Fished the pines today and caught a black crappie that had some kinda thing on the bottom half of it. I can't really explain what it looked like so I'll post some pics of it. Let's just say it did not get cleaned. Maybe a type of infection or something but idk.

looks like some kind of fish STD

That is a surface skin infection that is pretty prevalent in some Etx. lakes. I see it more on Cypress Springs that any other lake. It does not affect the meat so they are safe to eat, it just looks nasty.

Steve

Oh ok. Wish I knew that before I threw it out with the other cleaned fish. Oh well at least I will know next time. Thanks

You'll really see it on fish caugh around bridge pilings. I believe it has to do with the abraision of concrete and the fish frequently rubbing up against the structure (though I'm no fish MD). I've cleaned dozens of them and sometimes the infection does get into the meat a bit but I just slice it out and go on. Other than a slight twitch I've noticed no ill affects.

id have to be pretty damn hungry to eat that fish.

We had one yesterday with the fungus .It wasnt bad on a cracker.LOL Darrell

Pepop, that's a good analogy on the bridge thing. You may be right my friend. I have seen this on a few fish and had thought that it could be an infection from a wound caused by cormorants, Eagrets etc.. I like your bridge analogy though.

I hear that this condition does not show up in fish larger than 3 lbs.... But I can't personally verify that.... Dangit!

Clay had some name for it he has talked to the game warden about it he told him the meat was alright to eat.You are right Quick none of our 3 lb fish had the fungus.Ha Darrell

I catch them like that all the time. The worse ones I will throw back. But if its just small spots I keep them and eat them. Most of the time it doesn't go into the meat. Like Pepop, if it does I just cut it out.

I have never seen it on any of the 3#'s I have caught.

Steve

I agree with leanin post....I don't care what anyone says, there ain't no way in hell I'm eatin something that looks like that pus pocket!

I'm right there with ya on that one! Dagum fish needs to be put out of it's misery asap!