Black Spots on Largemouth

[adloos]

I was out fishing the other day and ended up catching this largemouth that had black all over him. I guess I have never caught a largemouth that had black on it. So first off, I forgot my digital camera in the truck so I had to put the fish in the livewell so I could take pictures of it to see what you all think of this fish or if you guys have ever seen something like this. Let me know......

[Jake]

My dad caught a 17" smallie on Pepin earlier this summer with similar spots...not sure what they are exactly, but we guessed birthmarks?

[bassman]

From what I have heard, its a bass virus. Eventually those black spots will turn to a fuss on them. Not sure what happens to the fish though.

[FlippinBass]

Hey Loos,
did you ever check with the DNR on that. I have never seen that before, I would hope its not some sort of new virus or someting that could affect the fishing down there.

[adloos]

Maybe I will send the DNR a picture of the fish. Would be interesting to see what they say.

[MossBoss]

I've seen those spots off and on for at least 10 years now. I asked FWS one time, can't remember what they are, but I don't think they hurt the fish, and are definitely NOT largemouth bass virus.

Would be interested in what the DNR says.

[Dave Cindrich]

From what I have been able to understand, is what Jake said they are birth marks and do not harm the fish,not LMBV or any fungas

[badaxed]

These spots are natural camo created by fish trying to match habitat (weeds).I have seen this phenom many times in my 25 years of guiding bass fishing on the miss river. If you put the fish in the livewell, eventually the spots will fade.

[Dave Cindrich]

Badaxed, do you think this is why small mouths colors can vary so much on the river or is this from light penetration?

[Kris Brantner]

not sure bout the bass, but am very curious about where you were fishing in shorts and a tee shirt and the water was open and the weeds green....... :confused: