First before I get into this story I need to fill you guys on some background information.  The weather here in Southern New Hampshire has been crazy for the past week or so.  There has been incredible down pours that last for only a few minutes, to bluebird skies for a day or two.  To sum it all up the water is very low as of right now (remember that).  I also have lost my kayak in a fishing accident and am stuck on the bank for the time being, which isn't too ideal.

 

So today I decided to go bank fishing at a spot that I always bring my kayak too that usually will produce a couple of nice bass.  The problem is that today I didn't have a kayak.  Bank fishing was terrible after a hour or so, so I decided to just get a cool Instagram picture for social media and leave.  Well, as I am crouching down a feel a pressure on my big toe.  I didn't really think anything of it, but when I looked down I saw a massive snake with a huge, black and flat head biting on my shoe.  My shoe is mesh so I was feeling the "fangs" on my toe.  I freaked out and literally whipped my shoe and the snake about 10 yards.  I was assuming I got bit by a Water Moccasin and my life was flashing before my eyes.  Turns out it was just a massive water snake, but it was most certainly a wake up call to look before I crouch down in the woods somewhere.  Lessons have been learned from this fishing experience.  Oh, and here is the picture I got when I was getting attacked; nice little spot to fish.

 

 

 

SNAKE!!  lol.....glad you're ok!

Them big water snakes have a bad attitude a lot of the time. Never been bit by one but have had some take a shot at me, usually because I stepped on them and didn't know they were there. 

I hate snakes..... Nice little fishing hole though!

 

Jim

"Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?" - Indiana Jones.

What! No snake pics?!?!

Scary situation for sure. Those snakes camouflage so well. Nice spot though!! 

I don't venture out on the bank w/o at least some leather boots on unless it's a very clear area.  I hate snakes!!!

When I was a bank fisherman, I wore knee high rubber boots or hip waders every time, even in the middle of summer, just for that reason.

Glad you're OK

 

You may want to readdress your "Out in the Woods" wardrobe; specifically your footwear.

 

 

A-Jay

I love snakes, just don't tick them off and you'll be ok. If your worried about it, at least wear some high top hiking boots.

I deal with water snakes all the time. I never bank fish with sandals, or bear feet, I always wear ankle boots. I hate snakes but I sure do respect them, they are good at what they do!!!!

There is a pristine lake, I been to it twice, to fish... Heard all the chatter, but we were stubborn. The place around this smallish lake, was infested with copperheads.. Big uns too... I know of 2 places in south indiana where they are like that. Just hoards of copperheads. I have killed a few.

Snakes sux! Wear boots guy!

I love snakes. You were not attacked. You probably stepped on it without realizing. Thankfully it wasn't the banded watersnakes venomous cousin!

Great reminder to always respect the environment you are putting yourself in and remember to pay attention to your surroundings. Glad you're OK!

Yeah, you do have to watch where you step when you are in those woodsy type areas. Happened to me last week at a new spot. Was walking around the lake in the wooded area, and got the bageezus scared out of me when I almost stepped on one of them. Thought it was a ratteler, but ended up being a non venomous snake....still gave it a wide berth though. Then yesterday at the same place fishing a Booyah Pad Crasher. I see something getting in the water from the corner of my eye, and thought nothing of it next thing you know I'm reeling in the frog and there is a snake hanging from the head end of the lure. Should of taken a picture.

I respect snakes and their role in the ecosystem and I'm not especially frightened of them however if I saw a snake gnawing on my foot, I'd soil myself and scream like a little girl.

I love my boat, i love my boat, i love my boat. She aint much but man i love my boat

I had a water mocassin inhale a jig a few weeks back. He saw the jig hit the water and attacked! Thank goodness he unhooked himself after a minute.

I had a water mocassin inhale a jig a few weeks back. He saw the jig hit the water and attacked! Thank goodness he unhooked himself after a minute.

I would cut my line in .00024seconds lol

Northern Watersnakes can be pretty aggressive and "bitey" when confronted, but like most snakes they generally want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. They have an anti-coagulent in their saliva, so if you get a bite on bare skin, it will bleed... a lot. Since they are often mistaken for venomous snakes, the "I just got bit by a snake AND I'm bleeding a bunch" tends to freak people out.

New England is nice, not many venomous snakes and spiders. I lived there for a bunch. Come visit us in Memphis where everything and everyone is trying to kill you.

Water moccasins in New Hampshire?

 

Maybe a copperhead but a moccasin?

 

May I suggest bringing yourself up to date on the types of snakes in New Hampshire and know what poisonous ones are in your area. I did not think there were any moccasins that far up north.

 

Down here in central Virginia we have water moccasins on the Appomattox River and some that venture out into the Historic James River heading towards Williamsburg.

 

Otherwise the only poisonous snakes in our area are copperheads and we see them swimming or sunning themselves on the banks of the Appomattox and Chickahominy rivers. We ignore them and they ignore us.

 

Let us know what you find out. Thanks.

 

 

Very nice spot man