Hook Prevention and Removal

How to Prevent Accidentally Hooking Sea Turtles

Never leave fishing gear unattended in the water for any length of time, and check bait often
Retrieve and dispose of monofilament fishing line in a monofilament recycling bin
Avoid areas where turtles gather, such as seagrass beds
Use live bait, which is less attractive to sea turtles
Fish sunset to sunrise when sea turtles are least active
Clean your catch away from water to avoid attracting sea turtles
Use barbless circle hooks: These are better for fish, better for turtles, better for you
- Barbed hooks can be modified by crimping the barbs down with pliers to help minimize injury

How to make hooks barbless.

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

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