Just wanted to pay homage to my four legged family member who lost her life to a rattle snake bite two days ago. Ironically I had fished Putah that afternoon and as I was leaving I picked up a soda at the RV park store and noticed a flyer on the closed door warning that is was rattlesnake season. I thought yup sure is and drove home. Mo was bitten a couple hours after I got home and passed away at four a.m. that morning as her body would not accept the antivenom. Not to be Debbie downer on a tuesday morning, but it's a wake up call if you're like me and spend most of your time fishing alone in very snaky areas. Those of you who frequent the Pit, Ruby and Stan know what I am talking about. I also nearly dunked it in the creek as I thought perhaps acting and swimming like a trout may help me land more fish. This was the second time in one month on two seperate bodies of water I almost went in. To sum it up I have been a listener of you all for no less than FIVE years and this is my first ever post. So apparently this week of ups and downs finally inspired me to speak and tell you all to be careful, slow down and take er easy. Oh yes, the obligatory fish report.......three fish landed. Pheasant tail, Fox poopah, and red John's where the flies of the day. Thanks for your shoulders. R.I.P Mo.
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I truly feel your pain. It's tough when you lose a member of the family.
As Cole has stated, it is rattlesnake season. I've yet to see one this season, but it doesn't mean that they're not there. Be careful. Take your time. There's no hurry. The fish aren't going anywhere. The rattler you don't see could be the one that you startle and get you into serious trouble.
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"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught."
I know you all are very experienced outdoors people but i think its important to be able to identify the type of spots that may hold a rattle snake. Be careful around rocks, places were theres alot of dead wood that has piled up, and high grassy areas. Sunny areas with rocks early in the morning hold rattlers, since the rocks hold heat they use em to warm up in the morning. Shade areas in the heat of the day. Be very careful when you step over a log, they like to sit in the shade on the other side. I usually dont use a wading staff but it is good for disturbing the trail your walking on ahead of you, I just pick up a stick at least 5 feet long. Those guys dont wanna waste there venom on you, they need it for food. I'm very sorry for your lose Cole. Havent seen any rattlers in a awhile but i always see plenty of king snakes around the various places I fish.
I saw one last year by access 3, coiled up in the sand. He didn't even move. But then again, I had just come up out of the creek and since they sense heat, I must have not shown up on his radar in my cold waders. Be careful. Mike
