How to Avoid Catching Turtles With a Trotline

Turtles are notorious bait stealers. Using a trotline -- a long fishing line suspended on the surface of the water with several hooks attached -- often attracts turtles, due to the amount of bait placed on each line. In most cases, turtles are a protected species and should be returned to the water as quickly as possible if caught. Proper planning can help you reduce the chance of catching turtles on your trotline.

Things You'll Need

  • Trotline
  • Hooks
  • Metal file
  • Needle-nose pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the trotline in the water at dusk, and remove it before dawn. Most incidental catches of turtles occur during daylight hours.

    • 2

      Bait the hook with live fish, cut fish or artificial lures. Don't use mollusk-type baits, such as squid or shrimp, which are prime turtle baits.

    • 3

      Use specially designed circle hooks that have a reduced barb and curl inward, making it more difficult for a turtle's mouth to be caught on the hook.

    • 4

      Use a metal file to file down the barbs of regular hooks. Curl your hooks inward into a "C" shape, using needle-nose pliers.