It's most likely either a dull or bent hook, or you're setting the hook to early.

I catch bass on 10lb Sufix Mono all day long, using Zoom Toads in heavy cover. I pull them out of the lily pads without a hitch. Braid will help keep you from losing a few, but some make it more of a tackle issue when it's certainly not the culprit at all.

The key is to only set the hook after feeling the weight of the fish on your line, and then getting them out of the cover as quick as possible.

A higher gear ratio on your reel helps to get 'em out of cover, but your 6' rod and 8lb test can certainly get the job done much more efficiently than some give the setup credit for.

Be a little more patient on the hook set, and make sure your hooks are sharp. Once you have them, rod up in the air high, and burn your reel until you can get it into the boat. Hope this helps your efficiency.

Thanks for all the posts guys, all the advice I have got here when combined should make it easier this weekend coming up.