Curious about your thoughts

[Danny W]

I've found more fish with bad spots on them and broken tail fins than ever before. On the bad spots I found one on a 5 pound catfish this year and found one crappie fishing yesterday. There are gar and some walleye on this reservoir but were this was located is right behind the dorsal fin. The fish would have to attack from straight up from it going straight down. Any ideas on what could be causing these open soars on some crappie and cat fish. On the broken tail fins I'm guessing this happens when the fish are youngins? Here are some pics. Thanks for reading, your thoughts, God bless, and happy fathers day.

[huntinslabs]

Eagle??? Osprey??? Owl??

[RetiredRR]

Them crooked tails were caused at a younger age by predator fish. Open sores on fish that
size is open for debate. Predator fish, birds of prey, predators in general such as otter, beaver or
even raccoons. What a marine biologist might suggest would be interesting. Since I ain't one, my
opinion is purely speculation. Good photos to submit to an expert though.

[Danny W]

Those are good thoughts guys. You know I guess a bird could have snagged him when he was coming up for shad and then lost him. But what about that big old catfish with a similar soar on him, any thoughts there?

[huntinslabs]

Catfish love to roll on your line and I have seen it cut a many of em. Also have seen the ospreys here flyin with some pretty big fish. And as already stated otters and raccoons will try em as well.

[seejimfish]

I would go with being hit by a boat prop. A little hit and some time can make for a nasty looking spot on fish.

[Codyology]

I caught a bass a while back like that. Didn't help he was hanging with some big crappie. I figured they got ahold of him

[RetiredRR]

I would go with being hit by a boat prop. A little hit and some time can make for a nasty looking spot on fish.

Boat props, logical call. Kayak paddle, not so much.

[Crestliner08]

Blue heron, no doubt about it. Don't over look the cormorants either. Birds of prey love to eat fish.

[alamancecreek]

Cormorants tear them up like that around here at an alarming rate.