Jug lines for turtles

[ADC]

I tried trapping them with no luck yet, (CJ says they can be tough to trap with wire traps and in ponds) so, I was thinking of jugging a couple to eat.

Anyone got any the 411 on what to use for...

1. jugs - fun noodles, 2-liters, ect... ?
2. line - length, type and pound test?
3. hooks - type and size?
4. weight - style and amount?
5. bait - type, size, ect... ?

Anyway to do it in a small pond w/o a boat or getting wet? lol

Any other info?

~ADC~

[cj]

ADC, Josh is definately the guru on this. Well, that I know of (sorry if I offended other jug users here) I think nitestalker said he jugs 'em.

I believe he uses bleach jugs, a heavy braided cord, a number 2 hook (not SS or Zinc) and chicken liver (or maybe it's gizzards) for bait. Fish come off the hook to easily, and smaller turtles, crawdads and such can rob the hook before a keeper gets ahold of it. He says in ponds, you'll usually find the bottles by shore.
I better shut up hear and let someone answer that has some experience. lol

[swamprat84]

You were doing fine CJ. I use the tared braided line that you can get from most tackle shops and wally world. I use gizzard because it is cheap,pre cut and stays on the hook. I tie on about 5 feet of line to the jug (bleach,detergent,milk) and then wrap the line up to shorten it to the length that I need for the situation. You dont want it on the bottom and you dont want a long line in brushy areas. They can wrap it up in the brush and drown. Most of the time when your juggin' a pond the jugs will be either up in the bank or in brush in the water if there is any if you have a turtle. If you get a catfish, you'll be chasing the jug. The only weight that I use is water. If its windy or any current ill fill the jug with some water to keep enough wieght in it to keep it from moving too much. If its a small pond that dosent have a lot of brush in the midle, carry a long pole with a hook or something to snag the line. Youll get most of them from the bank.

[ADC]

Thanks guys.

SR84 how about the hooks? treble? straight? size?

You say you don't want the bait on the bottom, how do you keep it off the bottom if it floats toward a shore???

You use no sinkers on the line, correct?

[swamprat84]

Correct no sinkers...If the jug floats towards the shore from the wind or something then there isnt anything that you can do about it really. You can still get turtle with it on the ground, but youll also get more crawdads eating on it and there is more of a chance of it snagging something on the bottom making it a chore to retrieve your jugs.

As far as hooks go they make a hook called "trot line hook" and they sell them in walmart in bulk. They have a large eye to make it easier to fit the thick line through. They are a straight hook and that is the style that i prefer. The only problem that I have with them is that they are stainless and I dont like to use stainless hooks. I like to think that any small turtle that I cut loose has a chance to survive and I believe stainless hooks hender that.

But I prefer a straight hook that is not stainless so that if I decide to release the turtle it has a better chance of being caught next year. Some people like the smaller trebles but I dont for the same reasons. If you use them make sure you check your regs for the legality.

[muskrat24]

Ohio's dnr has a turtle trapping article where they said that you could use a 12" 2X4, with a fence staple and the line and hook. If I can I will post a really elaborate float that I made a couple days ago with the board that when a fish or turtle takes the bait it will trigger a flag.

[gatrapper]

Hey,

I go in my backyard and cut down a bunch of small little 4-5ft trees and let them dry for a few days. Then i with attach some masonary cord to the tree followed by some 90lb wire leader and a 2/0 hook. On the hook i usually have cut bluegill. When you get to your spot pound the tree in like a big stake untill the staking is solid and bait up your line and your good to go. I have these pre-made and baited before i go out on the water. Just wrap the line and such around the tree and hold it in place with a rubberband untill you get there. The reason i like the tree method is b/c its keeps your hand a little farther away from the turtle when your pulling him up and if you have any that burry themselfs or hide in the weeds you will have a good bit of levrage on them when pulling them up.

Hope This helps,

CJ

[gatrapper]

Also i add a 1/2-3/4oz weight on the line.

[badger]

I miss jugging turtles, might have to get some out soon. I shot a small snapper the other night while bowfishing . He might have have wieghed 14 lbs.