Turtles tend to go headfirst into holes, so you can grab them from behind without getting bit. Big catfish like to go in sunken hollow logs. You can plug up one end and grab them in the other. I've done this a time or two, but not very successfully. Whiskey playeda major role in my decision making at the time. if you are interested in the practice, check out the documentary "Anything I Catch." You will see guys who were completely submerged breaking the surface while holding on to an enormous turtle.