Best way of hooking bluegill for bait

I've recently been able to fish a great little lake that is very easy to catch small 3-5 inch blue gill (loaded with them), that I'll then use as bait to catch some nice 3-6 lb bass. My only problem is finding the best way to hook the blue gill as bait. I have no trouble getting numerous strikes and hook ups. I've tried many different techniques and hook sizes, but still have a lot of the bass throw the hook and blue gill, while I'm reeling them in. Any tricks or tips on the best way to present the blue gill on a hook.