Congratulations on your kill and release.
The knife was not needed. Leave the knife fighting to the Darkhorse's hook and hand videos.
You never bleed a fish that is not secured. No game clip, check. No gaff, got it. Get the damn thing in your hull and pop it's gills. Again, no knife needed. Bleach and a hose will fix your lack of preparedness, it always does.
Other than that.....welcome to the forum.