Caught LM Bass Missing Tail and Dorsal Fins!

I caught a 4lb 5oz largemouth bass yesterday evening that was missing its tail and some of its dorsal fin. I know one photo shows I committed a fishing landing violation, but the bass was a handful! The bass seemed otherwise healthy (well nourished) and energetic. I figure the bass was bit by a gar or hit by a boat propeller at some point. I released it. It had overcome a tragedy and a disability.

Which lake?

Eagle Mountain

turtle, gator

Looks like some of the “unders” that come to weigh-in at Fork!

I caught a skinny one eyed bass in Fayette and about 3 years later I caught a bass in the same area, with one eye, but was very fat. As long as you don’t keep a bass for an extended time in a live well they are very hardy.

Musta been a tournament guy......

Scared to touch fish?

Haha. Pulled him out of the water by his lip. Fish was thrashing and hook was imbedded deep. Needed pliers from other side of boat (of course). Trying to keep the boat off bank and dock at the same time.

Kayak tournament lately?

If that was human induced damage, that person needs his/her arse kicked!

Smart move on a plopper fish! That bait has embedded more hooks in folks hands than any one I can remember...speaking from experience (ouch)

Crazy looking but at least he’s surviving

Lol savage! Ole tail cutter got busted! Still can’t believe that someone would do that to a fish just to win.
I still have the pic of the cheating fish that got him busted. The 14” fish that somehow made the stretch to like 17”