Larry,
I've also had the experience of replacing treble hooks with singles on
swimming plugs and then not be able to get it to swim correctly.
I use a larger treble for several reasons:
1). To maintain the balance of the lure
2). For the additional strength if Mr. Big comes along. Stripers can get leverage
on treble hooked plugs and twist and straighten hooks!
3). The extra weight up from allows the lure to 'dig in' more quickly - sometimes
in a fast current the lure will skid along the surface for a short distance on
normally weighted plugs.
4). The large treble should be in the stripers mouth, so it should not pose
a hazard.
5). Since I flatten the barbs, removal is usually not a problem.
6). The larger treble gives me something easier and more substantial to grab
with my pliers to aid in the release of the fish.
The real problem occasionally is the single tail hook which flaps around as
the fish trashes. Sometimes I'll cut the hook off at the bend, so I still have
the bucktail. Remember Stripers almost always hit the head of the lure.
If I slip an eel skin over the plug, I never use a tail hook. I've never had a problem
hooking fish that struck the lure.