Floating Redear

Over the years I have notice GIANT redear on KY lake floating in the water. Sometimes they swim off and other times I was able to catch them in a net (yes I released them). All of these were HUGE and looked to be full of eggs. One a few years ago was pushing 3 lbs but all of them have been over 1.5 lbs. Anyone else see this and know why they are doing it? The one I saw this year was over 25 feet of water but typically they are shallow when I see them.

I haven't ever seen that before - maybe it got too close to a largemouth or smallmouth bass nest? Or maybe it was attacked while on the nest - I think they'll fight anything that gets close, regardless of size...about like a chihuahua attacking a bulldog!