I tried searching hook removal but couldn't find a definite guide on the process. I caught the second bass of my life today (just started fishing a few weeks ago). I've caught maybe 5 fish total since I've started and removing the hooks on those fish was relatively easy. This bass had my hook pretty deep in his throat, almost swallowed it but not quite. After trying with the pliers I bought for my tackle box I couldn't get the hook out so I left about 18" of line and released him. I don't know if I was correctly attempting to remove the hook so I was looking for a guide or post explaining the process to make sure I'm doing it properly without harming the fish in any way.

If you look in the "best of bass resource" thread there is a really good explanation on how to remove swallowed hooks. It works good. Gut hooked fish were a problem for me when I started out and this method really helped.

 

Thanks fellas, much appreciated.