Florida Bass Fishing Forum
Smallmouth, Largemouth, We're All About Bass!

What are the black dots in the flesh of some Smallmouth Bass?

I was told that they were paracites and that those bass are not good to eat. In my area (Southern Quebec) most bass caught have up to a few hundred of the dots in their flesh and skin. Are these fish edible?

Public Comments

1. The parasites that are on the bass are right under the skin not in the meat. We have caught and eaten the fish. Just make sure that you remove the parasites first. If there are a few hundred on them I wouldn't eat them, but if there are one or two you should be ok. I live in Pa and our smallmouth bass have the same problem just not as bad.

2. Fish are subject to a variety of maladies, such as grubs or worms, which may be found in or on the skin, attached to gills, or embedded in the flesh. Although aesthetically displeasing, none of these parasites presents a threat to human health provided the fish is thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.

3. that is the way a fish hears and feel vibrations