Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
Gentlemen, I'm back from a small tour of fishing Western Mass.
Fished the Millers last thursday, hoping the water was not too low, and not to hot. After the rain, the water was still on the lowish side, but it was a lot cooler than it is usually. I knew I only had a small window in the morning before it shot up. So, got to my favorite spot, had a new rod and reel in hand, and the first time trying my own tied leaders (the deadly Jasper-leader), and I slayed em. Caught 10 rainbows and 2 browns, all between 12-15' on a mixed array of nymphs, mostly brown h.ears, and bead head pheasant tail, and copper john. It was great, never caught so many in so short a time (approximately 50'). So, the sun came out, and thought I'd tie on some big streamers for smallies before I headed to the Deerfield.
Bass fishing was decent, and then came an astounding moment. I had a smallish one on, and as it came nearer, I suddenly felt this TREMENDOUS yank on the line, and I felt an incredible amount of weight at the end of the line. could it have been that elusive big holdover? For a second I entertained that. . .
The line stayed tot and heavy for about 3 solid minutes, BUT then all of a sudden the line started to move upstream VERY slowly. I decided to walk out a bit and try to see what was going on. So, as I'm walking out, I'm able to pull my rod up a bit, carefully not to break whatever it was off. Then, I saw the fish I caught, all bleeding and dead, inside the mouth of a 26 inch SNAPPING TURTLE! AND, it gets better, there was another one (turtle) almost as big trying to fight the other one for it! YIKES! I quickly got the hell out, and broke my leader off.
Never had I thought of a turtle, but it makes sense. My immediate thought was: if I were wading and aggravated one, obviously without seeing or knowing it, would he bite my leg or foot? Anyone have any experience with turtles?
Anyhow, fishing the Millers was great. Went straight ahead down the road to the Deerfield from there. . .report to be written shortly.
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
That's a great story, and one I can definitely relate to. My Dad and I used to bait fish for carp a lot many years ago, and landed a menagerie of snappers. Breaking your line is the best approach. One time, we tried to remove the hook from the turtle's mouth with a stick and the stick was bit in half! They are nasty creatures. Turtles must be on the move, because last week I was in Maine and I also saw a giant one in a stream walking around amongst a few small trout. Thanks for the report from MA.
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
Hey Alan, thanks for the reply, and good to hear from you. They are definitely a nuisance, to say the least! The head alone was Massive! The girth/circumfrence of his neck must have been about 13-15'.
Will they attack your legs or feet if in close proximity? Is this something I should fear?
By the way, on another note, although I'm from NYC, that wasn't me last week casting to your fish!
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
I've never had a problem stepping on a turtle, even fishing big dark lakes at night. I don't think it's an issue. If you do see one however, keep your distance, they can easily take a finger. They also have massive digging claws on their feet. For some reason (mating?) they are especially territorial this time of year.
By the way, I wasn't disparaging NY anglers at all, I love the state and its people. This guy was just especially discourteous.
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
Yes, HUGE claws, and they look very sharp. The jaw on this turtle was massive, and a true anvil. I'll certainly keep an eye out from now on. . .I never thought a turtle would have been a threat! This thing was utterly freightening.
Of course, I knew you weren't taking a hit against NY anglers. That guy sounded like he needed to be told how to behave. By the way, I have a similar story from when I fished the Deerfield a few days ago. ..I'll include it in the report.
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
i have a cool underwater picture of one. i stayed quite a bit away while taking the pics. that big thing was looking at me and i didnt like the looks that i was getting :o those things are quite scary and prehistoric looking to say the least.
Re: Millers River, July 5, HUGE SURPRISE
In my years of experience, especially bass fishing on small ponds loaded with snappers, the turtles don't want any thing to do with humans. They are very skittish (sp) and don't want anything to do with me. Treat them with respect and they will do the same.
JB
