Yesterday I had three bass that were hooked in the throat. They were on sencos and I use the gamakatsu hooks that are kind of round. They are usually tough to get out. Two of the fish were largemouth and I eventually got the hook out of one of them with the pliers. The other I had back in the water because I didn't want to keep out too long and he got off himself. I also had a smallmouth that was bleeding all over the place and I did get the hook out but I think it was in pretty bad shape when I threw him back. I considered leaving the hooks in. Is this a better option? They weren't completely down the throat just hooked through the skin where the throat starts. Is it bad for the fish to take a hook out of that part of the throat? Could they survive with a hook stuck in the throat? I wasn't sure which is why I didn't want to leave them in.

Here's how to remove those hooks!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12981-how-do-i-remove-a-hook-a-bass-has-swallowed/page-2

That is very helpful. Thanks. I was always told that you shouldn't touch a fishes gills so I was afraid to do that. Thank you very much.

Don't be shy about going in behind the gills to remove a deep-set hook.  Although the gills look very frail, they consist of a cartilage-like material and are very resilient to the abuse you may put them through.  By using the advice in the above link, you will save at least 90% of the bass you catch that have swallowed the hook ... and get your hook back.

I learned about this technique last week and have already had to use it and it works great.

The through the gill method is very effective and a much better option than leaving the hook in.