Joel,
On the 2 inch HHWs, I don't do anything different with them. Haven't had any trouble with the little nippers here. These Texas bream are an aggressive lot; I have caught bream here on a Hard-Hackle Dragonfly with a 3 inch wingspan on a size 2 hook with a 9wt. The bluegill that bit that was smaller than the Dragonfly!
I don't mind the little nippers too much. It's only a matter of time before their activity attracts the big boys watching the action. You gotta be patient I have found when fishing very warm warmwater.
Cheers,
Richard in Texas
(It's HOT here!)