From what I could find on the fish, it's only over on that side of the big pond (and in New Zealand). It's interesting to not that it's classisfied as a predator.

How fast does it grow, and what are the usual angling methods used to catch them?

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[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).