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One thing that I have found helps alot when using plugs with small hooks, like bombers, is letting larger fish fight the rod as much as possible. What I do is after the first run, let them pull against the rod as much as possible and not try to turn them or reel them in until I feel that I have to in order to keep enough tension in the line. Doing this, in my opinion, often wears on the fish more that simply pulling it in and with less force since you are not moving the fish. It makes the fish work just to hold its ground and tires it out with minimal tension. It also lets you use less force when you do start gaining line on the fish making the small hooks less likely to pull or bend. Obviously not all fish will fight in a way that allows this but most seem to.
Also, it is important not to bring a larger fish into the surf zone until it is spent because they will panic and can use the undertow against you. Hopefully this helps. I know it has worked for me on the larger fish that I've caught, not that thats alot or anything.
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