First bass I’ve ever caught, and I couldn’t get the hook out of its throat. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t save it, and it died

At the recommendation by an older gentleman who runs a bait shop where I bought my minnows from, I used small hooks. Granted, the hooks I have been using were too large for my needs. Unfortunately, the bass I caught today almost swallowed the hook, and I couldn’t get it out with my Skeletool. It wasn’t gut hooked, but the hook was past the throat sphincter, and only the hook loop was visible.

Upon realizing that I can’t get the hook out with my Skeletool, I put the fish in the bait bucket. Good thing I bought that air pump when I saw it in the store. I had to call it quits and go to work in less than an hour after that point, so I just went back to fishing instead of fiddling around and adding more stress to the bass

Took the bass home, transferred it to my cooler with the air pump, then went to work. I come 5.5 hours later, and the bass is still strong. No problem staying upright, and was reacting to my presents. Got some needle nose and tried again to remove the hook. Still couldn’t get it. My dad then came out and got the extra long needle nose, and with me holding the fish, he very roughly pulled the hook out, and not very gently at all.

Unfortunately, removing the hook the way my dad did it was the final straw. It’s health and movement took it steep decline. It couldn’t stay upright (last picture), and it was kind of spazzing out in the cooler. Within about 10-15 minutes of removing the hook, it took one last gulp, and completely went still.

I’m still very new to fishing instead general, and it’s been a steep learning curve. And since this is my first ever bass, I’m actually really bummed out it died despite everything I tried to save it. I kind of wish I just threw it back in when I caught it. But with the hook that deep in its throat, I don’t think it would have lived very long in the pond. On the bright side, I’m making a fish sandwich tomorrow.