Bead Problems

[drunkdiver]

After inspecting the hook after losing a nice fish at the weekend I noticed the bard had gone, I had assume that it was either a faulty hook or the barb had been damaged by the fish. Anyway I decided to tie up a few more of the same pattern last night and realised it was me that damaged the barb putting the bead on the hook as it was a tight fit to get it round the bend.

I think the beads are veniard, not sure what size but they look in proportion to the hooks im using. They have a recess in one side to help getting on the hook but it is still difficult and I have to force them round the bend which flattens the barb and stresses the hook quite a bit too.

What am I doing wrong ? or do I just have **** beads ?

Im new to this fly tying lark, but really enjoying catching fish on my own patterns. Not really into following patterns that much but rather just use them for insperation and make things up as I go along.

Thanks

[squeeks]

Hi DD,

sounds like your beads are too big for the hook. What size bead and hook are you using?

[A. Fluker]

Take a look at using the slotted beads.

[drunkdiver]

Originally Posted by squeeks

Hi DD,

sounds like your beads are too big for the hook. What size bead and hook are you using?

Interesting, I thought bigger beads would go on better. Not sure of bead size, can measure them when I get home from work on my calipers. Thinking about it, maybe they are a little big. Need to get a load of new beads anyway as want to tie up lots of bead head nymphs. Thanks

(ps the hook is a size 12 or 14, and the beads maybe 3mm but not sure)

[Chris Reeves]

There are some hooks that just won't take beads and others that require you to size the bead very carefully.

I use a lot of Partridge and Fulling Mill hooks and over the years I've found that if the hook has a micro barb there is no problem with the bead even if you need to force it a little to get it over the barb and round the bend. The problem comes with deep cut barbs and some of my older Mustad hooks have such deep barbs the not only does the barb break off but also the point too!.

The next thing to consider is the shape of the bend. Limerick bends do not lend themselves to beads, a round bend is preferable. Again some of the living nymph style Tiemcos in the smaller sizes have too narrow a gape to put a bead on them.

First off, before junking your current hooks I'd try getting different sized beads as a general rule I use 2mm for 18s and 20s, 2.2 for 16s, 2.5 for 16s and 14s, 2.8 for 14s 3.0 for 14s and 12s and 3.3 or 3.5 for 12, and 10s
Obviously thats a personal choice but it gives you some idea. You dont need to buy all of the sizes just a sufficent variety to cover the hooks you use.

Buy good quality beads too, poor beads will loose their finish quickly and often have rough edges which can cut the tying silk.
Each bead should be countersunk on one side and have a smaller hole on the other. There are two schools of thought on which side of the bead should go on the eye. I prefer the small hole to face the eye, others prefer the reverse. It may easier to put the bead on big hole first so if you don't mind which goes first then that might solve your problem.

Hope this helps

[g bigtrout]

V.nicely put Chris...i had all that in mind.

[busbiegaz]

what make r hooks ??

[drunkdiver]

Kamasan Meduim weight / length, cant remeber the number

[troutbumnathan]

barbless hooks are good for everyone anyway
Never fish with a barbed hook anymore
Keep rod up and line tight and the fish will always stay on !!
but it sounds like the beads are too tight for the barb and bend in the hook and your forcing it on too hard.
If its kamasan your using it cant be the hooks as i needd to apply heavy pressure with pliars to de-barb them.

[VERN-O]

DD,

I've been working with Flymen Fishing Company to compile a hook/bead compatability chart (they manufacture Real Fly Color and Nymph Head beads) Basically we've tested hundredsd of hooks to determine if they fit our beads....the testing was done by mashing the barb though. And through testing several other bead brands, you will run into the same problem (not all beads will pass over the barb with out damaging)....a lot of this has to do with hook style, and not necessarily crappy beads. I have also noticed while filling orders that individual hooks or beads vary, in that from the same box of hooks, not all beads go on as easily as others. Again just my observations.
Here is the link to the hook/bead compatability chart
http://editor.web.com/mnt/editor/sig...20Guide_v1.pdf