Lots of ways to avoid gut-hooking.
Hold the rod instead of spiking it.
Use worms instead of chunks and hit them quick.
When using eels, drop the rod and set when it comes tight. Don't throw it into free spool or flip the bail open and let them run for a 5-10 count.
Remove the middle hook on 3 hook plugs. Take the tail one off too, 90% of small bass will be hooked on the front hook anyway. Better yet, use light jigs instead of small plugs. Use a paddle tail grub as a trailer instead of pork and "swim" the jig.
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