Newbie from VT.

[Majorica]

I would think fish are far more difficult to keep then garters. Getting one from the next reptile show is a good idea.
I understand your fears about shipping but most breeders don't or won't ship during hot or cold weather. This also depends on the distance the snake has to travel.
What part of the country are you in?

Southern VT. I went to a reptile show in Troy,NY to get my two crested geckos. There's a bigger reptile show in White Plains NY, but that's a three hours drive away and I cannot do a six hours drive in one day.