Beads

[bigugly]

Every time I go out I try just a bead as so many talk of that's all they use. Every colour I can buy, 10 to 6mm, varying space from hook to bead, different size hooks, adjusting weight and placement of weight...I just can't catch with just a bead. Roe, flies, worms with a bead, yes but never just a bead. Is it a confidence thing, doing something wrong thing??

 

[Originalfives]

Every river/creek is different so set up according to which river/creek you'll be fishing in. I would suggest tying your bead once you know exactly the kind of water you'll be fishing in. The size of bead and colour varies depending on water clarity and depth. If the water is clear and low, I would suggest using a smaller lighter colour bead (more natural looking) and smaller leader test lbs (at least 2ft length) and a few small split shots. If the water is stained and high, you can up the size of bead and use a brighter solid colour and leader test lbs (2ft to 3ft length) and more split shots. Keep your bead 2 inches from the hook. Hook size should not matter but if you're fishing creek size 10 should be fine. Don't be afraid to experiment cause this can be the difference in getting a bite or being skunked. I see it happen all the time where people get skunked and I feel bad for them but what makes a good fisherman/woman better than the average is he/she will change their set ups to adjust to what they are fishing in. Let me tell you this, there are times when beads are the only thing that a fish will bite but then there are times when beads will not work. If you have been drifting a bead without any luck, time to put that roe or flies, worm and etc on cause in the end its all about hooking up. Good luck!

 

[rich_ace_G]

Most productive bead I use by itself is plain white bead. If you're catching on a combo, and don't catch on a single bead. try adding 1 more split above your bead. maybe about 6 inches. that extra fly or roe bag may just be enough weight to get to the strike zone and now you have a single bead and a bare hook which is very light hovering above it. that extra 3-4 inch above can make the difference.

 

[NADO]

Confidence or presentation, maybe a bit of both. You use it every time you go out but how much time do you spend using it? We all have our preferred baits that we think catch the most fish but in reality, that bait gets most of the drifts so naturally it catches the most fish. Just keep fishing it and working on the drag free presentation and eventually it will click.

 

[BERRRG]

With such a small presentation you likely need to get that bead practically right in the fish's mouth for it to spend the energy to take it in this type of water. Dink around with the positioning and tapering of the split shot, go way longer on the leader than you think you need to, try beads in tandem or larger beads. Will cost you some tackle but might help.

 

[bigugly]

I have no real number one bait or combo. I've caught fish on every set up I've tried and I switch it up a lot. I use anyone for no longer than 20-30 drifts unless a fishing buddy is hooking up on something particular. Oh I lied other than bead alone I have not hooked with a steelhead jig.

 

[naturefan]

I personaly, don't use bead a lot beacause in 80% of bites I can not set the hook, yes I had many bites on bead even sometimes
it was the only bait fish bit, but I managed to set the hook only 2-3 times, may be I need to use bigger size hook (I use # 8 or 10)??

 

[Mike1212]

I personaly, don't use bead a lot beacause in 80% of bites I can not set the hook, yes I had many bites on bead even sometimes
it was the only bait fish bit, but I managed to set the hook only 2-3 times, may be I need to use bigger size hook (I use # 8 or 10)??

I use small ones for beads with no problems

edit: you might be having a hard time setting the hook because your hook is too far from the bead. try it closer

 

[NADO]

I go big, #6 Raven Octopus

 

[naturefan]

That's what I'm thinking about

 

[AaronKrick]

I go #4 for 10 and 12mm.

 

[naturefan]

Thank you guys, I'll try that soon

 

[bigugly]

Thanks for all the tips. I hooked up on a huge one while drifting just a bead, only problem was I couldn't turn it. Wrapped around a tree branch..it was awesome!!

 

[instapump416]

I notice I have a lot of luck with just a bead drifting at the head of the pool.

Peach, chartreuse and orange beads are usually what I stick with.

 

[Graham Bristow]

I personaly, don't use bead a lot beacause in 80% of bites I can not set the hook, yes I had many bites on bead even sometimes
it was the only bait fish bit, but I managed to set the hook only 2-3 times, may be I need to use bigger size hook (I use # 8 or 10)??

If you're getting bites but not hooking up you may be setting to late. With roe it's softer and they hold on longer but a bead is hard and un-natural and they spit it out quickly.. Set fast and hard and see if that helps.. Also I use size #8 and #10 raven sedge or specialist hooks with no issues and my bead is 1.5 to 2" from the hook.. hope that helps...

 

[Graham Bristow]

Every time I go out I try just a bead as so many talk of that's all they use. Every colour I can buy, 10 to 6mm, varying space from hook to bead, different size hooks, adjusting weight and placement of weight...I just can't catch with just a bead. Roe, flies, worms with a bead, yes but never just a bead. Is it a confidence thing, doing something wrong thing??

If one's not working why not try 2 beads, or bead and a nymph or worm or roe, Keep them 12 to 18 inches apart with 2 hooks, one at each bait.. Just make sure they're getting down to the fish. good luck.