We've got some pretty wild critters here in Kentucky ..... check out this bass that came off a ledge on Kentucky Lake today ...

thats the most odd pattern ive ever seen in a bass.....

the tail looks to be quite tattered as well, whether it be the spawn.... stress.... or predator induced, im not sure how its panning out in your area this time of year....

Looks like it had a bad sunburn and now is peeling.

odd little zit on the tail

We have similar color patch fish here in Tx too. I believe the fish's natural color is the lighter color and the darker patches are the extras as shown on his black side fin. They obviously carry these markings through out their lives  because I have caught the same fish year after year and recognized them by their markings. Doesn't appear to be detrimental to them at all.....I kinda like'em  ;D

Big O

www.ragetail.com

Fisheries biologists tell us it is from a very high protein diet ..... they are becoming more common here on Kentucky and Barkley