I just made a decent DIY hook today.
I cut off the end of a golf club, and got some of that semi-stiff wire that is used to hang ceiling tiles. I bent the wire in two, making a double-thick snake hook shape, with a 10-inch "handle"
then I stuck the "handle" inside the end of the golf club, while dripping hot glue inside at the same time.
This way the hook attachment is sturdy enough to handle snakes (although its no stump ripper).
I can also just heat up the end, melting the glue inside, and remove the hook attachment if I ever decide to make it better.
All the materials were just laying around the workshop (+ a 100 year old rusty golf club from the garage) so for me this was free :)