This sounds very adventurous. I am sure when all people had to catch/hunt their "food" there will be much more vegetarians like today.Very similar for trot-lining for catfish. The hook has to be set by the fish when it snatches the bait and darts away. Turtles usually just pick the bait off and spit out the hook. It is a pretty common method of fishing where I am from with strict laws regulating how it's done.
I grew up where alot of your food has to be caught/hunted or you go hungry.