I love turtles too. Biggest snapper we ever caught has a shell 38 inches long and his head was 4 inches across. He tasted good.
I live a good ways north of this guy. I remember when all the sportsmans clubs would rent a bar or supper club for the annual all you can eat turtle frys.
Turtle, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, saurkraut, sometimes another vegetable like peas, and knee caps.
The fancy places had chocolate knee caps. No one ever ate the chocolate ones, they were just there to tell you that you were enjoying a fine dining experience.
I really miss that.