I have recently noticed that some of the bass I catch out of the potomac have orange-tinted mouths. Any idea as to what this means? Are they eating craws?

Na, they have been drinking too much Sunkist soda pop LOL !!

I think it is due to their blood, it starts to concentrate in areas such as their mouths and pallat's, it almost looks like they have a sore throat, the pigmentation of their skin may reflect a changing color and blend with the blood to give it an off color such as an Orange, I have seen a Yellowing and a deep Blood Red in colder water conditions and during the fall I have also seen Orange and an Orange/Red color mix.

Just like your hands when they get cold and you warm them by a fire, they will turn very red from the blood being concentrated in the tiny little vessels trying to warm the areas that have been effected by the cold.

Thanks, that makes sense.

CP, never heard of such a thing.

Have you considered contacting Game and Inland Fisheries and asking one of their biologists?

The people at the Virginia DG&IF are great and they will answer your email or telephone call.

If you do get their response please let us know.

Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion, ill shoot them an email. EDIT: I didn't find an email, ill call them tommorow.

Cullen

I have also seen the red on the mouth and throat regions on the lakes i fish but only in the fall and winter months. I know i searched and found some information that said it has to do with water temperature and it seemed believable so i never questioned it further

i will be anxious to hear what the DGIF says....