I've jerked small hooks like that straight back and out using my Leatherman. Have done it on myself several times, once on the ear of a fishing partner on stream, and once on my wife who found a size 18 in the carpet near my fly tying station one time (yes, we're still married). Even did it once with a Rapala treble that had one hook sunk into my thumb just next to the thumb nail. Gotta grip it tight and yank it quick. Never had to do it with anything bigger than about a size 12, however. But lesson is as OP says, pinch those barbs and it's way easier.