Ham, about 5 years ago I hooked a 5 lb largemouth on a spro stickbait in 40 degree water . Fish fought hard, reached down to lip it and promptly got a #5 treble hook in a finger. Fish was flopping with the hook in me. Had to get the hook by myself with the fish held between my legs . cut the hook free with my off hand ,pulled the hook out of my hand with a hard yank and gritted teeth. Let the fish go ,replaced the hook ,made one cast and hooked another #5 and you can bet I didn't try to lip this one. Everyone that fishes should own a pair of Manley super pliers 5 in model with a tungsten side cutter on it.They will cut through anything.