If they are hungry enough you don't have to worry about it...

 

This is what I use:

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Fish-Gripper-Pliers/product/52268/

 

One of these helps greatly for this: http://www.thefishgrip.net/

I second the fish grips. I keep a pair handy, good to have if you happen hook something you weren't targeting as well that you can't lip.

I have learned the hard way to NOT grab a smallmouth by the lip when using treble hook baits....Even if you think you have a firm grip on their lip , the chances are great that you will end up with a hand full of hooks. Just when you think they could not possibly shake loose, they do just that, and , uh oh , it hurts when the smallmouth is on one treble and you are on another treble......Talk about screaming like a little girl!...I even tried begging the smallmouth to hold still just so I could let him loose, they don't care about your pain.

Unhook the bait while the fish is in the net is the best way I've found.  If the hooks are all exposed there is a good chance that your finger will find one.

Unhook the bait while the fish is in the net is the best way I've found.  If the hooks are all exposed there is a good chance that your finger will find one.

THIS

Will barbless work with a whacky rig? Wouldn't the Senko just fly off?