I've been interested in snakes for most of my life.  I've hunted them (not to kill), captured and kept hundreds of snakes - including some venomous snakes (cottonmouths).   They are amazing animals.   Admire them for what they are.  Leave them alone.

I respectfully disagree.  I hate snakes and if they are poisonous they get the axe, no questions asked.

Yeah you probably won't see a rattler around New Orleans.  Probably not until you get north and a bit east of Baton Rouge.  I don't think they like the swamps and bayous of deep south louisiana.

When man invades nature we encounter various species that do not appreciate our visit.

Snakes, bees, wasps and ticks are all around us and they will leave us alone unless we either step on or threaten them in someway.

Its all a part of fishing and the beauty of nature.

Now, with that said, I am so glad you are OK.  A snake bite is not something to take lightly.

That is why I always keep my 12- gauge (aka- snake charmer) nice and close.

Really glad you're ok.  

Glad to hear things worked out ok for you...On a lighter note, I have seen the effect of a water moccasin dropping out of a tree less than a foot from a buddy of mine while fishing...I have never seen him move that fast before that day or since!

Something about visualizing a snake being beaten by a fishing rod makes me chuckle

Glad your okay M8!

X2

thats is funny

Sorry to hear that happened. With the hot weather we've been getting i've seen MANY rattle snakes, hidden VERY well in areas that I frequently fish. Now I don't even bother with some of those areas.

Some of the snakes didn't even rattle.

Good to hear all is alright.