diseased fish/fungus

[Fishin is life]

I've seen several pictures of largemouth from dale with those black splotches...I've heard several theories but does anybody know exactly what causes them?

[RayP]

I've seen several largemouths and smallmouths like the one pictured. We labeled one creek at Dale "Mutant Creek" because we have caught so many fish that either had splotches,half a jaw, missing an eye, or covered in tumors etc.

A guide at Dale told me several years ago that they lost a lot of big largemouths to LMBV (largemouth Bass Virus) back in the late 90's. I assume that it is a one-time kind of virus.
It's still a good practice to bleach out your livewells if you keep any fish in them.

[kygorski]

If it goes into my livewell, it goes home! Why take a fish to some other place so folks can look at it.I release almost all my fish, hate cfleaning them, and worrying about critters tearing up the garbage bags.

[rickhise]

If it goes into my livewell, it goes home! Why take a fish to some other place so folks can look at it.I release almost all my fish, hate cfleaning them, and worrying about critters tearing up the garbage bags.

i sent u a pm i have plenty of bait help yourself if u dont know the bait cage key is pm me

[Fishin is life]

i sent u a pm i have plenty of bait help yourself if u dont know the bait cage key is pm me

And where is that bait cage Rick? hahha....I saw some pictures tonight of a couple guys that had been down there live bait fishing last weekend....they caught 18 and had 6 over 4lbs....headin down this weekend and just hope to have some of that luck

[RoadToad]

I think that's what's called "red sore disease." Here's a good website about it:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm059

[rickhise]

And where is that bait cage Rick? hahha....I saw some pictures tonight of a couple guys that had been down there live bait fishing last weekend....they caught 18 and had 6 over 4lbs....headin down this weekend and just hope to have some of that luck

if i can help let me know where u putting in at?

[Fishin is life]

if i can help let me know where u putting in at?

We're putting in at the state park....we're brining minnows with us I was just kidding about the bait cage....just hopin to catch a few...it'll only be 2nd time on dale ever

[rickhise]

We're putting in at the state park....we're brining minnows with us I was just kidding about the bait cage....just hopin to catch a few...it'll only be 2nd time on dale ever

I have a houseboat i live on there during this time period, be glad to help u with bait,
call my cell 270-433-2599

[kygorski]

cant message you your mail box is full

[Shimano4Life]

I've seen several pictures of largemouth from dale with those black splotches...I've heard several theories but does anybody know exactly what causes them?

According to the TN Dept. of F&W manual (I saw the manual not too long ago as a PDF file), the black splotches are a parasitic abnormality. It is not harmful to the fish. In fact, they are like birthmarks. I have caught fish from several lakes (Cedar Creek, KY Lake, Dale Hollow, etc.) that have this feature and they have only been largemouth. However, I have seen some fishing shows on the Great Lakes where smallmouth exhibit this coloring as well.

I have also heard that this means "there is a healthy fish population" or that "water quality is high". I don't believe these suggestions though -- I believe in the scientific theory that they are like skin blemishes like we have moles and birthmarks.

[BassMasterMikeD]

Makes me want to stop kissing all my fish on the mouth...or maybe that's what is wrong with the fish!!! LOL