I got my first fish last weekend on a bead ( first ever Steelie) . I had the hook 2.5" from the bead as it worked like magic I used a toothpick but I'm afraid it frays to much for my liking.
i use the clear pegits and the bead just shy of 3" above a #12-16 hook pending on the water clarity and i miss very few ... i break off more than i miss