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Post by Decatur on Jul 22, 2006 9:26:53 GMT -5
Here are some turtles I caught on a couple of trotlines set in the Wabash river today. I also caught 2 smaller snappers, 2 nice channels, and the biggest painted turtle I've ever seen. I had to let the channels go because I couldn't carry it all by myself! They weighed probably 2# and 4#. I can't wait to eat these guys!! ;D Photos courtesy of the Sportsman's Lodge in Decatur.
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Post by racktracker on Jul 23, 2006 20:40:19 GMT -5
SOUPS ON!!
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Post by DEERTRACKS on Jul 24, 2006 8:25:35 GMT -5
Lets eat!!!
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Post by eelriver on Jul 25, 2006 9:49:09 GMT -5
Hey, it's great to see some guys still fish the rivers with drop/trot lines. It is becomming a lost art. I learned it from my grandfather, dad and uncle. Best times ever as a kid, was to go sceine bait and set some lines.....that, and the fish fry that followed. I still get to do it once or twice a year. Anyway great catch.
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Post by Decatur on Jul 25, 2006 11:59:25 GMT -5
Yeah, I know a lot of guys who are big into outdoor pursuits, that have no idea how to set a trot line, or "trout line" as some of them call it. I caught these using beef roast. I couldn't find any outdated beef so I bought a regular roast. Not a bad investment, $3.44 for 20# of turtle meat! ;D
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Post by steiny on Jul 25, 2006 19:40:31 GMT -5
Cool ! Keep your fingers away from those dudes. Grandpa always said they don't let go until it thunders.
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Post by Hoosier Hunter on Jul 25, 2006 20:19:21 GMT -5
I have one in my pond I want to get rid of. Any pointers on how to set the trot line....? Line size? hook size? Was your beef raw or cooked?
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Post by Decatur on Jul 26, 2006 6:05:24 GMT -5
I used raw beef, but bluegill work just as well. Use a 5/0-6/0 heavy wire hook. The line I used was 300# test braided nylon. Just put a few lines out tied solidly to a sturdy branch , dock or root system. The line only needs to be 2-3" under water. Your best bet is to put them out right before dark, and then check them first thing in the morning. If you've never handled a large snapper before, the safest way is to grab their tail. His head can't reach back that far. Good luck, and let me know if you need any more tips.
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Post by danf on Jul 27, 2006 20:51:18 GMT -5
Could just do what I did yesterday and shoot the sucker. Shot the one in our pond with my .22 *pistol* from the whopping distance of 8 feet. ;D It may have been illegal- I was on the mower when I shot it!! ;D ;D So, Decatur, how about you write up how you go about butchering those things and submit it to Chico for the desk reference? I kinda wanted to know how with the one I shot; I was going to give the shell to my cousin. I decided to bury it instead and let nature do it's work. Didn't help any that it didn't start floating and become visible until sometime today....
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