Eating wild fish can be an exciting experience, but with it comes the risk of eating bugs. Some fish, such as bass, will have worms in their meat. While gross, these worms are harmless to humans. In fact, most wild fish will contain some kind of parasite.
Fishing with plastic worms
Plastic worms are a great bait to use when fishing for bass. They come in different sizes and colours, and are more versatile than other types of worms. They are also easier to spot, even in murky waters. They do lack the natural worm smell, but there are scented plastic worms available. Some inexperienced anglers believe that plastic worms should look like real worms, but most plastic worms are much different than their real counterparts.
To get the most out of plastic worm fishing, you will need to know a few basic fishing techniques. First, use a float. You will also need a hook that has a straight shank. This will allow the worm to move more naturally. Secondly, choose a hook that is not too big. Large hooks may not produce as many bites as smaller hooks.
Natural habitat
Many bass are parasite-free, but they can harbor worms. The parasites typically live in the fish’s intestines and can mature before escaping the fish’s body. Although the presence of parasites does not negatively affect the fish, the amount and type of parasites may have an effect.
Acanthocephala is the scientific name for these worms. These creatures are not only found in water, but also in humans. They live in ponds, lakes, and streams and can potentially live in more than one host species. The eggs of this parasite hatch inside waterfowl and are eaten by other small invertebrates.
Common parasites
Common bass parasites are mostly tapeworms. These creatures mature in the bass’ intestine and eventually find their way into the body cavity. Often, the presence of parasites in the fish does not harm it. However, if you notice a parasite in your bass, you should take the necessary steps to remove it.
There are several types of tapeworm. The larval stage is passed to the water by a bass while the adult stage develops in the fish’s intestine. This stage is also passed to other fish and crustaceans that eat infected fish. In Minnesota, it is common to find both larval and adult tapeworms in lakes. Although common, tapeworms are not harmful to fish, and they do not affect their quality of eating. They only pose a hazard to humans when they are cooked in fillets.
Safe to eat
It may be gross to eat worms from bass meat, but worms are generally safe for human consumption. Bass are common hosts of parasites, including worms. This is because the fish consume copepods, which contain a large number of parasites. Once consumed, the parasites begin to activate and move through the fish’s intestines.
There are two main types of parasites that can infect fish. The yellow grub is most common and can infest all fish species. Fortunately, the yellow grub does not infect humans, so infected fish are safe to eat if they have only a few parasites. Regardless, the fish must be cooked thoroughly before eating to kill any parasites.
