Well it is kinda ridiculous. Sure, put some water and food right where the snakes are already hanging out, and they're probably going to take advantage of it, but with or without the "baiting" the snakes were already there. It's not like you're going to draw them in by placing food and water dishes out. They're not feral cats and dogs for cryin' out loud.

And Robert, I've seen people use bait fish on a fishing line to catch water snakes. It actually works.