You guys better watch out carrying guns on Corps of Engineers lakes. Often, they only allow it if you are waterfowling and that is on only the lakes where you can do that. LCRA lakes and the Colorado River are off limits. No guns at all. I disagree whole heartedly with Mr. Murphey. I think we should be able to carry and use them if we need them. It is very irresponsible to shoot into the boat or anywhere else where the shot is not clear and the target fully identifiable. Furthermore, it is completely irresponsible to mix water, guns, and alcohol. However, what if I am on the lake and some fool decides he wants to make trouble for me and my family. What if he wants to rob us? What if he wants to kidnap and rape my daughters? To give up our rights is completely ludicrous and unwarranted, but those jokers in management at the Corps, LCRA, and other government entities and corporate buereaus are too politically correct to realize that the bad guys don't care if they break the law, but us honest, law abiding slugs are put at a definite disadvantage because we have been stripped of our ability to defend ourselves. My arguments are old and boring, but it does not dimenish the truth of them. I just would hate to see any of you getting hauled in just because you trying to protect yourselves.

I just use common sense. When walking along the bank, make lots of noise--snakes will get out of your way. Keep your eyes open, too. As I was getting out of the water last night, a small (2-1/2 foot) diamondback watersnake stuck his head out of the hydrilla about 6 feet from me. As soon as he got a good look at me, he took off like a rocket. Despite people's fears, 99% of snakes will avoid us, if at all possible. For the ones that don't, a rap on the head with a rod tip is usually enough. Avoid splashing water, as it will cause a snake to try to find refuge, often on the boat with you (really a bad idea in a floattube!).

I will just use the oar in the boat, but around my boathouse they like to get in the exposed Xmas trees in the afternoon to cool off. If I find them then, they get introduced very quickly to an old friend of mine, called an Iver Johnson .410. The introduction is rather short, loud and to the point.

Speaking from experience, was bit by a copperhead 3 weeks ago, I carry a hoe with a sharp blade & 6' handle, fits right in the rod box of my Champion. Believe me, you DO NOT want a snake bite ! It will screw up your next few weeks................

Sorry about that wound HHH.

Bottom line over here in Louisiana is kill on site. The Red River is infested with them and they are aggressive this time of year due to warm weather and mating season. They will follow a sent trail from a livewell overflow and come up the foot of an outboard. With all the cypress trees, scan the limbs before your boat bumps it. That go's for the F-16 size Wasp's too!

It's amazing what a person can do to a snake with a boat paddle but gators are also aggressive this time of year.

Mr. 12 ga with #6 shot is just handy to have but I've never had to use it.

What's the Boy Scout motto? Be Prepared

Forgot to mention, Snakebite kits are cheap and will keep in your boat. Read the enclosed directions before you need them.

My little .410 snake charmer provide at least some psychological comfort. I do not hate snakes, and will not mess with them if they leave me alone. I tried the .22 with rat shot and it seems quite a bit less effective than the .410. Something to do with more lead I suppose.

The Mighty 410 is the Perfect snake/varmint killin' tool

I carry my .40 Glock just about everywhere since I have a CHL and when I go to the woods or the lake I always grab a magazine with Snake loads in it and take it along. Have shot a few snakes with them and they work good, although never shot one in the boat.

When I walk around the deer lease before deer season starts, I carry a Springfield M6 survival gun that is over/under with .22 Hornet on top and .410 on bottom. That little thing is compact, barely over 2 feet long, and I have used it a number of times.

Hugh H. hulsey, were you walking around barefoot

Oh my!

I carry a BB gun with me everywhere I go, it just happens to shoot a bunch of BB's at one time! It is my old buddy "Mossy"! It is a sawed off 12 gauge pump loaded with #6 shot, I live in rattler country, so I keep it closeby all the time, whether fishing or mowing the yard, a good snake is a dead one to me!I will leave a rat snake or a bull snake alone though, they do have a purpose other than scaring the sh17 outa me! LOL!!!

CCI Shotshells. I use them in a RoughRider single action 22 revolver. Man, them snakes don't even move. They come in most calibers, too.
I shot a paper plate at about 10 feet to see, it looked like somebody threw a handfull of pepper on that plate. Covered the whole plate. Don't know what it would do in a boat, but I won't be trying it either. I use it when scouting in the woods, bowfishing at night, etc. I hate cotton mouths. Every since I saw that scene in Lonesome Dove. They just give me the willy's

I know a lot of you may hate me for this, but here goes. If you can�t go to where the real fishing spots are, well just don�t go there. Snakes fish also. That�s why they are there. Follow any snake to the water, you will find the fish. You cannot be expected to go to Africa and hunt big game without willing to follow the hunt to the Lion. It is part of the hunt. To shoot a large game, without the thrill of the hunt is worthless. The hunt is most of the capture. Fishing is no different. Lions are a part of hunting in Africa, like snakes are a part of fishing in our world. It is all about the hunt, fish strike and adventure. I never would brag about catching a LMB off a dock when a fisherman told me about his 2 lb bass he caught other than a snake invested backwaters. To hook a Bass in snake invested pond or lake, now that is something to brag about. Stop, look around, and you get that feeling that you are the only warm-blooded animal around, cast away. Shooting snakes to get there kind of defeats the whole experience. All I am saying is if you can�t fish in a fish worlds, try the local pond. It may be safe, but not near as rewarding. Anybody that has done this knows what I am talking about. Just try it, go home and tell your kids what a real trip it was. BTW, never go into a jungle without thinking ahead. Telling the story is half the fun.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vanboom:
told me about his 2 lb bass he caught other than a snake invested backwaters. To hook a Bass in snake invested pond or lake, now that is something to brag about.

What were the snakes investing in? I hear gold is hot right now. What broker do the use?