sick cat

[only-eyes]

i caught a channel on monday that was just sickly looking. it was around 12lbs fought great, but its boddy was about 80% covered with black patches, it had multiple open sores on its body fins and mouth, and its feelers were very thick and deformed. i was wondering if anyone has seen anything like this before.

[Hubcat]

I think all those things are a sign of spawning.

Male Channels heads enlarge and they turn a bluer color. The open sores are probably from them protecting the nest.

Bob

[Dennis Steele]

Sounds like a cat protecting the nest to me also.
I notice several weeks ago that the cats were showing signs of spawn.Sounds to me like this one had been working hard on protecting its young.
I would guess that you caught this cat fairly tight to structure?Wood or larger rock?