So how big and long is your personal equipment?

Snake hook, I mean. On this thread here, a fellow expressed consternation at the idea of handling a 12' African rock python with a 3' hook.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...t=65471&page=2

I went, huh? Maybe it's because I'm a little short person, but a standard length or slightly shorter hook is about right in my hand. Anything longer mostly seems to get in the way. I work with some fairly big fellows, adult kings and mambas and the big Bothrops and Lachesis, but I don't really have much use for a longer hook. A wider one for moving heavy vipers, sure. But not really a longer one.

How about the rest of you?

For years I used a Furmont Reptile Hook that was just under 31" including the rubber handle. Past couple years now, I've only been bringing a small hook with a wood handle about 16" long. I live in CA so no 16' cobras, or mambas, etc , only Crotalus, but I find this size is sufficient for my uses out in the field; manipulating a snake for a photo, pulling it out of a hole etc. even for a large atrox or Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. Plus it fits in my field pack.

ugh - I just read through 10 pages of that crap to find the thing about A. rocks on a 3ft hook. I think I have a headache.
Anyway, over the years I have used a variety of hooks - ranging from approx 12-44". My choice in lengths generally had more to do with the situations I was working in than the particular animal. And for whatever reason, if I am double-hooking, I prefer to use 2 different lengths. As for the 12' rock, I honestly can't recall a time that I used a hook on one. (me & rock pythons...we kinda get along - "understand" each other [not to get back on the subject of snakes/feelings/emotions/etc...that was another thread entirely]).

I would enjoy seeing the thread on snake feelings and being "in touch" with them. I've felt much the same way myself, but I hesitate to anthropomorphize or to make assumptions that could get me killed. "The cute widdle snakey-wakey wuvs me" is not a workable viewpoint for a handler. At least not a handler with all his fingers intact. LOL

aahhhhh - sweet revenge (that thread is up to 69 pages now, lol). here ya go:
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...light=emotions
I didn't jump in til a few pages in. Enjoy

My primary personal snake hook is 75cm long. (Exactly 4 times as long as my most personal "equipment"; you have taught me a new thing!) I also have a 61cm Midwest mini hook, but it bends more than I enjoy with snakes more than 2m long. If the length is no more than 1,5m and the snake is not too heavy, however, the lighter mini hook is much used.

My personal equipment is huge Just kidding I actually use my midwest mini for the most part and I also use a homemade 30" hook for the slightly larger stuff but I have to say I am seriously considering the mark o'shea signature hook

Joe Lesh