I live on the bank of the creek that has sufficient quantity of catfish. Sometimes, if I do not want to run my boat because of bad weather, I fish from the bank. There is only one problem � turtles that frequently steal baits (shad, worms, and even corn). It is annoying. Do you have any ideas how to avoid this stealing?

Move to new spot only thing works for me

Thanks for the prompt reply BP007. It looks that turtles, in general, avoid to eat cockchafers (May bugs). At least, my catfishing is more successful if I use them.

Possibly try catfish soap baits. Not sure if Turtles eat it or not. We have one on the Forum here that sells some. Let me look back ... username on TFF is <Gary Chandler> He sells Ace's Catfish Soap Bait. You will have to ask him about whether turtles eat it or leave it. What little I got to fish last Spring, I did not catch any turtles using it.

from his 3-22-18 post---
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I have one distributer in Texas as of now. It is sold in over 200 stores across the state. If you try it you will catch channels and blues. I use it during the day because of the gars steeling my perch off lines and have very good results with it. If you can not find it you can contact my distributor @ 512-398-6899 Matt's Bait and Tackle. You can also go to E-Bay Catfish Soap Bait and buy it there.
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Throw some punch bait at em see if they eat it...i know i wouldnt

Thanks, guys, for your replies. I also found that constant bait moving sometimes helps. Catfish hits faster.

Never had a turtle hooked on punch bait. It might happen but they don't seem to want to bother with it.

Eric

I've caught turtles on dip bait. Most of the ones I've hooked were in the foot while they were trying to drag the sponge off. To get back to the OP's question, it's been my experience they'll bite anything a catfish will.

Fish someplace else, lol. Turtles are a huge hassle for carp fishermen as well, and typically we avoid small water in the spring and summer. Some places are worse than others, just gotta find out where they aren't and you're golden. Turtles do keep the fish from becoming stunted so they're not all bad

Have caught several soft shells on punch bait.

Thanks guys for suggestions. The buss-like strategy with drop shot works better. I cover more water and catfish bite faster then turtles.

Use punchbait I rarely catch turtles on punchbait compared to shad or liver