What would have to occur to win $50,000?  It says if you win the whole thing you win $25,000 and a boat. Does the boat count as $25,000?

Good question! I thought I read somewhere that the additional cash was awarded if the angler hits some additional mark, i.e, the exact number of ounces over the winning poundage. My example is NOT what I remember reading - purely illustrative. I hope the folks at BBWC spot this topic and elucidate, then add it to their Rules or FAQ. Or, I could quit being lazy and e-mail them. First I gotta catch something big enough to make me worry about it!