It was almost short sleeve fishing yesterday while the front was moving in.The bass and pickerel were hammering jerkbaits.

Today it was gloves on and off all day,heat paks in pocket,ice in guides a bit.Mild wind but irritating.WT 40.1 deg.Most bass today  were not just tipping,they were smashing 78`s in a few different bluegill colors.Check this 15" critter.Would like to see my face when  it came up.Lost two LC`s today,one cast break off and a toothy thing got the other.Still a fabulous day.Winter is me C22

 

2 hours ago, Catch 22 said:

It was almost short sleeve fishing yesterday while the front was moving in.The bass and pickerel were hammering jerkbaits.

Today it was gloves on and off all day,heat paks in pocket,ice in guides a bit.Mild wind but irritating.WT 40.1 deg.Most bass today  were not just tipping,they were smashing 78`s in a few different bluegill colors.Check this 15" critter.Would like to see my face when  it came up.Lost two LC`s today,one cast break off and a toothy thing got the other.Still a fabulous day.Winter is me C22

 

What's wrong with that bass?

https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fish-diseases/melanosis-black-spot-blotchy-bass

I have caught many bass with some spots  but never that many.This one was 15" released alive and well.Its the only one with spots I have landed in that particular water

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=bass+with+spots+pics&biw=1120&bih=577&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwisw-n45oHRAhXK4iYKHTukDZEQsAQIGQ

Sounds like a fun day!

That fish is beautiful with the yellow fins

Man that is a wicked looking fish, awesome! I saw one with coloration similar to that on Sunday that looked to be at least 5 pounds. She didn't want to eat though!

I read somewhere that bass with those spots indicate a healthy bass population. Could be totally false. Doesnt make much sense really. It's what came to mind though. 

Interesting catch.I have caught bass with some extra dark spots but never as many dark spots as the bass you caught.

I was intrigued by this fish so I did some research..It's called melanosis... And it's not contagious to humans (unknown from fish to fish) . You can touch the fish, eat the fish , do whatever you want with the fish..  you're safe. 

 

From what I read they (sceintists) believe it is caused from exposure to the sun... Anyone know anything else I'd be glad to know. 

1 hour ago, Yeajray231 said:

I was intrigued by this fish so I did some research..It's called melanosis... And it's not contagious to humans (unknown from fish to fish) . You can touch the fish, eat the fish , do whatever you want with the fish..  you're safe. 

 

From what I read they (sceintists) believe it is caused from exposure to the sun... Anyone know anything else I'd be glad to know. 

There have been threads about this here before, basically there are several theories as to why they get black spots, such as a healthy population, or being handled by fishermen, but no one knows for sure. I find it fascinating and I love it when I catch a bass with hyperpigmented melanosis

I've spoken to several researchers who have studied the condition at Auburn University fisheries dept. as well as aquatic pathology experts at Purdue U. and as ETS stated, there has been no conclusive cause to my knowledge as of yet. The MD explanation of sun exposure makes no sense to me, nor does the healthy fish population theory. Most tend to point the finger at either something chemical or something biological. Will be very interesting to see what really causes it when someone finally figures it out.

 

-T9

3 hours ago, Yeajray231 said:

I was intrigued by this fish so I did some research..It's called melanosis... And it's not contagious to humans (unknown from fish to fish) . You can touch the fish, eat the fish , do whatever you want with the fish..  you're safe. 

 

From what I read they (sceintists) believe it is caused from exposure to the sun... Anyone know anything else I'd be glad to know. 

 

The bass in South Florida get plenty of sun and none of the bass I have caught have as many dark spots like the one pictured above.

1 hour ago, Team9nine said:

I've spoken to several researchers who have studied the condition at Auburn University fisheries dept. as well as aquatic pathology experts at Purdue U. and as ETS stated, there has been no conclusive cause to my knowledge as of yet. The MD explanation of sun exposure makes no sense to me, nor does the healthy fish population theory. Most tend to point the finger at either something chemical or something biological. Will be very interesting to see what really causes it when someone finally figures it out.

 

-T9

 

Probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

Hmm @soflabasser that's a valid point... I have no idea.. I'd like to know the real reason. Maybe one day we will.