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  1. Tylor Kirklin, Recreational Angler
  2. Total Reports: 15
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Posted on June 18, 2013 | Permalink

What Happened To This Catfish?

Type: Tidal
Region: Central
Location: Swan Harbor Farm

I was fishing at Swan Harbor Farm in Aberdeen MD on June 15 and I was fishing with a friend catching Channel Catfish and he caught two with some strange marks on them and I was wondering what it is?

DNR Response: The marks on the fish are ulcers in the skin of the catfish. Ulcers are holes or erosions in the skin that are caused by physical damage such as rough handling, punctures or net abrasions, or by a fish disease such as a bacteria or a parasite. Often, a fish may be damaged initially and the wound may then become infected or inflamed. Although we cannot determine the cause based on pictures, I suspect that the skin on these fish were damaged initially by handling and then became infected. We recommend that fish with ulcers or other signs of disease be discarded and not eaten. Although there is generally little risk to people, there are several bacterial fish pathogens that can also infect humans. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling any diseased fish. The waterless hand cleaner is pretty handy to keep on a boat or in a tackle box and is effective.

Tags: Channel Catfish