Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Hook size for small perch?

We stocked our 1/3 acre pond last Fall with Perch in the 4-6" range.
They seem to be doing well.
Problem is when we go fishing about 1/2 of them seem to swallow the hook.
Other fish - RES, SMB, CC don't seem to have this problem.

We have been de-barbing the hooks but the gut hooked ones still end up as floaters.

Any suggestions for a minimum hook size?