In case you need it....

 

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

 

Yes, this.....I've used this method many times with a swallowed senko hook.

 

Thanks Glen for posting this again, I remember seeing it some time back.

I have noticed what you describe, i.e., most often when the fish is gut hooked it's a strong bleeder -- even, if I can get the hook out without any major visible damage.  You mentioned that an autopsy revealed that the hook had hit an artery.  As often as I see bleeding of gut hooked fish that artery must be in a very vulnerable spot.  

i am new to soft plastics. i have been using the senko style stick baits texas rigged, zoom horny toads, and keitech swing impacts. most of the time the fish take them and i have no idea until the line moves or i feel resistance. the problem with this is that they often swallow the bait with the hook. i do my best to remove the hooks and i am usually very successful, however, this past weekend didnt go so well. i caught a 2.5lb bass on a senko and it was gut hooked. i de-barb all of the hooks i use so it came out easily. i released the fish and he swam off with force. a minute later i saw him struggling at the top. i spent a half hour trying to revive him with minimal luck. i decided to take it home to eat so it wouldnt be as much of a waste. upon the autopsy, i found the hook likely hit a major artery when set since there was immense internal bleeding. kind of scary to think about all those 4-6lb bass i have been releasing that may have swam off looking perfectly fine but did not make it.

is there any way to stop them from swallowing the lures? any techniques to use? would a bigger or smaller hook help?

dont set the hook so hard

Fishing is a blood sport. You're gonna kill one every now and then. Just accept the fact, and keep fishing.