I agree that if you release a bleeding fish it has more than zero percent (as oppose to keeping it) chance of surviving, however, in WA Statewide General Freshwater Rules it is stated that "If any fish has swallowed the hook or is hooked in the gill, eye, or tongue, it should be kept if legal to do so".

Based on this rule, I wonder if you release a fish that was hooked in the gill or eye or tongue, which we all agree is better than killing it, can you get in trouble if the game warden catches you? Any ideas?