i hate when this happens.. but at least i got it out. a few weeks ago i got a less then 1lb smallie and he was hooked deep. couldnt even see hook.. i tried to cut it and let him go but i saw him come up 5 min later and die.. too small to keep though so had to...i use circle hooks also when i finesse just so it happens to less bass. sometimes they just inhale the bait though and it will still get stuck in throat. with no barb though can usually get it out and they rarely bleed when they are bigger.