Maybe an odd topic here, but need suggestions......

[Duayne]

Actually you can do much less damage going the exact opposite of a larger hook. I use very tiny treble hooks that have very fine wire. These can be turned in their mouths easily with fine nose hemostats and the hook wire can be opened and to get the hook out if needed then bent back once out. They cause little to no damage to the fish and I've never had one go in the gut due to the shape of the hook. I've had some at the gut, but the hooks still come out very easily and the fish are fine.

[know1]

I think you just need to set the hook quicker. How are you fishing for them anyway?

I fish bluegill a lot and the only time I have them swallow the hook is if I accidently let them sit out there and chew on it for quite awhile.

[riverrat12]

All of the above, and if you gut or gill hook a fish and feel they are going to die anyway, take your biggest pole,biggest hook and hook the bluegill behind the dorsal. Throw them around structure or just free spool them in the area your in. You'd be surprised at the size bass or cat you can catch....Big fish got to eat to...good luck.. Chuck

[floatman]

I think you just need to set the hook quicker. How are you fishing for them anyway?

I fish bluegill a lot and the only time I have them swallow the hook is if I accidently let them sit out there and chew on it for quite awhile.

know, you and I think along the same lines, and we post at the same time alot, you have a quicker typeing finger than me LOL LOL

P.S. I agree with you 100% lol lol JMO

Gary