Dehooking or Untangling Techniques in Water
Entangled Turtle in the Water
- Secure the loose hook with a long-handled device, such as a dehooker or gaff (but never gaff the animal itself)
- Cut the line with the long-handled line cutters as close to the hook as possible.
Dehooker in use
Entangled and Hooked Turtle in the Water
- Use a long-handled dehooker or gaff to pull on the portion of line as close to the hook as possible
- Pull the line into an inverted V-shape
- Remove the hook using a long-handled dehooker
- Cut away excess line to free the turtle
- If dehooking is not possible, cut the line with the long-handled line cutters as close to the hook as possible, or bring the turtle on board.