Beadheads

[BUDMAN]

Bought some small beadheads the other day, I want to tie some sz 14 bh prince nymphs. I bought the smallest beads they had but the hole in them still seems too large for the sz 14 hook (they cover the eye). What is the correct way to put the beads on? Do I put a little thread on behind the eye to keep it from going too far foward, or is there some other secret?

[NetBoy]

The beads that are made for fly tying have a smaller hole on one end. The hook point is inserted into the smaller end and pushed up against the eye. The smaller end should be small enough where the eye of the hook will not go through. For a size 14 hook, I use a 3/32 gold bead. I think the next size up will also fit on a size 14.
Regular beads from craft stores can be tricky. I had to build up a large amount of thread right behind the eye to keep the bead from sliding off. Then added a drop of the cement to the bead and thread. I think another option is to add a piece of lead wire into the bead and then add a drop of cement.

NetBoy

[BUDMAN]

Thanks NetBoy, the beads I bought came from the fish hawk. It was late last night before I made my attempt at tying and I could have put the bead on backwards. I'll take a closer look at the beads when I get home tonight.

[Steve Hudson]

Here's a couple of bead-mounting techniques that work pretty well.

If you're not weighting the fly, slip the bead onto the hook (small hole against the eye) and begin winding thread immediately behind the bead. Stack up windings on top of windings. As you do, some windings will fall forward, under the bead, holding it in place. Once you're satisfied with the securedness of the bead, continue.

Method two, for weighted flies: Place the bead as before, then before starting any thread wrap your wire (I use lead-free wire) in close turns on the hook shank behind the bead. After you have enough wire (for that size hook, 8-12 turns will be enough) trim the excess and burnish down the ends. Then -- and this is the neat part -- use your fingernail to slide the coil of weighting wire up the hook and into the larger hole in the back of the bead. That'll efectively anchor the bead and put the weight in the front portion of the fly as well.

By the way, note that many craft store beads are either plastic or are hollow metal. Both can be very effective but will contribute little weight. Gl****beads work well on some patterns too.

Hope this helps.

Steve

[BUDMAN]

NetBoy, Steve, Thanks a mil. guys. Once again I just got in a hurry (bead on backwards). I just can't belive that my wife says I never follow directions.

[The Ole Man]

Budman :

If youre open to one more method then here's mine. No wrapping - no stuffing. Go to Wal Mart, get a little bottle of Bondini Bond Everything gel. Put bead on the hook and mount in the vice. Slide bead back. Squeeze a drop of Bondini onto end of a toothpick (gel is thick and wont run off). Place a drop of Bondini on top of the hookshank at the eye and slide the bead over the gel where you want it. Wait 2-3 minutes and its set. Tie on behind the bead and proceed. I use the Bondini for practically all my tying. I keep a supply of natural toothpicks on hand for application. You can freeze and bond tails, wings and everything. Do not use colored picks bcause the dye will run out and stain your fly mat'ls. Bondini is under $2.00.

[BUDMAN]

Thanks Ole Man i'm off to Walmart. Great idea.