Danger!!! Snake Bit :( 2024

Brian_Reeves reply :

Yeah, I ran into a pretty bad problem a few hours ago. I wasn't going to write about it, but then I thought the better of it.

I was bankfishing and ran into a problem that sucks for any bank fisherman. An eastern diamondback rattler. It took a hit at me and broke through my jeans and socks, but didn't break skin that bad. I went to the hospital and they ran tests, but no venom was injected. The good news is that snake won't be bothering anyone else. I killed it with my jig rod and brought it to the hospital with me.

Just look out while y'all are out there on a lake. Snakes will gravitate towards water because...well it's water for one and there is an abundance of food there. Those suckers will fall out of trees, hide on banks, and post up around rocks. I admire all of nature (except mosquitos) but snakes suck when they ruin a fishing trip. Be careful guys. Getting snakebit really sucks...even when you don't get venom-ized.

jemackinnon83 reply :

Glad to see you're okay. Could have been real ugly.

crazy4bass1 reply :

glad to see ur ok

u beat it with a rod?

nice

Marty reply :

I feel fortunate that I'm not going to run into any poisonous snakes. But if that were a possibility, I'd wear my 18" rubber boots even more than I do now, which is mainly for wet conditions and very shallow wading.

Brian_Reeves reply :

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glad to see ur ok
u beat it with a rod?

nice

Yeah, it got the good ole rod butt to the head until it was a pulp treatment. At the time it was out of anger, then I remembered that it's good to kill the snake and bring it in with you for positive ID. No doubt what it was though. It rattled AFTER it bit me. Stupid snake. It didn't have to be that way.

Bassin_Fin@tic reply :

Something about visualizing a snake being beaten by a fishing rod makes me chuckle

Glad your okay M8!

ba7ss3in reply :

Glad to hear that you wasn't harmed. At least, you still have dinner.

Brian_Reeves reply :

lol. Yeah, I'd go for it. Snake is actually pretty decent. My wife would MURDER me if I brought a snake into or anywhere near the house.

Oh my god you should have seen the hospital receptionist at the front desk. I walked in with a 3 to 3.5ft rattlesnake with an imploded head. I'm holding it by the tail and I walk in with a field dressing on my calf. I look at her and say "where do I go for this?" It was the first time I didn't have to wait in line in the emergency room ;D

Simp reply :

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I didn't have to wait in line in the emergency room ;D

Now thats more rare then getting bit by a snake! ;D

Popeye reply :

Wow, CLOSE call! Super glad to see that you're OK!!! We have them nasty critters ALL over the place out here in San Diego county and especially around the lakes I fish. I'm constantly on guard when I fish from shore (which, thank goodness, won't be happening much anymore:o) Take care and you might want to think about getting a Mongoose for a fishing companion:o)

farmpond1 reply :

I'm so glad Central Illinois doesn't have a ton of venomous snakes. Not saying there aren't any but they are the exception. Hope you didn't harm your rod when you used it as a weapon. Can't say as I blame you, though. Also, obviously, I'm glad to hear it didn't...invenomate(?) you.

Big-O reply :

Hey Brian, Glad you're ok and great story! Used the ole rod butt trick huh? That's one we will remember for a while. Good on Ya! another one bites the dust.

Big O

Bass XL reply :

Wow. Glad to hear that you're ok. Like someone else said, it could have been much worse.

atropine reply :

How did you come across the snake? Where you not paying attention and kinda stumbled into it? Did it come at you?

A friend and I were fishing a few weeks ago and we spotted a cottonmouth about 15 feet from us. We ran and got somebody we know who lived close by and he brought his shotgun. That snake won't be bothering anybody now.

But I am nervous about running into more of them.

guitarkid reply :

What kind of rod was it, now I know who to stick with. BUT I am glad to see you are okay. Some of the ponds I fish are pretty snake-ish looking.

-searoach

burleytog reply :

IBTSL

EastTexasBassin reply :

There are several ponds around here that we don't visit without a gun. I'd hate to damage a fine rod over a stupid snake, thats what the shotgun is for.

Hawg Fan reply :

Wow! Glad to see everything went ok. I know snakes are apart of the food chain and all but I cant stand them. It must have been the mojo that saved ya!

Daiwa reply :

I dont think MN has any venomous snakes.

Micro reply :

This happen in Texas?

NinjaFishin reply :

Close call I'd say! Do you have any pictures of the snake and/or bite? :-?

Brian_Reeves reply :

Yeah, this happened here on Ft. Hood. I didn't take a picture of the stupid thing because the hospital wouldn't let me take it home. Once they got their grimey hands on it, they wouldn't give it back to me

As far as how the battle went down...I was making my way back to the truck. This lake is kinda rocky with a bunch of trees, and I wasn't paying attention. Apparently this guy was having a bad day and tried to bite my leg off. I was holding my rod with the rod butt planting down every few steps, ya know? First reaction was to use the rod like a spear and pop him over the head. I only hit him twice, but that was enough. Daiwas are strong. I think that he was pretty much dead (or comatose) after those two hits, but I made absolutely sure with a size 11R combat boot.

If I go bank fishing again, I'm going to bring an actual hiking stick that I have at the house. It's made of hickory and is about 6ft long. Normally I let nature go about it's way, but when that is unavoidable, a good ole hickory stick will even the odds. I would bring a gun but the gun laws on a military installation really suck.

wilsonm1 reply :

sorry bought the bite, im just glad ur ok. i see a lot of snakes where i fish but they are IN the water. they see any movement and they are spooked to deeper water.

Kinda random...but at my house last summer, my grandma was in town and i saw my neighbors cat in the yard. i looked a little left and there is a huge copperhead. i ran and got my parents and neighbors and they grabbed the cat. and the best part of this is my GRANDMA snuck up behind it and cut off its head with a shovel. . wow grandma...

Micro reply :

Who identified it as an Eastern Diamondback? The medical folks?

Masshole Mike reply :

glad to hear you're ok brian.

i absolutely hate snakes. i wouldn't have been able to pick it up to bring it to the hospital, they creep me out way too much.

Brian_Reeves reply :

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Who identified it as an Eastern Diamondback? The medical folks?

*western diamondback* sorry. No telling where that typo came from. Nah, it was the good ole typical texan western diamondback. Sorry for the mix-up.

Nicky Greece reply :

Snakes definitely suck. I had a copperhead grab onto a Zoom Baby Bass jerkbait in the dead of night a few years ago at Lake Cumberland when I was fishing for striper. Probably made a world record for running up the side of a mountain. I hate snakes.

Micro reply :

I was gona say, if it was an Eastern, you made an important discovery - since they don't exist farther west that the extreme eastern portion of Louisianna (and probably not there anymore).

Westerns are testy buggers. Some scientists say many Westerns have lost their inclination to rattle since they are so heavily hunted by humans. They've learned that rattling draws humans closer.

Big-O reply :

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I was gona say, if it was an Eastern, you made an important discovery - since they don't exist farther west that the extreme eastern portion of Louisianna (and probably not there anymore).
Westerns are testy buggers. Some scientists say many Westerns have lost their inclination to rattle since they are so heavily hunted by humans. They've learned that rattling draws humans closer.

So thats why I nearly stepped on 3 or 4 last year at the Ranch, thought it was because I'm gettin' old and wasn't paying attention. Probably both.

Big O

Lavrax reply :

A close call mate. The key is to remain calm as you did. I almost step on 6 foot viper 2 months ago...i missed it by a few inches, i was lucky too. We have many close encounters with venomous snakes here (Vyron, C&R and Cybasser), so we should be careful because these reptile are camouflaged and very hard to spot

Brian_Reeves reply :

You know, I'm in the Army (for another month WOOO!!!) but you'd think that they'd learn a thing or two about camo from reptiles. The diamondback's patterns...both eastern and western make them nearly invisable to their environment. Really I admire snakes until they try to kill me. They are a very well adapted predator and very near the top of the food chain. Very little will mess with a 7ft rattlesnake. Thank god I didn't run into one that size. I've never seen one like that, but I'd probably have a friggin heart attack if one that size bit me.

I've done a bunch of research on rattlesnakes since that episode and they are a pretty cool critter. Creapy and has made me really think about how much I appreciate bank fishing, but cool nonetheless.

However you feel about snakes or any other critters in your area, it might be a good idea to research them on the internet. Find treatments or learn how to tie up pressure dressings and possibly turnikits (spelling sucks on that word). A good pressure dressing will slow bloodflow and could possibly save your life.

Be sure you are aware of what dangers are out there and how to deal with them. NEVER TRY TO SUCK POISON OUT OF YOURSELF OR OTHERS!!! It doesn't work and it could do tons more damage than good. I'd suggest researching some first aid and survival tips. Always make sure someone knows where you are at.

I might start a thread specifically for survival and first aid techniques, but I haven't decided if it fits yet. If y'all are interested, I'll share what I know. I'm sure there are guys on here that have tons of knowlege with survival and first aid.

Micro reply :

There's a huge amount of WRONG information out there on the treatment of venomous snake bites.

There's two types of venom found in US snakes - hemotoxic (most with myotoxic properties) and neurotoxic. Some snakes have a combination of both. (Hemo=blood, myo=muscle, neuro=nerve)

Hemotoxic (with myotoxic properties) venom is comprised of protiens that destroy red blood cells, vascular walls, muscle and connective tissue. It's vile stuff. This is the venom found in most rattlersnakes and cottonmouths, and one species of copperhead (the Tran Pecos Copperhead found in Texas). Bites from these snakes can result in serious injury - tissue loss, permanent disability or death. Other copperheads have just hemotoxic venom which usually result in swelling, bleeding and pain, but usually followed by a full recovery. Copperheads are considered the "least venomous" venomous snakes.

The other venom is neurotoxic venom. Coral Snakes, Tiger and Mohave Rattlesnakes, and some Canebrake Rattlers have produce this venom. (Canebrakes are mainly hemo/myotoxic, with some neurotoxic properties.) This is a dangerous venom comprised of peptides that effect the synapses of the nervous system. Envenomation can lead to blindness (usually temporary), paralysis and respitory failure. The Tiger and Mojave Rattler (the Arizona variety) is considered the deadliest North American snake, and among the most venomous in the world. (The only upside to being bitten by a snake with a neurotoxic venom is that you won't melt (like you might with hemo/myotoxic venom) as you die .)

For envenomations by hemo/myotoxic varieties, tourniquets are OUT. They will keep the venom concentrated in the limb resulting is a worse injury. Cutting is out as it opens new tissue to venom exposure. Shocking devices (like stun guns popular among hunters with dogs) don't work - despite popular opinion to the contrary. Suction cups produce mixed results. The best way to treat this bite is to get medical help as soon as possible. "Crofab" is the usual antivenin used to treat bites. This stufff cost about $1,500 per file, and a mild envenomation will take about 6-8 vile. Severe envenomation may take 20+. Snakebites produce some of the costliest injuries.

For neurotoxic envenomation, pressure bandages above the bite can be helpful as this will restrict the flow of the venom into the rest of the body. Obviously, medical help is critical.

The best medicine is to not get bitten. Watch where you step and put your hands. Don't touch any snake you cannot 100% identify. Be aware of any aquatic snake - especially in the south. Do not molest snakes.

I've been interested in snakes for most of my life. I've hunted them (not to kill), captured and kept hundreds of snakes - including some venomous snakes (cottonmouths). They are amazing animals. Admire them for what they are. Leave them alone.

Bass XL reply :

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Do not molest snakes.

sorry, I couldnt help myself.

iamjoe2 reply :

couple of things,

no rattlers in s/e louisiana, i cant speak for nothern la though...

what kind of venom do cottonmouths have? ive seen several of them fishing...

Micro reply :

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couple of things,
no rattlers in s/e louisiana, i cant speak for nothern la though...

what kind of venom do cottonmouths have? ive seen several of them fishing...

Cottonmouths have a strongly hemotoxic venom that destroys red blood cells and is strongly anticoagulant (anti-clotting). Adult Cottonmouths have moderate sized fangs and contain a lot of venom. Adults carry, on average, 80-170 milligrams (mg) of venom. The lethal dose for an adult human is about 100 mg. (Lethal dose is characterized by the amount of venom needed to killl 50% of adult humans envenomated. Also known as LD50 - short for lethal dose 50%.) The amount injected is usually much smaller. Some fatalities have occurred, but bites usually just result in tissue damage (those this can be nasty and crippling).

Cottonmouths also have a nasty tendancy to carry bacteria. Secondary infections, such as tetnus and gangrene often occurs as a result of a bite. They also carry worms in their mouth that come from frogs and things they eat.

Avoid Cottonmouths.

Brian_Reeves reply :

What part of SE Louisiana joe? I have land in Marksville, near Alexandria, that is full of rattlesnakes :-?

I'm from Gonzales, LA and I've NEVER seen one down there though and I've spent many hours in those Amite River swamps and bayous.

Jeff H reply :

Don't like snakes one bit. If there were venomous snakes where I live, hunt and fish I'd certainly wear the right boots AND carry a machete. When I was a kid we used to catch them all the time, didn't bother me then or until I had a very close encounter with a rattler in the Big Horn mountains. When I found out they can really seriously mess you up, or kill you it changed my tune. They are one part of nature I can do without. I hate snakes!!

Fish Man reply :

glad to hear your ok but man your lucky they didnt jump all on you for killing the snake(probobly because it was the hospital). i dont remember the story to well but a long time ago my dad was biten by a possum was told to take it to get tested for rabbies. well my dad killed it and threw it in the truck and when he got there they threatened to have him arrested for animal cruilty

Jeff H reply :

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glad to hear your ok but man your lucky they didnt jump all on you for killing the snake(probobly because it was the hospital). i dont remember the story to well but a long time ago my dad was biten by a possum was told to take it to get tested for rabbies. well my dad killed it and threw it in the truck and when he got there they threatened to have him arrested for animal cruilty

How the hell did he get bit by a possum?

Fish Man reply :

im not to sure but i want to say that it was alongside our old garge in the shade and my dad figured it was dead (when it was rally just sleeping or playing dead) and when he picked it up or attempted to move it and got it out fo the shade and inot the light it woke up and bit him.....yea lol

Brian_Reeves reply :

I think possums freak me out more than snakes. A possum is still grinning when you kill it. Honestly, what smiles when it gets killed? That's just disturbing. ;D

GatorBK reply :

I thought I was snakebit the other day I was walking through tall grass with sandals and something stuck me in my achilles tendon that shot pain up my leg. It was a dang sea catfish that had dried out and was stiffened up. Its head must have rolled when I stepped on it driving a spine about an inch in my tendon . It took both hands to pull it out.

My most painful bite was a 6 ft gator it bit through my thumbnail like hot butter it was nearly bone crushing. And locked on like a bulldog I pried its mouth off with my knife

here is what that bite looked like after a couple weeks healing

Ballpark Frank reply :

Glad you are OK. Here in North Alabama, we have several venomous snakes. I had a Cottonmouth/Water Moccasin get me when I was 12, that was an experience that I wish I could forget. I usually leave the rattlers and copperheads alone, they are usually not aggressive. If I see them, I slowly walk away. Cottonmouths on the other hand, are very aggressive and should consider themselves as "JUST WAITING TO DIE". My S&W 638 is always in my pocket just waiting for them.

Brian_Reeves reply :

Yeah, those things will go out of their way to make you miserable. Thats why I have a 6ft hickory stick. I carry and fire guns for a living and I try to stay away from them whenever I can. That and carrying one on post is a nightmare waiting to happen.

Big-O reply :

I think the butt of your rod did the job to perfection and it makes for a better adventure to remember. And the story goes "The fishing rod that was lethal at both ends"

Big O

Brian_Reeves reply :

Yeah, but the last thing I want to do is wreck my jigging rod. I wouldn't have minded if it was one of my "all purpose" rods. But my wife bought my jigging rod for our first anniversary. If it dies, I will die with it lol.

Mrs. Matstone reply :

That is pretty scary! Glad to hear that your ok though. I come across snakes alot when I am fishing and most of the time they really don't bother with me and believe me I don't bother with them either... ;D I don't really know one species of snake from the next but this one is the one that I seem to come across most often.

This little guy swam up next to me when I was fishing one day. He did not bother me he just laid there soaking up the sun.

Glad to hear that your ok though and sorry to hear about your fishing equipment.

Brian_Reeves reply :

Thanks. The fishing equipment made it through ok though I lost the cap on the butt of the rod, but other than that, it's all good.

I'm not sure what kind of snake that is. If it's isn't a moccasin or if it doesn't rattle, I don't know what it is. I just know to stay away from them unless I"m really hungry ;D

Micro reply :

That's a Northern Watersnake. Non-venomous fish and frog eater. Testy buggers, though. They bite, a lot. That one in your photo is beautifully marked.

I have a stupid habit of trying to catch most snakes I come across. Of them all, I've been bitten most frequently by Northern Watersnakes.

iamjoe2 reply :

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What part of SE Louisiana joe? I have land in Marksville, near Alexandria, that is full of rattlesnakes :-?
I'm from Gonzales, LA and I've NEVER seen one down there though and I've spent many hours in those Amite River swamps and bayous.

i live in new orleans so that where i do most of my fishing, and ive yet to see a rattler anywhere around here

Troutfisher reply :

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I've been interested in snakes for most of my life. I've hunted them (not to kill), captured and kept hundreds of snakes - including some venomous snakes (cottonmouths). They are amazing animals. Admire them for what they are. Leave them alone.

I respectfully disagree. I hate snakes and if they are poisonous they get the axe, no questions asked.

Brian_Reeves reply :

Yeah you probably won't see a rattler around New Orleans. Probably not until you get north and a bit east of Baton Rouge. I don't think they like the swamps and bayous of deep south louisiana.

Sam reply :

When man invades nature we encounter various species that do not appreciate our visit.

Snakes, bees, wasps and ticks are all around us and they will leave us alone unless we either step on or threaten them in someway.

Its all a part of fishing and the beauty of nature.

Now, with that said, I am so glad you are OK. A snake bite is not something to take lightly.

fishinfiend reply :

That is why I always keep my 12- gauge (aka- snake charmer) nice and close.

Redlinerobert reply :

Really glad you're ok.

wgilfus81 reply :

Glad to hear things worked out ok for you...On a lighter note, I have seen the effect of a water moccasin dropping out of a tree less than a foot from a buddy of mine while fishing...I have never seen him move that fast before that day or since!

Andrew Coleman reply :

Quote
Something about visualizing a snake being beaten by a fishing rod makes me chuckle
Glad your okay M8!

thats is funny

David P reply :

Sorry to hear that happened. With the hot weather we've been getting i've seen MANY rattle snakes, hidden VERY well in areas that I frequently fish. Now I don't even bother with some of those areas.

Some of the snakes didn't even rattle.

Good to hear all is alright.

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Danger!!! Snake Bit :( 2024

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