Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

that honor belongs to Misthare Supreme. Under that is a tie for 2nd between Honey-glazed Chicken and Meat Platter, and in a close 3rd (Providing the same HP/STAM as the Chicken/Meat platter, but lower HP regen)"

I have yet to find mistlands on my seed. Been looking. Probably the most time I spend in game right now is sailing into the unknown looking for mistlands biomes.

From the responses, there isn't any other way to find serpents than what I've already been doing. I don't usually have problems killing them, other than them taking off before the killing stroke.
I use a harpoon. I drag them to the shallows.
I play solo most of the time, so hauling them up the beach then running back to get some whacks in before they swim back out can be a challenge, but I usually manage. I do like the idea of having leeches help. They're also a great food source.
Hoping to find mistlands soon, but it would be nice to be able to call up (or have a higher chance to raise) serpents when needed.
Ah well. Thanks for the responses.