First of all..Peace to all....second great discussion.

What to do with a bleeding nate is part of a larger single issue facing any fisherman/hunter.
You are faced with one of the greatest moral dilemna's of your sport. You didn't intend or want this result but now your stuck with it....what to do?

If legal to keep the fish then the choice may be easier...but if closed to nate killing then your decision needs to take into account a fine(in WA) up to $500, possible confiscication of your gear and yes even boats and vehicles. Then wording in the WA reg's using "should"is intended to encourage keeping a bleeding fish if "legal to do so." I think that's pretty clear....wasting fish would only apply if you actually bonked the fish. If you release a bleeder even where legal to keep you would not be in violation....that law is intended for people who actually kill fish then waste it by leaving it on the bank. You see this a lot where high grading occurs.

Personally I would have a difficult time judging a persons moral choice of what to do with the bleeding nate. Myself I'd release it as I know that it would at the very least contribute to the ecosystem. Probably stop fishing for the day to reflect on my actions also.

Just my notions...again peace and congrats on a great discussion.

Gooose