Stanwt, there is a formula, or generally accepted method, for determining the overall condition of your bass which is called "relative weight." This is just a way to benchmark your bass with assumptions that a "X" inch long bass should weigh "Y" pounds.

If you do a search in the category "EVALUATING FISH POPULATION" (or whatever is close sounding to that), and key in "relative weight" or "relative weight chart" you should find the answer to your question.

StanWT: When you try the search function, it will ask what sub-category you want to select. The correct one is "Evaluating and Adjusting Fish Populations." However, that does not mean that you won't find pertinent information in other categories.

There are not too many questions that can't be answered from the fine folks here on the forum.

Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."