Any ideas on what this is? Looks like remnants of a tag.
It was on the back of a 15" Red
What you say, looks like it use to be a tag.
I think it is some kind of growth or parasite. I have seen them before. It looks a little too “biological” to me. But the guys who tag regularly would probably know better.
Narcosis
Parasite 100%. I’ve seen them on everything from trout to sailfish. They send out a filament that goes deep into the meat but they are easy enough to pull out. I believe the yellow part on the end is a string of eggs that break off and by chance infects other fish.
They seem more common on redfish around here.
26 Seahunt
Angler’s Dream
“anchor worm”, that’s the adult female form. pull 'em out with your fingernails or pliers if you have time, but they won’t get you a free t-shirt!
oh how I miss when BarbaWang used to wax poetic about red drum copulation habits.
The reason it looks like a tag is because back in the day, I’m talk 70 years ago, fishery biologist noticed that fish regularly carried parasites in certain locations on their bodies without noticeable negative consequences. Thus tags were designed to simulate these parasites and have info that could be used to track the fish without being too obtrusive. With the exception of the old zip tie tags that were used in the 70’s, and were a crime against nature, most tag manufacturers have tried to emulate these characteristics.
sorry pp, the magic is gone… I think it was the 7 year itch that led me to peel the redfish sticker from my truck window and surreptitiously seek the subtly attentive tickle of the ever-willing sheepshead.
hungryneck’s observation brings up a good additional point, which is that you’ll see a lot more of these (and other) ectoparasites in winter. it could be due to the biology of the parasites, but it’s likely also because they “build up” on the fish when they are sluggish. reds rub against objects (probably intentionally when they detect things like this) frequently enough in warm water to dislodge such critters, and they’re gregarious and aggressive enough in nature that they may even pick them off each other.
a good parasite doesn’t kill its host, but it’s also a rule that any stressor will increase the host’s susceptibility to further infection.
quote:
Originally posted by barbawang… I think it was the 7 year itch that led me to peel the redfish sticker from my truck window and surreptitiously seek the subtly attentive tickle of the ever-willing sheepshead.
roast me in molasses and stick a fork in me, that was beautiful
glad you two found each other.
Local Boy, Just having fun.
Doesnt appear to be any plastic on there at all. Probably a parasite like they said.
I caught 4-5 reds in the same spot Saturday with that on them, thought it was a tag at first, but couldn’t make out numbers or anything. I chalked it up to a parasite… pretty interesting you’d post this. Maybe a time of year thing, fishin the same area, or complete coincidence?
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
quote:Heck, I've got some old T-shirts in the bottom of the chifferobe that I don't wear anymore. Happy to pass them along for informative answers or stimulating questions. You both qualify.
Originally posted by barbawang“anchor worm”, that’s the adult female form. pull 'em out with your fingernails or pliers if you have time, but they won’t get you a free t-shirt!