I just spoke with an ext agent at Auburn University fisheries group. He said it is most likely a sickness related to bg only since the bass are fine. He said it could be anything from a bacterial infection, virus, fungus, or parasite. He said it happens even at their fisheries ponds. He said rarely is it a concern because it doesn't affect all the fish and bg spawn so much that the population always bounces back. He said a fish could be tested, but it is very expensive (how much $, he didn't say). He also said even if we did find out what the cause is, the treatment method would basically be the same, which is: remove any dead or sick ones.
He said not to worry about winter feeding. make sure not to feed them more than they can eat in 10 minutes.
Also said that he was most certain it isn't an oxygen issue since the largest bass are doing ok.
