Yeah, can't wait for the topwater bite to really get going. Yum Dingers are a boring way to fish, but they sure do take big fish. I've been rigging them on Fireline and flouro leader this year. The feel is tremendous and hook-sets are solid. I've only gut-hooked one on a Dinger this year with the Fireline b/c I can generally feel them more quickly. I had the barb pinched and it came out easily - no bleeding or other obvious immediate harm to the fish.
Pinch the barbs on Senko hooks and save our smallies!