You need a net down there. one with a 3-4ft handle. You cant really "avoid" catching bass, unless you use bread/corn/boilies/whatever-you-call-it for carp.
Its not like a certain lure/bait will only attract certain species.
Pretty much all lures will attract bass, if they are in the mood to bite. If you catch a fish in the off season, just throw it back, no big deal. Its not like you can't use worms to fish if bass season isnt on.
If I were to get a med-hvy, I would have to use some lures, 1/4oz, with 10lb mono, on a rod rated for 3/8-3/4oz lures with 10-17lb line. what are the consequences of using a lure/line thats underrated for the rod?