Mixed beads

[tpk]

Does anyone know who might do a pack of metal beads in mixed colours? I have only just started to tie flys and I do not want to buy loads of different packs.

I have seen different beads in craft shops (mostly glass) - would these be suitable for flys?

[christy27]

Originally Posted by tpk

Does anyone know who might do a pack of metal beads in mixed colours? I have only just started to tie flys and I do not want to buy loads of different packs.

I have seen different beads in craft shops (mostly glass) - would these be suitable for flys?

Glass beads are suitable for some flys but generally I'd stick with brass and tungsten. Glass is to light for most flies. I bought a load from a craft shop last year and to be honest I can't find a use for them .

Have a chat with Ed at fordsflytying.com. They have a good selection of beads in a variety colours.

Chris

[Chris Reeves]

There are plenty of patterns where a glass bead (or several) enhances the product but as said, not as weight, but to suggest egg sacs on sedges, air bubbles on corixa etc etc. They can be used as a thorax for cruncher style wets and buzzers made with a white bead head and black beads for the body also work well.

Cheers

[bill23]

Tungsten beads . co . UK


this place is the nuts for beads

[budgie]

For ideas on how to incorporate glass beads into flies take a look at Joe Warren's book "Tying Glass Bead Flies" published by Frank Amato Publications, and usually available through Paul Morgan at Coch-y-Bondhu. I will occasionally use glass beads to create segmentation on nymph patterns and buzzers: the fish seem to like them well enough.

In small sizes the glass beads can be threaded onto mono (I use black mono from a local coarse fishing shop) and melted at each end with a lighter to create very nice eyes for use on damsel patterns.