Previously, we talked about turtle populations and how to manage the population in  your pond. Turtles are, relatively speaking, easier to catch than bream. Â
There are numerous methods for catching turtles and removing them from lakes and ponds. We will discuss briefly different methods. Old timers would shoot turtles but ammunition is costly and the hazards of shooting in water makes this method DANGEROUS and we advise against it.
Hook and line is another method, but is very time consuming and requires both skill and patience. A small can or soda can with a hook threaded through the can and out the top can be used. The can protects the bait from fish and allows the turtle to take the bait and be caught.
Trapping is by far the more efficient, practical, and less time consuming method for removal of turtles in ponds. Use submerged traps for snappers and soft-shelled turtles. Floating traps are effective for turtles that bask, like the red-ear slider.
Surface traps were once called log traps, because they were made with fence posts or small logs. The trap was 4’ x 4’ x 4’, this allowed for the maximum potential of captured turtles with little effort. The traps had planks for turtles to walk up and then would fall into the trap. Today we use stiff wire mesh and floats for surface traps. Outdoor Water Solutions just added a surface trap for sun basking turtles.
Submerged traps are made out of wire or slats. Wire traps are more common because they are lightweight and cheaper than slat traps. Turtles enter through a small, cone shaped opening. The size and overall length of this opening is determined by species. The standard dimensions are 4’ long by 2’ in diameter. One can remove turtles and fish by a door that is located on the side of the trap.
Outdoor Water Solutions has a great selection of turtle traps for your pond or small lake. Our traps are made here in the USA and are constructed with heavy duty galvanized wire with an aluminum frame and water tight floats so no turtle can escape. This gives you more time to enjoy your pond and its fish. If you would like to view our turtle traps and other pond products, then please click here.
Here at Outdoor Water Solutions, we are committed to making sure you find exactly what you are looking for. If you have any questions about turtles in your ponds or the traps that we offer, then please click here to visit our contact page. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
