I used to catch rattlers for fun. On a big dredge pond or old granite mine above Folsom Lake was my biggest. a 46" with 16 rattles, and it had been broke at very end. I was coming out just about dusk and there was only one dirt road coming down to water's edge. So I would think it was either hunting or drinking. I almost stepped on it. So I hooked it with a ultralite outfit, splitshot and baithook. Just snagged it behind the head. But I have hand caught many others. I've caught quite a few big ones. I used to raise boas, was a wholesaler to all of the local pet shops. Had all of the locals, Kings, my favorites, gophers, garters, racers, longtails. Just don't see as many as I used to. I only have one now, a false cobra, and Mrs. Frog wants it gone this year. Kind of got big, and it is venomous as a timber rattler. Best snake as far as attack mode I ever had. But time to go.
