Dang sorry story hope you recover soon. I was out about 3 years ago on a local river (the Llano River) and had a Cottonmouth snake try a couple times for my fly which was a red crawfish imitation I tie sometimes. Made me take notice....this part of the river has many Cottonmouths in the spring of the year but they seem non-aggressive and go about their snake business. Still gives me the willies.....I don't care much for them critter's.