Beads, who woulda thought

[Dewy]

I've been out a couple times this year so far looking for the chrome that everyone has been talking about. I am relatively new (3rd year learning the floating technique on the pin) and have recently tried using beads while steelheading thanks to your valuable information! I would have to say that these beads work wonders, however, I am finding them a tad bit frustrating. This frustration may be my inability to tame these crazy fish on one of the largest river systems in the area. I have had success, and will post pics later, but would like to improve as my hook set to landing ratio is extremelly poor. Over the past 3 days I have lost about 15 fish within the first 30 seconds, and the majority of the time it seems to be an inadequate hook set. So, I have been using about 3' of fluoro, and about 8 to 12 inches above the size 12 hook I place the bead with a toothpick. On the hook I either have a roe sack, pink worm, dew worm or minnow. So, my first question, should I use a bigger hook, say a number 6 or 8? A size 12 seems too small when needing to set a hook 8 to 12'' away from the bait. However, with the low water conditions, a size 12 or even 14 maybe required to get any hits on a roe bag. Any tips on using the bead technique would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[NADO]

Your problem is the space between your bead and your hook. try putting the bead 2-3" away from the hook and it should work much better for you.

 

[Dewy]

However, does this not interfere with what is on the hook such as a roe bag or worm? Would the fish not see both baits. Another question is the legalities of fishing with a bead 2 inches above a bare hook. From what I understand fishing this way is illegal, as something is required to be on the hook.

 

[NADO]

Nope the bead is your bait, tons of people fish like that. When I have a worm or roe bag on the hook I move it a bit higher to 4" above the hook.

 

[rocheleauc]

It's fine to run it above the hook with nothing on the hook. Nothing illegal about it as long as your not ripping it in a pod of fish and snagging them.

Try a bigger hook, I use size 6-8, but normally 8 hook. You want the bead about 2-3 inches above the hook, any lower and you risk the possibility of gut hooking the fish if it inhales it.

 

[Dewy]

Thanks for the information and the pointers. I guess all that is left is to go try it again tomorrow. However if it rains, I might need to go buy some bigger beads. I sure hope it pours for the next week straight. Some of the reeds that the salmon were spawning in last year have completely dried up and have large weeds growing in them! But on the flip side, it is good to see some of the steelhead making it far up to unfishable sections of the river for the winter. It is one thing to see salmon jumping up ladders. It is a completely astonishing to see steelhead jump up a 10 foot barrier!

 

[buck]

However, does this not interfere with what is on the hook such as a roe bag or worm? Would the fish not see both baits. Another question is the legalities of fishing with a bead 2 inches above a bare hook. From what I understand fishing this way is illegal, as something is required to be on the hook.

.

 

[ALN]

I would stay have the bead no more then 2 inch, for better hook ups from what I read. I normally tie the bead on instead of pegging it and only have the 8mm bead on a 6# hook. When the fish takes the bead and you set the hook with the bead spaced out around 1.5-2" it gives a good hook up right on the side of the mouth. These are only my experience tho

 

[Dewy]

Thanks for the quick replies! It is much appreciated. I went out tonight after work to try out the advice. Well, it paid of in spades. I went 2 for 3 tonight and the ticket was your guys suggestions. I used a number 6 hook, with a piece of worm, and had the bead about 3 inches above the hook. I just love the fight these fish give up, clearing the water. Man what an adrenaline rush. Thanks for the input. Pics to follow.

 

[rocheleauc]

Thanks for the quick replies! It is much appreciated. I went out tonight after work to try out the advice. Well, it paid of in spades. I went 2 for 3 tonight and the ticket was your guys suggestions. I used a number 6 hook, with a piece of worm, and had the bead about 3 inches above the hook. I just love the fight these fish give up, clearing the water. Man what an adrenaline rush. Thanks for the input. Pics to follow.

Glad it helped Now you see why it's so addictive haha

 

[hightechdecks]

i was outfished by beads for the third time today so now im gonna start fishing them