Sick Bluegill

[Bream Billy]

I caught a couple of bluegill that had white patches of scales on them what does that mean are they edible? All of the fish were not like this, but a couple of them were and I posted pics a response would be greatly appreciated

[BlueGillerKiller]

I'd say... Them babies look horrible.. Maybe try posting on pondboss forum for a better response..

[Mike Stacy]

I tried a Google search, a half dozen different ways... and no match for white patches on bream. I've seen the usual "black spot" and "blister" parasites on bream down south... pretty much EVERYWHERE. It's never stopped me from eating them, but I get HUNNNNGRRRY... The word online is that scale type parasites are harmless to humans. It's not like a flesh parasite, such as a tape worm larvae... but still, I cook them well! Heat will kill anything you might worry about. That's basic chemistry: get the water in the parasite over the boiling point, and it dies. Trout are a major carrier of tape worms, and plenty of folk never think twice! Eat one raw, and you will pay...

But bream? I'd say they're safe... just make sure they're crispy! And make sure the water you caught them in isn't polluted with agricultural or industrial run off... Got some college courses here, agriculture and aquaculture, and I have to say, pollution is scary as H*LL! Some of the run off, like old DDT, just gets more nasty with age... it's sad what some people do to the world for a buck...

Keep fishing! Head for the cleanest waters you can find, and don't hesitate to raise hell when you see pollution... be LOUD! Get pics, and write your congressman. We'll be right there with you...

But right now, I say FRY 'EM! I've  eaten worse ;-)