Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations turtles

I moved to a place with a 1.5 acre pond that is fully stocked with catfish, bluegill and bass. I have noticed a lot turtles on the bream beds and was wondering if this will pose a major problem and if so how do I get rid of the turtles?

As I understand it, they dont post a major problem. Now they may eat some of your fry, if they are on the beds. So you might want to get rid of some. A shotgun works well. Some companies make turtle traps. But if you get rid of these, more will migrate in. Also, my kids had great fun with a cork, a hook immediately under it, and a weiner. They caught 4 turtles in about 30 minutes. Simple attach the hook as close to the cork as possible so that turtles swimming over to inspect the cork will see the bait. Use a small hook, and when they bite, dont set the hook very hard. Just maintain steady pressure and drag em in.

My standard reply? If a turtle eats a fish, the fish deserved it!
Turtles don't upset a population of fish, but they will certainly disrupt spawning, chase bluegill from a nest, even attempt to dissuade bass from nests. Turtles will eat fish food, too.
But, having an adverse affect on fish populations? Not a problem.
If you want to rid a pond consistently...here's a turtle trap plan.
Take two joints of 4" PVC pipe, (sewer grade). Cut both in half, then fill with styrofoam, either the spray kind, or broken pieces from an old ice chest. Then, glue all four pieces into a square, using PVC "ells". Then, around the outside perimeter of your PVC square, use plastic cable ties to attach a welded wire basket. The basket need not be deeper than 24 inches. Float your trap in the pond, turtles will climb the basket to sun on the pipe. Either they fall in, or out. Once in, turtles can't climb around the pipe. They are trapped, like rats!

And then????? Have alot of turtle soup or a bunch of guest in your garage.

Thanks for all the help. I'll give the trap a try first. If that doesn't get it, I'll try a shotgun party.
Thanks again.

Fatherly statement for the day:
Just remember everbody that when discharging firearms in the direction of water, beware of the very high risk of richocets. Try to fire at turtles, birds etc. when they are on land not in the water. Imagine skipping a lead rock at 1000+ fps.