Stepped into an opening in the weeds at this little pond yesterday. First cast out with my trusty rooster tail, close the bail and I look to make sure the line is OK and what do I see ? A snake head coming out of the weeds next to me. My first thought was "CRAP" a Rattler, then I thought , I didn't hear any rattle. I still froze, except for reeling, can't let my lure snag on the bottom you know. This snake slithered out of the weeds very slowly not more than a foot from my foot, head going side to side and it's tongue flicking out constantly. When I say very slowly I mean it felt like 10 min's, must have been 10' long, probably only about 3 min's and 2 1/2' in reality. It's been awhile since I've messed with snakes but as more of it emerged, I was thinking it just didn't quite look or behave like a Rattler. As it's head went into the weeds on the other side and it's tail became visible, Bull snake, and I went about my business of fishing. It must have curled up in that clump of weeds as I never saw it again.
Today, I stepped up to the same hole in the weeds, look for snakes, first cast, check every thing and start reeling in my trusty rooster tail. Make about 4 cranks and felt a prick up under the hem of my shorts. Instinctively swatted at it and "BAAM" A full-out attack with a venomous projectile. I dropped my pole, grabbed the hem of my shorts, yanked them up grabbing the assailant with my other hand and tossed it into the pond. I immediately retrieved my rod and reeled, recovering as much slack as I could, can't let that rooster tail hit bottom you know. I then went about my fishing.
I was actually supposed to mow the lawn this after noon but since I have suffered a battle wound, think I'll wait till the morning when It's cooler.
Trout fishing is tough, bee careful out there!!
