A soft plastic needs to sit straight, keep its tail moving, and leave enough hook-point clearance for a solid hookset. Hook size and shape affect all three.
Intech Tournament Barbarian DFB-23BN double hooks combine two exposed points, an angular profile, and strong-wire construction. They give anglers an option for rigging soft plastics on an articulated jig setup when the bait and fishing conditions suit a double hook.
What Is a Barbarian Double Hook?
A double hook has two hook points connected to a shared attachment eye. The Tournament Barbarian DFB-23BN has a distinctive angular Barbarian bend.
The hook’s main features include:
- Two needle-sharp points.
- An angular profile that helps hold the soft plastic in position.
- Strong steel construction for a rigid hook.
- A black nickel finish.
- Sizes for matching different bait profiles.
The DFB-23BN is a separate hook without a built-in weight. You choose the weight and connection needed for your rig.
Why Use a Double Hook with Soft Plastics?
A properly matched double hook gives a soft plastic two exposed hook points while supporting the bait around the hook’s paired shanks.
The useful part is the complete fit: the bait sits straight, both points remain clear, and the tail has room to work. A larger hook is not automatically a better choice. Too much hook can distort the body or restrict the moving section of the lure.
How to Choose a Double Hook Size
Start with the actual bait rather than its advertised length alone. Two 4-inch soft plastics can have very different body thicknesses and tail sections.
Before rigging, hold the hook beside the bait and check:
- Shank length: The hook should fit the solid body without extending into the flexible tail section.
- Point clearance: Both points need enough space around the plastic to engage.
- Body shape: The hook should not stretch, bunch, or twist the bait.
- Tackle balance: Match the hook’s wire strength to your rod, line, and intended presentation.
FishTrailCo carries DFB-23BN sizes #8, #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0.
The product photos include measurements for each hook size. Use them to compare the hook with the bait before deciding on the final fit.
Using a Double Hook on a Cheburashka Rig
A Cheburashka rig connects a separate hook to an articulated weight. This lets you select hook size for the bait and weight for depth, current, and retrieve control.
For a Barbarian double hook with FishTrailCo Fishball articulated weights:
- Select a hook that fits the soft plastic.
- Rig the bait so its body stays straight and both points remain exposed.
- Remove the weight's wire clip and place the hook eye onto the hook-side loop.
- Reinsert the wire clip completely through the weight.
- Attach the leader snap to the exposed loop on the opposite side and close the snap fully.
- Check that the hook pivots freely, then pull-test the complete connection before casting.
The wire must fit through the hook eye without forcing it. Check the assembled rig before casting, especially after changing hooks or weights.
See our Cheburashka Rig Guide for more about articulated jig setups.
Which Soft Plastics Can You Use?
Paddle tails, curly-tail grubs, and other soft plastics work with a double hook when the body can hold the paired shanks without blocking the points or restricting the tail.
For a paddle-tail profile, compare the hook against Slim Shad 2.5", Slim Shad 3.3", or Slim Shad 4". Leave the narrow tail section free so the paddle can move.
For a ribbed curly-tail grub, compare TurboRib 2", TurboRib 3", or TurboRib 4". Keep the hook clear of the curly tail so it can unfold and move during the retrieve and fall.
Choose the fit individually rather than assigning one hook size to every bait of the same length.
Where This Setup Makes Sense
An exposed double-hook rig is an option for freshwater predator fishing where you can work the bait without repeatedly catching heavy vegetation or submerged brush.
Depending on the bait and conditions, try:
- A steady swimming retrieve.
- Short bottom hops.
- Controlled lift-and-fall movements.
- Slow pulls followed by pauses.
Choose enough weight to control the presentation. Watch how the bait swims beside you before making a full cast.
For bass and walleye, match the bait profile and retrieve to the water you are fishing. If pike are present, account for their teeth when choosing your leader.
When to Choose Another Hook
A double hook leaves two points exposed. Around thick grass, brush, or submerged wood, a suitable offset hook with a protected point may be a more practical choice.
A fine-wire single hook may also suit delicate presentations better. Choose the hook for the bait, tackle, and cover rather than using one style for every situation.
Common Rigging Mistakes
Choosing by bait length alone. Body thickness and the position of the flexible tail matter just as much.
Rigging the bait crooked. Check alignment after rigging and again after a fish or snag.
Crowding the hook points. Plastic should not block either point.
Restricting the tail. Keep the hook within the part of the body that can support it.
Forcing the connection. The hook eye and weight’s wire need to fit and move freely.
Barbarian Double Hook FAQ
Are Barbarian double hooks weedless?
No. In the exposed-point setup described here, both points can catch vegetation and cover.
Can I use them with a Cheburashka weight?
Yes, when the weight’s removable wire fits the hook eye and the assembled connection allows free movement.
Which size fits a 3-inch or 4-inch bait?
There is no single size for every bait of that length. Compare shank length, body thickness, point clearance, and tail position.
Are these the same as Barbarian jig heads?
No. Tournament Barbarian DFB-23BN is a separate double hook. FishTrailCo Barbarian jig heads have a fixed lead head, a single hook, and a spring keeper.
Shop Barbarian Double Hooks
Browse Tournament Barbarian Double Hooks DFB-23BN and match the hook to your soft plastic before selecting a compatible articulated weight.