
Hey Guys,
With the beginning of the 2013 Recreational Fishing Season starting, I thought it might be a good time to see if we can get a little "study" going.
Over the last several years, I have noticed an increase of Sea Lice showing up on my catches. Last year, for instance, a large number of the Shad that I caught were covered in Sea Lice. Some had upwards of twenty lice on them. Many were caught at the confluence of the Shubie and Nine Mile Rivers.
Along with Shad, I had Sea Lice on Sea Trout, Stripers, White Perch and even Mackerel (a fast swimmer that I hadn't seen them on before). They occured in many situations; up rivers, in river mouths and estuaries and (of course) while salt water fishing.
So I got to thinking. On this site, we have a great opportunity to conduct a little science of our own. We have a good number of like minded anglers who will be spending a great amount of time conducting their own "field trips". Here is an opportunity to make some observations and take some notes and photos.
All I ask is that during your fishing, especially salt water, rivers and estuaries, could you take an extra moment to examine your catch? Take some photos if you find the little buggers and keep note of where it was caught, when, how many sea lice (if any) etc.
As you might be aware, certain people in our government (who should know better) seem to be unaware of the proliferation of these little disease bearing life suckers. I would certainly like to be able to present some evidence to the contrary.
If your worried about revealing your "Secret Spot", please PM me with your findings, instead of posting them here in the topic. I can provide you with my email address and you can send your info direct.
I'm just curious as to how bad this little plague is getting? If last years Shad season was any indication, Sea Lice may be more prolific than anyone is aware. Perhaps a decent documentation will spur some "official" studying of the issue?
Just a thought anyway. Let me know what you think.
Terran