Until some definitive word is received from NYSDEC as to the sure why of these fish bellying up, it is not advisable to be eating moribund, or struggling, fish (there is also a question of the legality of netting a fish, even if it is obviously in trouble). Type E botulism, which causes symptoms similar to what is being described, can be passed from an infected fish to a consumer. If the fish were infected, this could create the opportunity that some other parasite, such as the lice could dominate. It is my sense that onset of Type E is too rapid for a secondary thing to get going in an infected fish, but Botulism Poisoning is fatal, so why take the chance. Type E has not been big headlines for a couple of years now, but why take the chance, at least before the lab results are back.
L13