Dead Fish On The UP: Columnaris Bacteria

muskalungee 06/04/2008 - 10:05 Trip Tools Potomac
While fishing with OGbudha on Monday AM, we saw a sick fish bobbing up and floating down past his boat. Budha maneuvered the boat so I could get close enough to net it and we captured this video:

I sent the video to Jeff Kelbe (Shenandoah Riverkeeper) to take a look at, and he sent it on to the appropriate folks. He believes that it is probably Columnaris Bacteria, and in a converstation Budha had with some folks that fish the UP this is something that is seen when the water temp starts to rise. This was confirmed by a quick google search which returned this article from 2005: (http://www.fish.state.pa.us/newsreleases/2005/smb_skin.htm)

"The specific stress factors associated with the current smallmouth bass infections are hard to pinpoint, but most likely include high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels. Columnaris mortalities are known to occur when water temperatures exceed 65 degrees"

Please keep an eye out, if you begin to observe sick or dieing fish, please contact the Shenandoah riverkeeper (Jeff Kelbe):
http://potomacriverkeeper.org/shenandoah/?cat=9

Muskalungeeeeeee!
-Mike

Hooks???

TOOBIGTOYAK 06/05/2008 - 21:32 Not to change the subject about the fish, but what kind of hook is that on the beaver at the fishes tail, If its not a secret where can you find them. See ya too big

Buwah ah ah ah ah ah ah

muskalungee 06/06/2008 - 14:47 It's not a hook, it's a system. Buwah ah ah ah ah ah ah.

Muskalungeeeeeeee!
-Mike

Can't specifically identif

jackson 06/06/2008 - 04:52 Can't specifically identify the exact hook, but check out Susquehanna Fishing Tackle, (sfttackle.com). They have great selections and ship quickly. At least that's been my experience. Good Luck, Jackson!!

THANKS

TOOBIGTOYAK 06/06/2008 - 20:35 At least some are willing to share, unlike others....ahem!

slider?

muskalungee 06/06/2008 - 23:28 I thought you were on the smalljaw slider bandwagon? ;)
Muskalungeeeeeeee!
-Mike

If that does not stop pe

jackson 06/05/2008 - 09:58 If that does not stop people from keeping and eating Bass nothing will!!!!

That doesnt look too good. Is

Steve826 06/04/2008 - 14:36 That doesnt look too good. Is this going to be a big problem? Or is it normal?

EEEEEEWH!!!!

TOOBIGTOYAK 06/04/2008 - 13:55 In the words of my father.... I hoped you washed your hands. Is this common? There won't be a big fish kill will there?