heheh G'day Brett, Been guilty of paying attention to my fishing and not the rest of the environment before myself.
I used to bleed my flathead all the time until about 4 yrs ago when i forgot to bleed one. I couldnt tell the difference in the fish at all.
Some species, I think mainly pelagics or fish with a bloodline need a bleed if they are not going to be eaten immediately. Generally most reef fish do not need a bleed too. Sharks always need bleeding if you are going to take one for a feed.
Keep your eyes on where you are as well as your lure man. Wouldnt want you stepping off the bank into a crocs gob one day.
Jack.