I took my family fishing today and I first fish I caught was a nice stockercat for where we're at about 2 pounds, When I get him close to the bank I notice his mouth looks red. When I land him I can see his mouth is riddled with holes and there's about a dozen little parasites in his mouth. They were like tiny leeches, but a brownish, tanish color, nearly transparent. The largest one was about 1/8" long. I know that the fish we get come from an Arkansas hatchery. I land 3 more cats all with the same thing. So I asked the 'warden' of the lakes and he tells me "Oh, I dunno." Does anyone know what these little suckers are, If they're harmful?? I didn't think to take a picture of them but I will next time. Anyone ever seen anything like this? I know mississippi had an issue with parasites on their hatchery catfish. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
