That sucks man, but I can't believe a silver aro cost you $50 in Michigan. In Kalamazoo, my LFS had two 16in aros and they only wanted $40 for them, and I only paid $14 for my 6in.
That never is any fun. I wouldn't feed your fish to your pbass though....not exactly the best feeling loosing a fish, but loosing more fish by your own hand sucks cuz you can't bring them back after you've cooled down.