Reelfoot Snakes??

[split shot]

Help,
How bad are the snakes at reelfoot during the middle of may? Some of the guys around here are trying to fill my head with alot of stories and really would like to know what to expect when we get there. Neither my cousin or myself are very fond of snakes. Any suggestions on something to have in the boat for defense. Please dont mess with my head.
Thanks.
SplitShot

[Bones]

There are snakes there but they don't mess with you much. Check overhanging limbs before you head under them, and don't get out on dry ground where you can't see where you are stepping.

[superdave1984]

There are snakes there but they don't mess with you much. Check overhanging limbs before you head under them, and don't get out on dry ground where you can't see where you are stepping.

I have never been to Reelfoot and NOT have a visit from at least one cottonmouth. I just give them their room and they don't give me trouble. But I have seen at least one within 20 feet of me every time. They WILL come in the boat with you too. Better to leave a good fishing spot and be able to come back another time than to wind up with two holes in ya.
Just keep your eyes open at all times and stay away from limbs near shore.

[Herewego]

Don't carry a gun, holes in bottom of boat cause it to sink.:D

[dogboy]

If your gonna mess arround in brush look at any limbs you plan to grab before you do so. All this may sound windy, but no joke if you are near the shore, a log, or any thing else a snake can sun on one will be there Reelfoot is a snake factory. Just be mindfull you'll have no probs

[ThrillSeeker]

I heard that there are 16 foot snakes that cruise the shallow water just below the surface, are attracted to bobbers and lead sinkers, and they have been known to eat out of towners! If I were you, I'd take a bazooa....just to be on the safe side. :D:D

[crappietime]

Well wished I could find this one picture I had of a snake when my father in law and a couple other guys was up there looking at duckblinds to lease out.They had one come straight for them on top of the water standing on his tail.Two men two oars one snake.The snake was still living when they gave up and left....Oh they was out of towners also...

[ReelfootYankee]

may is rutting time for them they get reel aggressive!! 22 caliber with some rat shot so it dont go threw the boat!!They say if you dont go looking for them you wont findem!!But I was fishen a river bed years back when one tried to get in the boat with me good thing I was useing a frog gig for a push pole!!

[c1bigocarp]

All you have to do on this board is mention snakes! If you put us all in one room and threw in a snake of any type the casualty count would be plenty high with people getting trampled to death getting out of the way! I would be one of the ones running over somebody....I am hard to take down when I am scared! Just the fact that you mentioned snakes at Reelfoot is enough to keep me away.

[Cracker68]

As the Yankee said, when they are rutting its time to watch out. Most of the time if you don't mess with them they don't mess with you. Have had a few try to get in the boat but I think it was because the sun was going down and it was cooling off and the aluminum boat was still hot and they wanted to come aboard and warm up.