Longhorn,

Did you catch and release any of these fish in really warm water (I would assume that is possible in Texas this time of year LOL). This could add addtional stress to your bass. It sounds bacterial and I can tell you most pathogens are always present in the water. Fish are able to fight them off as long as they are not stressed, but when they are stressed their immune system is compromised and they are susceptable to whatever is in the pond.

I've had similar problems this late spring with my biggest bass too and I believe it was spawning stress.

Chances are if you give the fish a break they will get over it.

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.