A man fishing the Muskegon River in Newaygo caught something that sounds like an incredible fish tail.

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But Josh Chrenko of Indiana has some incredible pictures and video to prove that his story was in fact real.

Man Catches Orange Smallmouth Bass In Muskegon River

Just before 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 5th Josh Chernko was fishing the Muskegon River in Newaygo for Smallmouth Bass. After a few casts, he felt a bite so he set the hook. What he reeled in next would be the biggest suprise of his life.

Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
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Josh reeled in a bright orange Smallmouth Bass which is extremely rare.

Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
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What Does A Normal Smallmouth Bass Look Like

According to takemefishing.org, a smallmouth's eyes are red or orangish. In young smallmouths, there is a distinctive band of orange at the base of the tail. This is followed by a black band with the tip of the tail being either white or yellow.

Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
Credit: Josh Chrenko via Facebook
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What Caused The Smallmouth Bass To Be Orange

Josh shared on Facebook that the condition is called Xanthochromism (Xanthism) which causes skin pigment in animals to be unusually yellow.

I can only imagine that this little guy had to overcome crazy odds to survive the first couple years of his life from predation. Being neon orange would make for a tough life as a small freshwater fish where pretty much everything is earth tones.

 

Josh Is No Stranger To Fishing

He owns an apparel brand called Achigan, which is French for Smallmouth Bass.
It's a good thing Josh caught the fish on film otherwise I don't think I'd believe him.

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