Water Snakes?

[Minnowfish]

I live in North Texas where there is an abundant amount of water snakes in the area lakes. Most of them are of the nonvenomous species, but do have teeth. What should I know about these creatures while tubing? Will they attack me and eat me whole? [cool]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I've done a bit of tubing in the southern states and the reptile population has always been a concern. And, at first glance, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a water mocassin and a water snake...especially if you get the yips just seeing a snake...as many people do.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you tube where there are snakes, you need to be prepared. Some guys carry snub nose pistols, with snake loads. I do not recommend killing snakes. Often just thrashing the water in front of them with a rod or a landing net will get them to move off. If that does not work, use a stout rod to whip a couple or three loops of line around the snake's head and you can at least control it, if it seems determined to join you in the tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Some guys carry a ski pole or wading staff to use in "relocating" unwanted slithergoodies. You can fling one a long ways if you get it lifted in the middle. Or...you can whack the crap out of them. A short length of wooden staff will float behind you or you can keep it in a rod holder tube.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Down in Louisiana and Florida...as well as some parts of southern Texas, you really have a quadruple whammy to look out for. There are often copperheads and rattlers on the shore, and moccasins and gators in the water. You gotta really be dedicated (wacko) to go tubing during the months when all of those bad guys are out and active. I timed my tubing trips to the days right after major cold fronts during the winter. And, I still kept looking around nervously.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Does that make you feel any better?[/#0000ff]
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[tubeN2]

A spare 8' rod would come in handy too. No line, no reel. Make sure it is a medium action. As the snake approaches, you can get under the belly and fling it off in the other direction.

TubeDudes advice is solid and as good as gold. His advice as allowed me 40+ years of fishing and living.[cool]
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[Minnowfish]

Well, I don't feel any better! I do now have a plan, and it involves a sturdy stick and marine environment ninja tactics or "MENT". A pistol loaded with snake shot would work, but I fish in city lakes where it would draw too much negative attention at the mere sight of a firearm.[cool]
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