Im new to tubing and wanted to know if the snakes would bother you while out on the water?? I've already asked a few folks and got different reply's. I can understand seeing a few around brush and other areas but are they really a BIG probem?? Any and all info is much appreciated.

Typically speaking, unless you are provoking them, the most aggressive are the least likely to be poisonous. Water snakes can pursue you on the water and this is true whether in a tube or a boat. I've had them swim right at me in a boat and not swim off till they tried to climb the engine. You can imagine the difference in perception that would be if in a tube and the same thing happened. But it's not common and you may tube for years and never have an incident.

If you see one in a tree or bush at the waters edge avoiding it and not casting at it will increase your odds of not being bothered. I keep an eye on them but don't worry unless I see one approaching me.

Learn to identify the difference in a water moccasin and a water snake. The water moccasin will be short and heavily built. The tail will taper quickly and be short. A 5 foot water moccasin is a giant so any long slender snake is likely a water snake. Also a moccasin will have nearly half of its body floating above the water level. It will almost appear to float above the water. They also hold their heads up while swimming.

These few clues and a couple of good Google searches for stories and photos will help you discern a threat from a distance without having to wait till its close enough to see its mouth, pupils or other suggestions people often have.

Heres a good example of a moccasin in water.

K.D.hit the nail right on the HEAD.

Never been bothered by snakes, alligators, sharks, turtles, etc. in close to 40 years of tubes/toons. I have been stung by hornets/wasps though, sometimes when a sunscreen scent attracts them. So if a creature from the list had an aggressive temperament to chase like bees (not likely), or gets drawn in (fish stringer) it would be a concern. Most of these critters have higher level of self awareness than insects and try to avoid injury at all costs- running for their lives when they see something strange like a FT approach. KD is right on, but baby moccasins may be harder to distinguish.

PC

Action_Jackson PM sent

Sounds good...I appreciate the info my good folks!!! I already feel better about tubing now I know a few things to watch for! BUT, what about having that fish stringer attached to you tube...Will this become a problem or attractant as well?? Now, let me learn/read a lil more about snakes and I'll be ready for ACTION! Thanks again fellas

Floating fish basket is better than a stringer as snakes can't get a grip on the fish, it looks out of place and maybe like a trap, so they are less likely to be drawn in. Also, the more you move your tube the better- if you will use a stringer, as the motion and sounds look suspicious compared to holding position quietly for more than about 30 minutes.

PC

I have never been bothered by snakes when fishing from my two man boat or tube. In fact, turtles have been my biggest issue. I have had several red ear sliders of pretty intimidating size swim right below me in my tube. Needless to say my hands werent around my fishing rod haha. And I once had a huge snapping turtle proceed to follow me in my boat, bite its side, and hoist himself up onto my boat. Once he was up on it he didnt pay me no mind but it was still quite frightening. That snapper was so big and old he had been alive before that lake was even made for sure.

C02 pellet gun always seals the deal

410 Snake Charmer is a nice option

maybe so. You don't get a second chance with a gator or shark though. Lol