catfish nightmare

I've been using treeble hooks for lines with magic bait - I'm getting more catfish but most are too small to clean (below my 2 lb limit) - but I may stop using treeble hooks even if I go back to missing more fish - cause when I get a small one (like just now - 11PM) - it takes me too long to get the hook out without hurting / killing the fish - I'm sleepy and it's was a nightmare saving the small (about 1 lb or little more)
end of rant :)