I'm located in the eastern Panhandle of WV. I have a 3 acre pond that is several years old. Yesterday, my son caught a 5 pound LM bass. On the bass were several areas near the dorsal fin and on top of the head that appeard to be black "ink" stains. The fish seemed quite pale to me. Not the deep green that I associate with LM bass. The spots were not open sores, just stains. The water temp was 48 degrees. Should I be concerned? Nice round tummy full of food. We have seen this on smaller bass caught as well. BTW....my son (18) is still floating on cloud 9..this is the biggest he's ever caught... \:\) I can post a pic if needed. Thanks. I subscribe to PB mag and have been a lurker for a couple of years now...wonderful resouce. Thanks BOB LUSK!