I always seem to have trouble removing meaty straight shank hooks because they are so thick. Would using pliers help or is it mainly the barb?

If you need more leverage then by all means use some pliers. I don't recall having any issues removing straight shank hooks. Are you hooking these fish on the lip..?

Pliers will definitely help. If you want to rick going barbless, which is what I have been doing lately, it makes it even easier. One warning. One moment of allowing slack line and they have a very good chance of getting off. 

That does however come in handy when you have a dink. Loosen the line and they too can free themselves. I was able to let two dinks in a row off with a barbless hook this way.

1 minute ago, Hammer 4 said:

If you need more leverage then by all means use some pliers. I don't recall having any issues removing straight shank hooks. Are you hooking these fish on the lip..?

Yes on the lips mostly sometimes farther back near the cheek.

Removing the hook from the lip shouldn't be a problem, further back and yep, you may need pliers. Are you using heavy wire hooks..? If so, maybe try a lighter wire and see if that doesn't help. 

Just now, Jonny15678 said:

Yes on the lips mostly sometimes farther back near the cheek.

A longer nose pliers might come in handier.  I also prefer the straight shank hook even with senkos but when possible I light using light wire versions. I can get away with them for my scenarios.

Agreed pliers is very useful tool to have when fishing.

I found it easier to remove hook by using leverage, hold at the eyelet of hook and pop it out not pulling.