There is less frontal surface area (meplat?) on a barbless hook, so they actually penetrate easier. If you are a skilled fisherman, then you should be able to keep pace with all but the most spirited fish and land then.

Sharp, thin wired hooks that are barbed can mitigate the surface area issue, but there is a point of diminishing returns. Go too light and you will lose the fish because you straightened out a hook, barb or no barb.

I fish with every method available, but I only pinch barbs or switch to single siwash hooks when required.

By the way, here's a photo of a fish I caught yesterday morning before going to work. No bait, just a 1/16th oz jig.

You are not going to find many fish like this in a lake.