Deep hooked Bass can be released.

[WillCFish]

I have found if the line is cut close the fish will dissolve the hook most of the time.

 

[BSmaster]

I caught a bass in the river years ago and the fish had the mono hanging from its hoohah and the hook was the only thing it couldn't pass thru its digestive system.  I got the hook to come out without injury. I saved the hook and it was fine.  It didn't look all that corroded.  I do know that the soft plastics dissolve.  I have seen it doing autopsies on panfish.

 

I am not disagreeing with the concept of cutting the line as he showed.  Any fish you wish to return to the water where hook removal is questionable should be cut off.  The fish will be fine.  I have had success going under the gill plate with small forceps but this not recommended.