I would release it as long as I wasn't fishing in a tournament or on a party boat fishing the pool. The meat on a 50lb fish is going to taste like trash. Its going to be soft and oily and you will regret killing it. I haven't caught a 50 pounder, but some 25-30 lb bass still aren't the best eating. One thing I can guarantee is if I killed one for the pool or tournament the meat would not go to waste since I have friends that will still enjoy eating it
