My Unforgettable River Fishing Day: A Snake Scare and a Bumper Catch
Okay, let’s talk about my wild fishing adventure today. It all started with a quick plan, then a disappointment, and ended with a mix of excitement and sheer terror—plus a huge fish haul! Let’s dive in.
From Zhao Zhuang to the Small River: A Plan B
I packed my earthworms, feeling pumped to hit Zhao Zhuang for some “fishing action.” Let me tell you, when I got there, it was a total bust! The river was bone-dry—like, not a drop of water left. I swear, I let out a “Oh no!” that could scare a fish. There was no way to fish here, so Plan B was mandatory: head to the small river.
The small river was about 30+ kilometers away from my place, east versus west, so I fired up the navigation. No other spots around, so off I went. Crossing my fingers that this place would be better than Zhao Zhuang!
When the Fish Bite Like It’s Their Last Meal: Double Pole Traditional Fishing
I arrived around 10 am, set up my bait nest, and got ready. Last time here, the fishing was so-so, so I decided to try two rods—traditional setup with 5.4m poles and 7-star floats. Line: 1.0 main line, size 5 black hook sleeves, bait: earthworms. I thought, “Let’s see if luck’s on my side today!”
Oh man, was I in for a surprise! The fish hit like crazy—no kidding, the moment I cast the hooks, bites started immediately. No need to twitch the rod; it was like they were waiting for me to drop the bait. One rod would still have a fish, and the other would hook up seconds later. I had both rods in hand, each with a catch! The crucian carp were all 1-2 taels (about 50-100g), solid size, no tiny ones. And best of all—no small fish or nibbles! Just clean, steady crucian carp bites.
I loved how easy it was with these short traditional poles. The bait nest was right there, lifting the rod was effortless, and the 7-star floats made it super clear to spot bites. This was fishing at its finest—no frills, just fish biting nonstop.
That Snake Again! A Terrible Reunion (and Panic Mode)
Wait a second… I’ve got a history with snakes here. Last time I fished, a big snake brushed my heels and gave me a heart attack! I’ve never forgotten that scare. So imagine my shock when I felt that same unease today.
Mid-fishing, I saw a big water snake slither up, head high, right toward my bait nest. It stopped, then suddenly dove under the water chestnuts! My mind went: “Oh no, not again!” Could it be sneaking up behind me to rub my heels? I started whacking the grass around me like a madman, trying to scare it off.
From then on, I was on high alert. Every few minutes, I’d check the ground and surroundings, heart racing. “Is it there? Is it coming for me?” I was so paranoid, I swear I could’ve jumped out of my chair. But hey, the fish didn’t care—they kept biting. So I just had to push through the fear and focus on the floats.
Imagine this: two rods, both catching fish, but every time I glance down, I’m half-expecting a snake to be there. It was exhausting but thrilling at the same time. The adrenaline was off the charts!
Final Catch: Bumper Haul Despite the Snake Scare
As the sun climbed higher, I was still fishing, snake on my mind. But the fish didn’t care—they kept biting. I didn’t have a single break; it was nonstop action. I mean, the fish were so hungry, they’d hit the hook before I could even think about the snake. It was wild!
By the time I finished around 11:30 am, I had a huge pile of crucian carp. My two rods were overflowing, and I had to carry the catch back carefully. The little ones? Well, there weren’t any. Every single fish was a solid 1-2 taels, and the water chestnut area made the setting even more scenic—though terrifying at times.
So what did I learn? First, fishing plans can go south, but sometimes Plan B is better. Second, luck is real—even in a “slow” time, the fish might decide to bite. Third, snakes are creepy, but if you stay alert (okay, maybe not calm, but alert), you can still have fun. And finally, traditional pole fishing with 7-star floats is the best for clarity and easy casting.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Even with the snake scare, the fish haul was worth every second of fear. Next time, I might bring a stick to poke the water chestnuts first… just to be safe!
Final thoughts: Fishing is all about the unexpected. Today taught me that even when you think you’ve messed up the day, a little luck and good gear can turn it into a story you’ll laugh (and shudder) about for years. So if you ever find yourself in a similar spot—don’t give up! The next cast might just be your biggest catch yet.
