I catch the blue tilapia all the time when down in Florida visiting the in-laws. They get 5+ lbs with regularity in the ponds I fish. The fishing tips sound exactly like I catch them. I use tiny hooks, light line, and a small piece of dark plastic worm. They mouth the bait and spit is quickly, but in the clear south Florida water it is easy to set the hook when you see them take it. Even the biggest ones don't fight very well. I lose most of them from getting wrapped in the weeds, not from pulling too hard.
Most of the kids catch them with small pieces of worms or dough balls.
As for tilapia in Old Hickory, the only other I heard about were from a friend cast netting them while looking for bait in Station Camp Creek. He may post some of his picks if he sees this.
Jim
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