The Black Sea Bass is a gregarious fish, sometimes to the point of aggressiveness. They don't mind getting in your face. This one was over 12"/30cm and likely a male, which might account for all the dings. They can be hermaphroditic, starting life as females and and transforming into males when they are round 10"/25cm. This poses a bit of problem with size limits in NC at 12" minimum, limiting the catch exclusively to males. It always works better out here when things are hydrated, not oiled.