Fish getting unbuttoned

[fishingprodigy]

Hey guys, I was fishing a local lake today and I landed a 2 lb 14 oz largemouth and a 7 inch largemouth. I was using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and suspending jerkbaits. I landed 2 fish, but I lost 4. I lost 1 huge pickeral, 2 bass (prob 1.5-2 pounds) and 1 fish that was unknown (prob 2 pounds).

Now I only own 1 rod, and my set up is a 6'6" g-loomis glx medium heavy rod, fast action with a shimano antares dc baitcasting reel loaded with 40 pound samurai braid with 6 feet of 12 lb yo-zuri hybrid line for a leader combined with an alberto knot.

I lost the bass using a shallow crankbait, I lost the pickeral on a spinnerbait, and I lost the unknown fish on a suspending jerkbait. At first I had my drag pretty tight, but after I lost the bass I loosened it to prevent pulling the hooks outta the fishes mouths. Then the pickeral bit, and I think I didn't get a strong enough hookset because the drag was too loose and the pickeral got unbuttoned after 3-5 seconds.

Is there anyway I can fix this problem without changing my braid or my rod, I like using braid because I only have to change the leader every week or so and the spool every year (saves money).