It is doubtful that the fish you caught was infected with phisteria. More likely, those "sores" (and I have caught plenty of bass with them) are simple bacterial infections. When fish lose scales, for whatever reason, their skin is unprotected and prone to infection. If you do catch a fish that you believe has phisteria, you should bag it and call DEC - at least that was their policy a few years back. I do not believe there has been any documented cases of phisteria this far north, but then - I've been wrong before!
Stephen Byrne
NY Bight Editor
Nor'east Saltwater
Stephen Byrne
NY Bight Editor
Nor'east Saltwater
