Dead Bass

[Guest ouachitabassangler]

Welcome to the board, Lane!

You brought up another issue about bass survival and LMBV. A problem we probably haven't seen emerge yet is mutation of the virus making antibodies useless against a new strain. A second strain of it could further weaken bass and make them even more susceptible to both immediate and delayed mortality. We really need to maximize best practices before such a thing comes along. It isn't that it might but when.

You guys have more of a responsibility to educate than anglers have to inquire of your knowledge. Most wouldn't have easy access to microbiologists in the field, seeing only enforcement officials....maybe. An example of carrying out that responsibility, besides your  daily tasking, would be to attend tournament meetings to teach proper fish handling.

Another would be to come up with enough data to support a state law requiring strict enforcement of fish handling and installation of minimum required livewell enhancements. To date, wildlife officers here are not supported with specific regulations for citing an angler carrying a threatened fish, and they tend to leave tournament anglers alone due to the politics of interference.

I'd also like to see a permit system in which a promoter could be banned for allowing fish to come to weigh-in in poor condition after being educated about the issue. Most DNRs could at least offer an online course toward tournament operator certification.

I've not yet seen a stiff enough penalty for anglers bringing in even dead bass. It seems to me few take it all that seriously. I'll appreciate your comments. It's more like "Aw, gee, it's dead. That's too bad. We gotta deduct a few points. Sorry fella."

Jim

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I caught a Bass today wearing a Jerry Garcia t-shirt Does that qualify for this thread?

[Lane]

Bassangler you are right we DO have more of a responsibility to educate anglers with our

knowledge and expertise. As I mentioned in the previous e-mail I own and operate a PRIVATE

laboratory that manufactures products for the fishing industry. Sharing information in the

scientific community is critical to our efforts, and that includes sharing information with various

DNR agencies.

I can assure you that taking care of bass is not rocket science, but it does require dedication

on the angler's part. I do speak at both local and regional bass clubs and events on the basics

of bass care, and even have printed material available to the various clubs and organizations.

We are very strict with the tournaments that we sponsor and work with. We believe in GRASSROOT education.

Tournament trails must implement a TIMED weigh in that can be accomplished in 10 minutes or

less total time per angler. The timing starts when the angler reaches the first staging tank all the

way through to the final release tank or boat. Release boats cannot stock over 1lb of fish per gallon

and must add a component to remove ammonia when stocking densities reach that level. Most of

the grassroot trails welcome our help. Please keep in mind that the larger trails such as FLW have

their own staff, etc. The smaller trails are much easier to work with one on one and educate.

Stiff penalties DO WORK, we can vouch for that. When tourament organizers impose stiff penalties

for dead or DYING bass anglers pay attention. One of the trails that we work with DQ anglers if

their livewell temperatures register OVER 76F, and livewells are randomly checked with temp probes.

That is an extreme measure, but every angler has some form of ice in his boat and that is a good

thing.

The Wisconsin DNR Fisheries director did return my phone call, and the conversation was LONG.

He was not arrogant, and I really felt sorry for him and the situation at the end of the conversation.

I just want to make two points in reference to the conversation. Livewell temps were checked by

the Wisconsin DNR and several of the livewell temps registered between 83F up to a whopping 94F.

That my friend should NEVER HAPPEN! Anglers were required to walk their fish to the release boat

after weigh in and several stopped along the way to visit with their buddies, meanwhile the bass

were holding their breath. Please keep in mind that the mortality rates on the smallmouth bass

were MUCH HIGHER than the largemouth. To date the iridovirus family has not been found to cause

mortality in smallmouth bass. The DNR did not have the results from the PCR DNA test that was

used on the dead largemouth bass, but they were due back today. The US Fish and Wildlife Service

has possession of the dead bass and is the agency performing the LMBV PCR test. Their lab is

located in La Crosse.

As far as mutations go, yes there are several genotypes of the virus and some are more virulent

than others. But when temps are kept under 76F, they do not replicate. When puppies are born

with the DEADLY Herpes virus they are placed in an incubator with temps ranging between 86F

and 90F. The replication of the virus is halted and antibodies are developed by the immune system.

Human vaccines for the various viruses stimulate antibody production and that is why we do not

come down with symptoms of the disease. Virology 101 here. We possess the antibodies to recognize

and fight off repeated exposures. Mother nature does a great job of helping the fish fight infections,

but man can either help or hinder that process. Getting the picture?

The DNR agencies have their hands tied when it comes to regulations. They have lawmakers to answer

to. It is in ALL of our best interests to learn from these mistakes and do everything we can

to prevent a reoccurance. IT CAN BE DONE! We can't change the past but we can have a positive

influence in the future.