Black Splotches

[everythingthatswims]

I know there have been a couple other threads on Hyperpigmented Melanosis, but I want to see some more pictures if anyone has them! I caught my first black splotch bass today, only a few spots on the tail but I have always wanted to catch one with that coloration. I think the black splotches look ridiculously cool.

He was cool enough for me to put him in my neighbor's pond  (yes we can do that in VA)

 

 

Anyone else have photos?

[Dwight Hottle]

A smallie with a black spot on her tail.

 

 

[Darren.]

Cool, indeed. Can't recall if I've ever caught 

such a bass. But good stuff, mate!

[Jolly Green]

[Ozark_Basser]

Right on.  They say that bass only get those black spots in places where there is a really good population of fish.  

[Quantumbrick]

Never seen or heard of this but it is intriguing. Well I guess I'm gonna have to google it now

[everythingthatswims]

Right on.  They say that bass only get those black spots in places where there is a really good population of fish.  

"They" say all kinds of stuff about what causes the spots...The fish I caught did come from a very healthy population of fish though.

[Ozark_Basser]

"They" say all kinds of stuff about what causes the spots...The fish I caught did come from a very healthy population of fish though.

I seen a video where KVD was talking about this, and that's what he said. He was on Toledo Bend. Definitely a good bass population there.

[aavery2]

We were discussing this topic in another forum and when I started reading about it I came across these pictures.  I found them very cool.

 

 

[Chopstick]

Here's one caught on squarebill.

[Sam]

Are you guys sure it is not the Ebola?

[lectricbassman]

I think 'im so fancy's' fish takes the cake on this one. I dont know how to link it but go check out fishing reports under 'biggest largemouth ive ever caught' that fish kooks like its decked out dor jungle warfare!

[Dwight Hottle]

Here is another one. For what it's worth I notice the black spots are much more prevalent in the early spring on Erie after  the bass congregate for winter. 

 

 

[everythingthatswims]

Here is another one. For what it's worth I notice the black spots are much more prevalent in the early spring on Erie after  the bass congregate for winter. 

 

 

So you think the spots fade in the summer?

[Dwight Hottle]

I don't know for sure but I see less of it as fall approaches through November.

[mnbassman23]

I have one lake in particular were I probably catch 6-8 fish a year with black spots. From ice out to freeze up. Here are a few I had saved from this year. Last one had that much black on both sides of his face, pretty unique. 

 

[mnbassman23]

1st fish was in April, 2nd in July, 3rd fish in October.  

[*Hootie]

Right on. They say that bass only get those black spots in places where there is a really good population of fish.

True, an indication of a very fertile lake, with a good bass population. In the lake I fish these are quite common. My lake has a good amount of 2 1/2 to 4# bass.

Hootie

[J Francho]

[boostr]

We were discussing this topic in another forum and when I started reading about it I came across these pictures. I found them very cool.

A LM Goldfish, AWESOME!!!

[everythingthatswims]

Sounds like the black spots are an indicator for good fish health, considering all of the photos of fish with black spots are stout chunky bass, and everyone says they catch fish with black spots in healthy bodies of water....I saw a fish this summer that would have gone 6lbs, looked like a freaking leopard it had so many black spots. I WANT THAT BASS