Hook Prevention and Removal

Sea turtles and other bycatch may be caught while fishing. Use these tips to safely release the turtle or other marine life back into the ocean.

How to Prevent Accidentally Hooking Sea Turtles

  • Inspect your gear before you begin fishing to reduce line breaks while fishing
  • Use barbless hooks to reduce injury to sea turtles, fish and people
    • Barbed hooks can be modified by crimping the barbs down with pliers to help minimize injury
  • Use non-stainless steel hooks that will eventually corrode
  • Use artificial fish bait which is less attractive to sea turtles
  • Never leave fishing gear unattended for any length of time and check your bait often
  • Don’t discard bait or fish scraps in the water because this will attract sea turtles and other animals
  • Never intentionally feed sea turtles
  • Put used fishing line in a monofilament recycling bin
  • Put all other trash in trash cans, leave no trace
  • Move to another area if you spot a sea turtle, especially in areas where turtles are likely to gather such as seagrass beds and rock jetties
  • Report sea turtle sightings using the iSeaTurtle app for Android or iPhone

What To Do If You Accidentally Hook a Sea Turtle

If possible, DO NOT return sea turtles to the water with hooks intact, instead:

  1. Don’t Panic! You will not get in trouble for accidentally hooking sea turtles, so please report it!
  2. Call the sea turtle hotline 1-866-TURTLE-5 or 1-866-887-8535 for help
  3. Provide your contact information and location as well as the animal’s size and condition
  4. Gently reel in the slack-line, keeping the animal above water to breathe
  5. DO NOT tug or pull on the line; minimize injury by reducing tension
  6. If possible, lift the turtle out of the water by its shell or use a dip net and bring it onto a boat or land
  7. Place turtle on a cushioned surface, such as a tire, and DO NOT flip onto its back unless instructed
  8. Keep the turtle wet and in a shaded area constantly when out of water
  9. Cut the line, but leave at least 1 foot with the hook to help rescuers remove it later
  10. Stay with the animal and wait for rescuers

If You Accidentally Collide with a Sea Turtle

  • DON’T PANIC
  • Call the Sea Turtle Hotline for help at 1-866-TURTLE-5 or 1-866-887-8535
  • Provide your contact information and location as well as the turtle’s size and condition
  • Follow the instructions provided by the hotline