You will get more and better hooksets with non-barbed hooks because, not having that extra “ramp” to penetrate the fishes mouth will allow for less hooking resistance. Many of the hook manufactuers have started making hooks with “micro barbs” for this same reason, to lessen the force needed for the hook to pentrate.
Most fly anglers will agree that that using barbed hooks with the smashed down is the best way to go (as opposed to a manufactured barbless hook). With a smashed barb, the hook is left with a slight “hump” that will still greatly help keep the fish from throwing out the hook. But, that same hump is not significant enough to prohibit the hookset much at all. The best of both worlds ? I say YES !!!
I always pinch down the barbs on my hooks at the tying bench, my first step of the tying process. In the past, I used a pair of hemostats that I had filed down some of the teeth on close to the fulcrum point. But now I use a small pair of toothless, flat jawed pliers that are stronger and easier to use.
Some areas found on trout rivers are designated “catch and release only” or “trophy area”, with special fishing regulations requiring the use of barbless hooks, artificial lures, no powerbait, etc. Although I have never been checked, I’m told that Game Wardens will ask for the hook that you are fishing with and then punch it through their shirt. Upon backing the hook out, if the smashed barb catches a thread or snags on any part of their shirt, you are considered to be in violation of the barbless hook regulation. Whatever ensues there after…..?
Consider going barbless all of the time. It will make releasing fish a lot easier and will do a lot less harm to them as well. I don’t believe that you will begin losing fish all of the time either, but do believe that the fish will be all the better for it.