NEWS JOURNAL (Longview, Texas) 26 May 05 Trot-line snares giant snapping turtle (Chris Smith)
Lake Cherokee resident Larry Lacewell recently hauled in the largest Alligator Snapping Turtle he has ever caught.
The turtle was estimated to weigh between 125 and 130 pounds. The measurements were as follows: 51 inches from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, and the carapace was 23 inches wide by 28 inches long. The head measured nine inches wide across the top.
Needless to say, this was truly a "big" turtle.
Lacewell had placed a trot-line extending from his pier for catfish. One evening, one of his neighbors came over to inform Lacewell an angler had noticed a large turtle on the trot-line.
Expecting to see a turtle in the 30 to 40-pound range, and perhaps a large soft-shell, Lacewell and the neighbor were shocked when they saw the behemoth.
After getting some help, Lacewell untied the trot-line and eased the turtle to the edge of the lake and heaved it up on shore. Once onshore, Lacewell took the hook out of the turtle's foot.
‘‘He was trying to pull free, but the trot-line had enough stretch in it where he could not generate the torque needed to remove the hook.'' Lacewell said.
After taking a few pictures, Lacewell released the giant back into the lake.
Lacewell explained that, ‘‘Alligator Snapping turtles are on the threatened and endangered species list and cannot be killed, molested or held in captivity without the proper permits.''
After reviewing the photos, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist confirmed the weight estimates and aged the the turtle between 60 and 70 years old. These turtles continue to grow as long as they live.
‘‘The males spend their entire life in the water and come up for air every 40-45 minutes,'' Lacewell said. ‘‘The females briefly leave the water in the spring to lay her eggs.
‘‘Their diet is varied, and they will eat almost anything they can get in their mouths. They lay on the bottom of the lake with their mouth open and the worm-like pink appendage attracts sunfish, minnows, etc., and they grab them with unbelievable speed.''
Stories of these turtles cutting fingers or toes off of swimmers is easy to believe after seeing the size of the mouth on Lacewell's specimen.
Lacewell was excited about his experience with the turtle and was pleased to be able to get the animal back into the lake without any harm.
These turtles are special and deserve the protection they receive, and Lacewell considered himself lucky to have encountered the animal.
Trot-line snares giant snapping turtle