Mutant salmon

[fishinfreak]

Any idea what this would be from. Took this fish off a downrigger today. The blood is from the hook that we removed but this is how he came in the boat. I have no idea how it even eats or took the lure. Any idea what would cause this

[Legacy]

Fish was caught as a 1 year old and when it was unhooked they destroyed its mouth. 

[fishinfreak]

Smart 

[Gill-T]

I would watch your hands. There are some nasty bacterial fish borne infections you could get from handling fish. I had it once from Cayuga lake Lakers. Extremely painful. I know a charter captain in Oswego that has it bad right now. His finger is pictured below. I am not saying this is what the fish has. As stated by Rob, probably an old injury but flesh eating bacteria exist. 

Edited September 11, 2023 by Gill-T

[windburn]

That is one nasty infection. I sure hope he's on antibiotics, going septic would not be fun.