Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Cysts in the bluegill flesh-usually ivory colored and can be easily flicked out with the point of my knife. Any concern about eating fih with these in them?

Just about every bluegill I catch and keep now has these ivory colored cysts in them. Are they anything to be concerned about? Thank you!

Views: 313

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Good question. Most likely the larval stage of some parasitic invertebrate. Probably best to find out.

You probably should call your state DNR or fisheries division and ask.

This is from "Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes," Glenn Hoffman:

"Some larval parasites can infect humans. So far, there have been few reports of serious cases in this country, but very serious cases, including fatalities have been reported in Europe, Africa and the Philippine Islands.... Most fish parasites, if eaten raw, will not develop in humans, but some species are unsightly.... Many fishes are discarded by fishermen because of unsightly parasites, but none are harmful to people if the fishes are thoroughly cooked."

The above citations are in the section entitled "Public health Aspects of Fish Parasties," and the book can be accessed here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZU5iqP3NJpMC&pg=PA14&lpg=P...

I haven't noticed cysts but lately I have noticed in one lake a fungual growth on the lips of bluegills I caught there. Has anyone ever seen this. It is different from fin rot which is common here in the south during the summer months when water temps reach into the 80s

RSS

Latest Activity

Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"I found an influx of salt water in some creeks and the bite was muted, moved inland to locate better water conditions and it paid off.."
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"We finally started settling down from crazy water level swings from Hurricane Erin, coolest surface temps in August in 15 years here…"
11 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

augpick

"Distinct colors and markings……pretty chain pickerel……"
11 hours ago
John Sheehan posted photos
13 hours ago
John Sheehan posted a photo
13 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

late augspoongill

"Me too ,Jeff!"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Picture of our Water Level Impacted by Hurricane Erin….8/26/2025

You see where I placed the yellow circle we lost two feet of water level which empties many…
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

late augspoongill

"I enjoy using small tackle…..I always go to it when the water temperature dips below…"
yesterday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

late augspoongill

"Having a little fun with the gills….."
yesterday
John Sheehan posted photos
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"This Bass was wound  , Dick. High 70-80 degree water temp."
Aug 21
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I hear ya Dick ,but its been a long time finding numbers of these great critters for me !"
Aug 21
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

md august shore 2

"I can take these all night long."
Aug 20
dick tabbert commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Mid August shore

"Nice LMB."
Aug 20
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Aug 20
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

We Dodged a Bullet on This Hurricane……8/20/2025

"I hope you continue being on the lucky side. Best to you Jeffrey."
Aug 20

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service