dealing with turtles

[Thalan]

My regular spot, that I fish almost every day, has attracted what I believe is a Florida Snapping Turtle. He seems pretty fearless. Someone must be feeding b/c he just comes up and stares at me. I've already caught him once. Every time he comes up I poke him with whatever dead branch is laying next to me but he just keeps coming back.
Any tips on running him off? I'd rather not kill him since he is a really impressive specimen but I dont want to constantly sweat where hes at and if Im about to catch him, or if he's eating all my fish.

 

[Tstove15]

honestly iwould let it be...it was probaly there first anyway

 

[Thalan]

Yeah except that would ruin a nice fishing spot within walking distance of my house.....

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Could you possibly relocate him?

 

[Retuks]

keep it i say. or yes, relocate him to a sustainable living spot.

 

[Thalan]

Relocation was my first thought. (There are other ponds nearby surrounded by grumpy old snobs that put up no fishing signs) I'm just not sure if I want to wrestle this thing down the street.

 

[Darkness9876]

I want to see a pic!

But then again i'm a turtle guy!

 

[Thalan]

I want to see a pic!

But then again i'm a turtle guy!

Id like to get one he's pretty brutal looking. I know its not an alligator snapper (smoother carapace) but hes got the feet. His mouth opens to about the size of his head. Alas my camera is messed up and the iris refuses to open.

 

[Darkness9876]

Thats unfortunate.

They are pretty sweet though, only difference between a florida and a regular are the little protrusions behind the head are rounded not pointy... Atleast if i remember correctly.

Maybe you should relocate him to a monster tank?

 

[FishFreak95]

I heard snapper meat tastes pretty good