Large beads on hooks with small eyes! HELP

[arjxh56]

Hi all,
I have just purchased a few hundred toungsten beads and they have really big holes in them?! (compared to previous beads i have used)

Can anyone share tips/tricks to fasten the bead on the hook so that it doesnt pop over the eye?

I have tried building up thread, sliding the bead on and then supergluing it in place but this isnt great.

I am trying to put larger tungsten beads on sizes 12 - 18 nymphs for getting down deep in very fast water.


kind of s seperate question but still bead related...... I purchased some of the tungsten disco beads that have slots in them. When i work up against the bead it pushes the bead up away from the hook due to the slot. This doesnt look right to me? .. Do you guys have this problem? If so, how do you stop this happening?

Thanks..

[SharkeyP]

You could put a smaller bead on first perhaps, then reverse the second larger bead so it sits tighter against the first.

I've never used slotted beads, are they intended for use on jig hooks to get around the right angled bend?

SharkeyP

[arjxh56]

Out of interest.... is there a chart that says a certain size hook can take a certain size bead?

What size beads do you people put on your hooks? (to get down fast!)

[shuck raider]

Originally Posted by arjxh56

Out of interest.... is there a chart that says a certain size hook can take a certain size bead?

What size beads do you people put on your hooks? (to get down fast!)

As a rough guide:

1.5 mm Hook Size 20 - 22

2.0 mm Hook Size 18 - 20

2.3 mm Hook Size 16 - 18

3.2 mm Hook Size 12 - 14

4.0 mm Hook Size 8 - 10

4.8 mm Hook Size 4 - 6

5.5 mm Hook Size 2 - 4

[GuyFromLaw]

Originally Posted by shuck raider

As a rough guide:

1.5 mm Hook Size 20 - 22

2.0 mm Hook Size 18 - 20

2.3 mm Hook Size 16 - 18

3.2 mm Hook Size 12 - 14

4.0 mm Hook Size 8 - 10

4.8 mm Hook Size 4 - 6

5.5 mm Hook Size 2 - 4

Not quite sure I agree here. Just been tying chad nymphs with size 10 grubber hooks and the 3mm tungsten beads are bordering on too large.

[wobbly face]

The chart shuck raider has put up is pretty good, but not definite.
Some beads of the same size but from different manufactures have different size holes which creates a problem. I have used thread stop in front of the bead and superglue. SharkeyP's suggestion is a good method plus adds a little extra weight. If having to use smaller beads so not to go over eye of hook, use lead or tungsten wire on the hook shank.
As regards to the slotted beads, I personally don't like them. As you say, they don't sit right. What I tend to do is build up thread inside the slot, even by hand turning the bead with the thread. I also try and get the slot to sit on top of the hook shank, it seems to sit better than having the slot to the bottom. Again I have used superglue in the slot. The slotted beads are easier to fit onto the hook and means you can also use a larger bead on a small hook, provided it sits behind the eye. I have also tied up nymphs using a bead and put a wing case over the top of the bead and tied off in front of the bead, I did this with beads with large holes in and it stops it sliding over the eye. Use superglue, varnish or head cement over the wing case to stop it slipping of the bead.

Good luck.

[arjxh56]

Thanks...

I was also thinking of a blob of bug bond or similar product just behind the eye to stop the bead slipping? Or maybe some very very small washer?

[GuyFromLaw]

Originally Posted by arjxh56

Thanks...

I was also thinking of a blob of bug bond or similar product just behind the eye to stop the bead slipping? Or maybe some very very small washer?

How about some tiny circle sequins as used in the fashion industry?

[Scotty Mitchell]

if i need to be down that quick, and the fly is travelling quick, iv begun to forego slim bodies and used plenty fine lead wire as well as tungsten beads. Is it correct of me to assume the fish have so little time to make up their minds, in water where such a pattern is deemed necessary?