I'm excited to add another snake lure to the snake review section. Let's face it, there's just something cool about snake lures :)

The Bettencourt RealSnake is 10" long and weighs 3/4oz. Hooks are VMC 9650 size 2, and the split rings are 2x (size 3). Retail will be around $50 and they are set to release to the public February 1, 2008.

First impressions:

In my mind I was expecting a large lure, probably because the MS Snake is so huge. In reality, the RealSnake is something of a "finesse snake" - at least in my mind. The body sections are no bigger around than your pinky finger, and at 3/4oz, the lure is quite light.

On the water, I found right away that the lure should be worked slow for best action. You can't burn this thing along the surface. The head gets most of the action, with the tail swishing and clacking along behind.

I would not say that the lure itself moves exactly like a snake, but the wake and commotion it creates does mimic what you expect the water to do around a struggling snake. And struggle is a good adjective to describe the motion of the lure - it looks injured.

When I tossed the bait around, I did not have any braided line with me, but I would highly recommend for this lure despite my usual aversion to braid. The lure is not super buoyant, and the extra floatation provided by braid will help keep the lure on top.

As always, I find myself enjoying the hand-made aspect of this lure. There are a number of detail items with regards to the construction that attract the eye when you hold it up close under a light.

I'm curious to hear more feedback on this lure (when it comes out) from the East Coast guys. With its relatively small profile, I think the RealSnake will prove quite viable for fishermen targeting northern strain fish that perhaps don't get as big as "out west". This lure will take time for me to contemplate, play with, and review fully.

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/snakes/bettencourt_realsnake/index.html
http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/lures/snakes/bettencourt_baits_realsnake/bettencourt_realsnake_side.jpg

Write your own review:
http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/comment.html?product_id=1380

Here on my property I have a 1 acre pond....on this pond I've noticed several water snakes through the years.They were all about the size of this bait.I also noticed these snakes swam subsurface frequently...I can only bet that more of these snakes get blasted subsurface than on top.
Using braid will definatley help keep the bait on top but I think your limiting yourself with the bait if you use it only as a top water.(however I can't argue seeing a bass smash this bait on the surface is more fun!!)If you want one for surface fishing only,let me know when you order,and I'll build you one that won't dive...Nathan



www.Bettencourtbaits.com