they can breathe). THEN, wait and wait. It may take many days, but eventually they can't resist the smell and they go for it. I successfully caught three big snappers using this method. I then re-locate them several miles away.
My latest catch of a 12-13" snapper was using a large fishing net with 20 ft. of 1" pvc duct taped to it. It took me 5 tries to grab that bugger as he always dove. But he seemed to like floating at the surface and since it is only a 60 x 225 ft pond, he finally got close to shore and I nabbed him! Good luck.
