COOSEFAN Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Because it's close to home and because I've got a serious itch to catch some fish I ran out again today. I decided to try fishing one of the new spots I found and armed with a pole, tackle box, camera and flip-flops I made my way to the spot. I wore flip-flops because I knew I'd have to get in the water but soon realized it was a dumb decision! I found a road that gets me close but I would still need to hike an open trail for a ways and then down through the "snake infested" thick stuff to get to the water. Walking the open trail, feelin' safe but dreading the hike through the brush I kept thinking about snakes! The weather was perfect and I was wearing flip-flops, finding a snake was pretty much a guarantee! Sure enough, as I glanced about 50 yards down the trail I could see the inevitable suspect laying there waiting for me. I laughed to myself and said out loud, "I'd better turn back now"! Of course I didn't though, I was on a mission to catch fish! This one was a Diamond Back and wasn't very photogenic, well actually I was too chicken to get in the bushes for better pics So, after that I make my way down to the water with no more snake sightings on the way. I caught a few small bass, nothing worthy of pulling the camera out for, but it was mission accomplished! I head back way early with plenty of light left fully expecting another snake. I VERY cautiously made it past the thick stuff and almost to the open trail when I glanced off to my left and sure enough, there's another! This one was only about 10 yards out and in open stuff so the camera came out for a full on photo session. This snake was a Mohave Rattlesnake which are a lot more photogenic as you can see in the pics. He was one pissed off dude! Both snakes are still slitherin' around out there and I guarantee I won't wear flip-flops again! JIM> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZP&Y Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Ha - Jim- I just posted my encounter this evening! I can feel your vibe with this post! Man does it get the adrenaline going or what? Hopefully that'll be the last one for a while! Hey real nice pics by the way! Don't think I'll sleep tonight! LOL! AzP&Y Doug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted April 7, 2010 LOL!! Flip-flops??? Really? Man, sometimes I wonder about you! Too bad you didn't pull any lunkers out of your new fishing hole. Is it going to be worth another try? Nice snake pics! Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted April 7, 2010 I think you might be cursed, I havent had a encouner with one of them in years. Nice pics, thanks I'll probably have nightmares now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Great pictures of the coiled snake Jim. The thing I hate most about encountering a snake, is that afterward, EVERYTHING looks like a freaking snake! Just ruins my hike. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Dane the 4th picture down makes a killer background on my computer!!! Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Yeah, my nerves are TOAST right now. The wife had to kill a GIANT spider in our bedroom just a few minutes ago and now I'm sittin' indian style on my chair and starin' at the floor! I know what I'll be dreaming about tonight I knew the flip-flops were a bad idea but didn't think about it until after I left the house, It's a whole different feeling knowing your toes and ankles are exposed! Once the water flows slow down I'm sure I'll catch some better fish outta there, but by then it'll probably be time to start living with the bulls! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Dane the 4th picture down makes a killer background on my computer!!! Thanks I'm glad you liked it enough to use it! Here's the pic that I used for my desktop pic if anyone wants it! This dude sure got creative with his striking pose, don't see this pose very often! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Those are awsome pix! Jim, have you ever heard of WEARING boots and CARRYING sandals?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ehunt Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Awesome pics!! That first snake is huge!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Awesome pix - don't mean to preach or anything, but these snakes are an integral part of the little chunk of land we call home. If they're not an immdiate threat, let's just let them go about their business. I've got some snake skins hanging over 6' across from my younger, more careless days. But in the spirit of concientous outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, if we cross paths with a mature western diamondback, let's let them carry on. The mojave's on the other hand, are nastly little buggers - especially along the Blue range, but that's another story. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhunter Report post Posted April 7, 2010 I'm hoping you have good Zoom on your camera otherwise you're just a dumb**$ getting that close, it's true, elk guides have a lifespan of 39 years on average Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Jim, Opportunity, not a curse, is knocking. Hatbands, belt buckles, "chicken" dinner. And you may be preventing a kid or his dog from getting bit by making the rattler into dinner. RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Nice pics Jim. But remind me never to go fishing with you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rio Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Great pics, Mohave's are bad dudes, probably one of the worst rattlesnake around to get bit by, has both hemotoxin as well as neurotoxin. Give these guys plenty of respect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
