Smallmouth bass problem - Bass confused about sex?

[Anthony Adams]

I found this interesting article about smallmouth bass being confused about sex. They talk about the black spots that are showing up on smallmouth. I'm concerned about the bass I've seen with the same issues.


Local outdoorsman urges Fish & Game, DEP to solve issue that leads to bass confusion

By Jim Hook
Date:   05/23/2012 04:25:48 PM EDT

HARRISBURG -- Smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River are confused about sex, and their numbers have plummeted to the point the state has banned fishing during spawning season.

Full article can be read at: http://www.publicopiniononline.com/localnews/ci_20691690/local-outdoorsmen-urge-fish-game-dep-solve-issue

[Anthony Adams]

I know it's a long article but one I think every angler should read. I've always been concerned about the future of the sport. I've always felt that many anglers take our sport for granted and it's up to us to make a difference. I think this article shows just how fragile bass populations can be.

Obviously pollutants are the big problem here. We're seeing these same problems showing up on Lake Erie as alge blooms are at dangerous levels.

I hope everyone takes the time to read and understand articles like these.

[Manxfishing]

It's no different then then the lifeless part of Erie every year from run off
Only there, the fish have no place to go

Claen up the river and the fish will come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Revtro]

Don't know if it's at all related, but on St. Clair, I've caught many bass with weird black spots on them.  I always assumed it was genetic, but this article raises concerns.  I don't know enough about to really speak to it, but the fishing on St. Clair does seem a bit different these past few years.  At least for me.  Hmm.. 

[djkimmel]

Comment #1: Please do not copy entire articles from any other website, book, magazine, newspaper, etc., and post on this forum unless you have written permission from the original author and website/source you copied it from, and you provide a copy of the permission to me first.

Many websites, newspapers, magazines will let you post a brief excerpt and then link back to the original source as I have edited above. Some companies will not even allow that. If I do get a copyright complaint from someone else I will have to immediately remove all traces of the content with no notice to the poster on here if there appears to be any merit to the complaint.

Comment #2: I believe we have discussed the black spots on Michigan bass on here before? I even think someone asked a biologist and was told it was a harmless virus or parasite. Could probably find it with a search at some point? I don't remember the exact cause but I do remember the 'harmless' part. I've been seeing black 'splotches' on some bass almost everywhere I have fished in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for as far back as I remember.

No idea at this point if they are similar black splotches or different black splotches they are talking about in the Pennsylvania case? I had not heard they were having a sex confusion problem in the Susquehanna. I have been following it on the Potomac for a few years now. I do not recall any mention in the well-known, often-discussed Potomac River sexual confusion discussions about black splotches being involved? Maybe someone could do a search on that?

[Anthony Adams]

Sorry Dan! ---- I feel so scolded and ashamed. I honestly did know that would create a problem for you.

About the black spots. I started seeing them in large numbers 6-7 years ago but became concerned. Last year a co-angler of mine turned out to be a Biologist who worked on the Great Lakes research team that was studying invasive species on Lake Erie Ohio.

We spoke in length about zebra mussels, algea, black spots, VHS ect. We've spoke a few times sense and as far as he knows no one has truly identified the actual cause of the black spots. He believed it to be bacteria caused.

As far as Biologists ive spoked to are concerned the black spot problem is a lesser pressing issue. As far as I know there has never been a study on this issue.

My guess is that it is all speculation and we will never know until an actual study is done.

[djkimmel]

I think at least two, maybe more biologists have told me they think the black spots are bacteria, viral or a parasite. I would have to ask one of them again to see if that is right and which one. It is probably one of those ask 10 people get 8 different answers type of issue. Wouldn't be surprised if someone out there has the actual answer though. It might be hard to find him or her.

I have been seeing black spots on bass for as far back as I can remember. I have seen very old discussions about them and old pictures showing them. Might just be like a mole on people?

In St. Clair (and I thought Erie too) most of the zebra mussels are gone, bullied out by the bigger quagga mussels. Hard to even find a zebra mussel on St. Clair.

I read today that some people as far as sexual function (and maybe mental health) are finding evidence similar things are happening to humans like the bass in the Potomac (and now possibly Pennsylvania rivers?) due to all the similar types of drugs in our water and other sources. Maybe we are the early stage of getting past denial to 'Houston we have a problem' which can eventually lead to corrective action before it's too late? It has happened before in our history with chemicals and behavior. There's usually the chance we can make things better.

I mean, look at this!?! I even taught an old dog a new trick with you and copyright laws (look up DMCA complaint on the Google sometime if you're bored - I've received several). I bet your face did turn a little red? Curse of the fair-skinned redheads.

[Mojo]

This is an amazing website. Where else can you draw people to inform and help others AND help our resource (bass) through education.

Good article Anthony.

Great website Dan.

[djkimmel]

Glad you like it! Figured everyone was fishing today. Or maybe doing family stuff.

[matt]

Maybe we should put some underwater porno shows on for the fish to watch?


All kidding aside,I've caught my share of bass with black spots on them. They all see extremely healthy. I've always heard it was just a skin related type of problem(Think mold on a person). Then again I'm not a biologist.

[djkimmel]

If I can ever get it nailed down, I will (the spots not the other 'thing').

[Revtro]

Every fish I've caught with black spots has always seemed healthy also. 

[djkimmel]

Same for me as far as I can remember.