Double-dude rigs are simply two hooks that are used with a single bait or lure. The rig has different names throughout the fishing community, and all mean the same thing. A single leader is fitted with a pair of hooks that are spaced according to the size of a particular bait or lure. A number of methods are used to tie the rig, and any of these are effective as long as either hook is secure enough to land the fish.
Applications
Double dude rigs can increase the chances of a hookup when fish aren't enthusiastic about taking live bait or a lure. Some species toy with bait at times by biting off a piece and departing, and others are notorious for slapping at a lure. Experience teaches you to use a double-dude rig in ways that improve the chance of a hookup without injuring live bait or affecting the action of a lure.
Bait
When bait is consistently marked near the head or tail but not taken by a fish, this would be a good time to employ a double-dude rig. The primary consideration is that hooks are placed in a way that allows the bait to swim freely. Sport Fishing Asia tells you to "Avoid hooking the lateral line of live bait as this will kill the bait quickly if not instantly."
In addition to short bites that most often occur at the tail of bait fish, excited fish may bite a particular section of a bait and search for another. Noting the section that's bitten tells you where the second hook should be placed.
Lures
Lures are designed to duplicate a food source or excite fish with flash or bright color combinations. The majority of freshwater lures have a hook at the tail and another at the belly of the lure body. However, most saltwater lures have one hook at the tail. When fish are swatting or nipping at trolled or cast lures, another hook closer to the head of a lure can increase the chances of a strike. Adding a second hook when you are casting lures near weeds or rocky areas can also double the chance of getting snagged.
Hooks
Double-dude rigs can be set up with any size and shape hook you prefer or consider best for a situation. Circle hooks have a larger loop than typical snelled hooks, which allow you to use bigger chunks of bait or larger live bait. Single chrome hooks add additional flash when used for double-dude lure rigs, and many tackle shops offer these pre-assembled on a short chain that clips to the fishing line. Although ring hooks allow a live bait to swim freely, the added movement makes it difficult to outfit these with a double-dude rig.
Leaders
Monofilament, fluorocarbon, stranded wire and braided line are typical leaders that you can use with a double-dude rig. Monofilament and fluorocarbon are dependable fishing line but have poor knot strength. For this reason, you should employ snell knots with either of these leaders. Fish 4 Fun says "The Snell Knot provides a strong connection when fishing with bait and using a separate length of leader."
Stranded wire leader is stiffer than fishing line but works well when double hooks are close-coupled. Braided line makes a strong leader and it's virtually unbreakable in normal situations. Small lead crimps can be used in place of knots when rigging with wire or braided line leaders.
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