Snake bit, causing famous row (4,4)
I believe the answer is:
boat race
'famous row' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'snake bit' is the wordplay.
'snake' becomes 'boa' (boa is a kind of snake).
'bit' becomes 'trace' (I've seen this in another clue).
'boa'+'trace'='BOAT-RACE'
'causing' is the link.
(Other definitions for boat race that I've seen before include "Cockney has to face" , "Oxford and Cambridge take part in one" , "gig?" , "Sports event" , "Rowing contest" .)