Tapeworms??

[Fish'n guy]

I speared a 3# pike the other day in southern minnesota and waited until the next day to clean him. well I started cleaning him as usual when I noticed some small tapeworms in her belly outside of the stomach which really surprised me. My question to you is, is this a common in the region? How many of you have experienced this? I didn't finish cleaning the fish I disposed of it properly. Not sure if I want to spear any more snotters out of that lake or not even though there are some big ones in there.

Back on the tapeworms though they are sure some nasty little critters, layin there all squirming around and whatnot! It about makes a guy want to vomit right there.

[bassNspear]

did you leave the fish frozen, or did it get up to room temp for awhile?

[Fish'n guy]

The fish never really froze beings I had it in the garage all night but it wasn't near room temperature when I cleaned it.

[mwal]

Tapeworms are very common in walleyes also. Look closely in the livewell after having a walleye die in it. Lots of tapeworms. Thats why its recommended not to eat any Walleye or northern sushi. Cooking will kill the worms if they are in the flesh. Tapeworm usually are not in the flesh.But your knife cutting through them will contaminate the meat.

Most of the time you are cleaning a freshly killed fish an the worm have not had time to try to leave the fish for a living host so they go unnoticed.

Mwal

[LABS4ME]

Also, if you plan on pickling any fresh water fish, you are advised to freeze the flesh for 2-3 days prior to the pickling process. The salts and vinegar alone cannot guarantee that all parasites will be killed.

Good Luck!

Ken