Hand fishing hesitation - water snakes?
I'm a wilderness hiking guide in Arizona and am working on expanding my skill set. The epic factor of catching a fish with my bare hands? Too cool to pass up.
It's supposed to be easier than it sounds. Basic theory is to scare the fish under rocks and then feel around in holes in the rocks until you feel something. Then you grab the fish.
My hesitation: I am afraid of reaching into a dark hole and finding a poisonous snake instead of a fish.
My question: Do snakes ever lurk in corners of a pond like fish do? How can I avoid them?
In my favor:
Fortunately venomous snakes are more buoyant - They swim with their entire body exposed. I'm guessing that if startled, they'd be more likely to run for land than hide in an underwater corner?
Not in my favor:
Although they still breathe air, water snakes can stay underwater for significant periods of time.
Cottonmouths can definitely bite underwater.
Anyone have experience with hand fishing in areas that have water snakes?
