i fish all the time, and when i catch small fish alot of foul hooking happens. they get gill-hooked easily and also tend to get hooked deeper in the mouth causing the barb to exit the eye socket, leadind to eye damage. if i was going to use hooks, which im not saying is a horrible option, i would pinch the barb and use a good thin hook like an owner or gamakatsu. this will work but a good fine mesh cast net will be productive as much if not better. and i find it disturbing that you are glad your fish died. why didnt you get just a couple in the first place???
oh and i thought you meant you ruined the net by cutting out the bass, not getting hung up, my bad.