Splotchy Largemouth Bass

Type: Nontidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Tuckahoe State Park

This is weird. I caught this Largemouth Bass at Tuckahoe State Park on a Rattle Trap on 2/19.

I�ve caught a few other bass with this pigmentation over the years at Saint Mary's Lake and in the Potomac River for example. I've heard it's a condition called melanosis. Possibly genetic or likely water conditions (eg clarity). The condition does not harm the fish to my understanding. If I�m wrong let me know.

At any rate, the guy I was fishing with caught a pickerel (22") on a spinner bait. It was really slow at Tuckahoe State Park today. The water was really cloudy and the lake is high too due to the recent rain.

DNR Response: Thank you for your research into this, you are essentially correct and well informed on this topic!