Beads advise

[ian1104 0]

I'm new to tying streamers/lures, as I've always bought them in the past. I will use these just for stockies in my local fishery. I was wondering what size beads would be needed for size 8/10 flies such as cat's whiskers/wooly buggers etc. I have seen 100 Gold brass beads, 3mm for around £3 on ebay. Would these be heavy enough to fish at a decent depth, or would I need to go bigger/heavier? The pond I fish is roughly 25ft at its deepest.

 

Thanks

Ian

[KHoss 0]

you may be looking at the "fishing deeper" issue in the wrong way

 

my opinion --- a sink line is you best bet for fishing deep

 

a floating line is going to keep you in the top 4ft or so of the water column

[ian1104 0]

Hi thanks for the reply, what is the point in weighted flies then?

[Bugsy 0]

"Decent depth" = depth where fish are feeding. Even in a deep reservoir, this may be only inches beneath the surface at times.

 

For me, bead size may vary with shank length as well as stated hook size.

 

generally....

 

#8 3XL hook = 1/8" (3.2mm) bead

#10 3XL hook = 5/32 (4mm) bead

 

For additional weight: Bump up one size bead; stack one larger bead behind a smaller bead; use more lead on shank; use barbell eyes; add more weight to leader.

 

Unless you want an exaggerated jigging action, too much weight can make a fly swim less attractively. For fishing deep, a sinking line will get a lightly weighted fly down and keep it down throughout the retrieve.

[ian1104 0]

Thanks!