Fishing safety is one of those things that nobody seems to think about until they are hit with an emergency. Lets face it, there are only a handful of really dangerous things that can happen fishing from the bank or boating on our rivers here in America. One hidden danger that certainly comes into play are dangerous snake bites. Here are some things to consider:
There are four major types of dangerous snake bites in America. The cottonmouth, the copperhead, the rattlesnake, and the coral snake are the four species. Within each of these species there are a number of subspecies. The rattlesnake in particular has a number of different types. These include the western and eastern diamondbacks, the timber rattlesnake, the Mojave rattlesnake, and others. Around the water, you could potentially encounter any one of these snakes. The most likely culprit, however, would be the cottonmouth. This is a fat bodied snake that lives most all of its life in and around the water. They also do not like to be messed with or encountered in the great outdoors.
The single best way to avoid a dangerous snake bite while fishing is to leave them alone. The vast majority of dangerous snake bites in America are due to people attempting to kill or play with a venomous snake. If you encounter a snake, give it plenty of room to escape. If it does not slither away, go someplace else to do your fishing. The cottonmouth in particular has been known to stand it’s ground. Give them their space back.
Another key to not getting bitten while fishing is to pay attention to your surroundings. Do not place your feet, hands or any other parts of your body in places that are hidden from view. Watch each of your steps, and keep a vigilant look out around you. Surprising a venomous snake will lead to a very bad day for you and your fishing trip.
Dress for the occasion. If you are going to be fishing around a lake or river, you should wear high quality, thick boots that go as far up your leg as possible. These boots are a lifesaver if you step on a venomous snake, or step too close to one.
Know the species of dangerous snakes you might encounter. Each area of the country has snakes that are indigenous to the area. Find out what they are and learn about them and their habits. The key is to leave all snakes alone, but it can be helpful to know where you might run into a dangerous snake.
Keep a particularly close eye open for dangerous snake hiding places. Under rocks, in brush, and in any hidden areas are prime territory. Avoid these areas if at all possible, and always look where you step while fishing.
