How To Catch A Turtle With A Fishing Pole – Insanely Easy Ways To Do It

Looking to figure out how to catch a turtle with a fishing pole?

Perhaps you want to test your skills at catching a turtle for a change. This is definitely a bit more challenging since there are other tools you need to make it happen.

In addition, this is a way to change up your usual pace. Trying to catch fish is probably something you’ve done so many times before, and now you want to do something different.

So, if you are wondering how you can catch a turtle with a fishing pole, follow these steps and tips to get you started. Let’s start turtle fishing!

How To Catch A Turtle With A Fishing Pole – Getting Started

The most important thing is to make sure you have all the right tools. Catching turtles can be tricky but it is not impossible when you come prepared at your desired location.

Among the tools you need are:

  • Bobber
  • Slip Sinkers
  • Fishing Pole

Sounds pretty simple? It does seem rather intimidating to fish for these turtles but the reality is that you just need a few tools.

So, if you are ready with all of these things, it is time to get started.

1. Choose the right location

choose the right location

You need to be at the right place and at the right time.

This is why you need to choose a spot where you can find a lot of turtles. But, be sure that your local laws permit you to catch these creatures because there may be regulations in your area you are not aware of.

Some people decide to fish in a small creek or a big lake, and it is all up to you. It depends on where most of these creatures are. In some cases, you can even find them just swimming along the bank or right around your boat.

These creatures are excellent at hiding. So, if you think you are only seeing one or a couple, there may be more hiding somewhere!

This is why you have to look carefully to know the right spot to go to. Sometimes, you can even ask your local community for tips on where you should go for turtle fishing, which can make the job easier for you.

It is also worth noting that there may be turtle tracks out there that will lead you to the location of these turtles. This may be a muddy sand or perhaps, you can spot a tiny turtle nose when in the water. These animals stick their noses out to breathe once in a while as it hides discreetly underwater.

Watch out for these tell-tale signs to know where you need to go.

2. Fishing at night vs. day

Obviously, fishing at night will be tricky unless you have a LED bobber. A plain fluorescent bobber can’t help at all.

But the good thing about fishing at night is that turtles are generally active at this time. So, you can want to buy LED bobbers that will help you see where these animals are.

On the other hand, turtle fishing at day is easy because of the natural light around you. You can simply set a line out or find a capped, empty milk jug that can function as your bobber.

With a tougher fishing line, you can use this to bait your target. The jug will end up going down when you have caught a turtle. So, be sure to apply steady but slow pressure that will bring the jug to the surface. A quick and sudden jerk, however, will pull your hook out of your turtle’s mouth.

3. Use the right bobber

You should definitely get yourself a bobber, which is handy when you need to know if you have caught one. It is a vital tool that serves as your visual cue when something is happening in your bait.

Each time turtles take your bait, the bobber gets pulled down and remains down. So, these creatures take the bobber into the bottom to get the bait. This is why it is important to find the correct bobber to use.

4. Grab the correct slip sinker.

This step is also just as important as a bobber. Your slip sinker has lead weights that are easy to pinch right onto your fishing line.

What’s good about a slip sinker is that the hook does not get very close to your bobber. Hence, the bait will not end up floating higher than it should. This will also encourage the turtle to go near it.

Also, sinkers prevent your bait from simply getting lost in the current. Thus, you definitely need to get yourself a slip sinker for this purpose.

5. Get your bait ready.

Turtles are omnivores. But even with that, you can still use something other than meat as a bait on your hook.

Additionally, you have to make sure the bait is not too loose or too tough. If it’s loose, the turtle can easily grab it and go. But tougher ones will require your target to bite them hard.

With these things in mind, we recommend using chicken liver as bait. It is a good enough bait that is not too loose or too tough. Snappers, however, could use tougher meat.

Read More: How to Attach a Bobber To a Fishing Line: Proper Steps to Follow

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to catch a turtle with a fishing line can be a fun and enjoyable experience.

But at the same time, be sure that you have the tools ready before you head out. You also need to know the laws involved with turtle fishing. Some states ban turtle fishing such as in Maryland.

Thus, you have to be aware of these things prior to turtle fishing to have a safer, more meaningful, and worthwhile time.

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