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What does a snapping turtle bite feel like?

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  • Super User

I was fishing today, using a beetle spin, and bam felt a strike, set the hook, feel weight, and broke off immediately. I have my drag set light enough that I will strip some line with a 3 pounder pulling, so reasonably light, and using 12 pound Big Game.

 

When I pulled my line in and looked at the end it was curly for about 1/2"; the same way as if you use a pair of scissors to curl a ribbon. Line is fresh and I had checked it several times for line wear.

 

I first thought, man I hate to break off in a fish, then I got to thinking, I wonder if it was a huge snapper and he bit my line, curling it in the beak as it broke free?

 

 

Solved by Catt

  • Super User

That sounds like your knot slipped, leaving the curly. Snapping turtle bites feel like someone hitting your hook with a rock.

  • Author
  • Super User

I considered my knot had slipped, but I was using a trilene knot, and I've perfected it. I have a certain way of tying it and it's never failed. I wonder if the double wire eyelet of a beetle spin may have caused an issue with it? While I don't use a beetle spin a lot,  I've caught several fish with beetle spins tied with this knot previously.

  • Super User
  • Solution

Usually that little "curly tail" is a sign of a knot that slipped. 

 

It's quite possible your line slipped between the double line tie & broke, this to will leave that curly tail. Bettle Spins are notorious for this.

 

A turtle bite is usually a clean cut.

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