PRODUCT NAME: Hoop Traps. Also known as Fyke Traps.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Hoops with netting around them that are open on one end. This opening allows for turtles to enter. Bait is placed inside the netting and should be suspended or attached to the center hoop. The traps are then secured in water just at the surface and offshore with stakes. Turtles will move around the trap trying to access the bait and will eventually find the entrance. Once they enter, they will funnel through the first opening which semi closes behind them preventing exit. Trapped turtles can feed as well as breathe. This allows for multiple catches - as long as the trap has bait - and for successful relocations. One of the big features of this trap is that you can make trap sets offshore and minimize non-target animals interfering with them - even when fish is being used as bait. The key for successful sets includes the following. 1) Make sure you use a lot of bait. Fish works well. Carp or catfish are excellent; any local fish you know target turtles are feeding upon will suffice. 2) Make sure to secure the trap with 3-5 inches above the surface of the water. This space will allow for trapped turtles to breathe. Since traps will settle and sag once set on stakes, allow for this by setting them about 1 foot above the water line when being set. They can always be lowered as needed. 3) Try to locate the trap where turtle activity has been seen. 4) Use stakes that must be securely placed in the water bottom. These stakes must be far enough apart so the Hoop Trap is pulled tight and is able to maintain a proper position as seen in the photo above. Use one stake for the back part of the trap. Traps comes pretied so the back anchor loop is properly adjusted. It only needs to be fitted over a well secured stake and both the entrance and holding baffle will be just the right depth when the trap is secured. These traps do not come with any front mounting twine. Use similar twine as the rear anchor lines and secure the front entry hoop with either one or two anchors. Using two is preferred; by keeping the entry hoop clear and open, turtles will be able to enter easier which will lead to better results. 5) In bodies of water like ponds or lakes where the water is not moving, there is no "direction" the traps need to be set. However, when using them in rivers or streams, point the entrance Hoops downstream which means the turtles must swim upstream to enter them.

WHERE TO USE IT: Hoop traps can be used in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. Basically any body of water which has turtles is where Hoop traps can be utilized.

RATE OF APPLICATION: There are two sizes of Hoop Traps and it's important to install the right one for the turtles you are targeting. The Small Hoop Trap uses a fine mesh that measures no bigger than 1 inch. It uses hoops that measure 2.5 feet, or 30 inches, and should be used when turtles are relatively small and range in size from a couple of inches to no bigger than 1 feet long. This trap measures approximately 6 feet long.

The Large Hoop Trap, which is pictured above, uses a coarse mesh that measures 4 inches wide. It uses hoops that measure 3 feet wide, or 36 inches, and should be used when targeted turtles are 1-2 feet long. It too measures 6 feet long. Like most live traps, the more installed will provide faster and better results. Both traps can have their opening widened if needed by just cutting the entrance net but don't widen it too much; a good rule to follow is to not have the opening any bigger than 2 feet for the large trap and not any bigger than 1 foot for the small mesh hoop trap.