The relative weight (Wr) of a 21 inch fish is 5.35 lbs. That fish appears to be 120% to 130% of relative weight. She is a stud! my guess is she weighed 6.5 lbs. Did you weigh her?

Congratulations on our first Big Bass entry!

FYI, Mozanbique Tilapia die when the water temp hits the low 50’s. Your right, she probably did gorge herself before the water temp hit that. It that area of Texas my guess is that the tilapia made until sometime in December and for a week or so period while they are sugglish the bass have a field day! You were smart to be the first to fish the lake after 3 months of rest. Despite 50 to 55 degree water, you caught 67 fish! That is a great accomplishment on a great lake.

This fish weighed 5 lbs 14 oz.  it had been gorging on something with a tail 1.5” wide sticking out of its throat.  Great fun!

In all but the southern most boundry of Texas, tilapia die in our Texas waters. So, if you want Tilapia you have to re-stock each year. I would think fishing would be slow a week or two after that gorge feast which happens when the water temp hits 55 or so, degrees. In NE Texas where this lake is, it can happen by mid November to as late as late December, depending on the year.