River Wranglin`......

[KenBeam]

Got out & about last Friday in the `Yak....... Wrangled up three nice pickerel. One was 26 inches...... and this nice lookin` Nothern;

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/1258742/Ken-Beam-NJ-Outdoorsman-Pike-Fishing_zpsgk2jiw2i.jpg

Now all three pickerel had those red sores/lesions all over their sides and bellies again.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/1258742/3-Pick_zpssdmk2wiz.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/1258742/1-Pick_zpsogdsytjt.jpg

I contacted NJ Fish & Game & sent them the pics as well to see if they had any idea as to what was causing this only in pickerel. The head biologist called me & asked if I could bring them one in a plastic bag, as they aren`t sure what it is. So I`ll try draggin` one into them in a week or so......

I`ll keep you all posted..........

[Jigman13]

The red fins indicate stress. Could be from the disease they're battling. Eager to hear more about this when you deliver them a specimen.

Nice northern, too!

[Mikey topaz]

Looks like someone had target practice.....

[JDTuna]

Nice fish, Ken!

Those red sores are probably due to a parasite. Parasites are extremely common in virtually all fish species (hence why we don't eat freshwater sushi). Could also be a bacterial infection due to the high water temps throughout the summer and fall. In any case, given the fact that you caught the fish on artificials, it doesn't seem to have affected them that much at all. Other than the specimen you are providing to NJDFW, no need to kill them. It is unlikely to be a major concern.

[KenBeam]

Hiya JD Justin(?...I read someone call you by your name on another thread)

No no...... I absolutely agree...... they act very very healthy & I did think the same thing...... as they whacked a Chatterbait......

I did kill one `bout two months ago....... but really don`t see the need at this point. (Besides.... I like catchin` those "Snot-Rockets"!)

I`m going to run one up to his office at Pequest(which is literally 10 mInutes from our house)

I thought that it could definitely be a parasite of some sort too.........

I`ll keep you guys posted........

[Mark B.]

Dr. Jan Lovy, the division's fish pathologist will determine the pathogen /disease.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishhealth.htm

[bunker dunker]

skittle pox

[KenBeam]

Dr. Jan Lovy, the division's fish pathologist will determine the pathogen /disease.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishhealth.htm

Yes..... Jan called me and asked me to bring one to him......

[dakota560]

skittle pox

Can't be since Ken doesn't have them on him! But very funny post nonetheless! Ken very nice northern, we'd all be interested in what fisheries management's findings are.

[NJSquatch]

i am with mikey.... bird shot???

[FASTEDDIE29]

Way to stay on the meat Ken! Looks like your having a great time out there! Pike looks nice and plump! The fall feedbags are ON!:D

[KenBeam]

Way to stay on the meat Ken! Looks like your having a great time out there! Pike looks nice and plump! The fall feedbags are ON!:D

Hi Eddie - Thanks......... tryin!