Fly Tying | Beads & Eyes

WHAT ARE BEADS USED FOR IN FLY TYING?

Beads are used in fly tying to add weight to the fly, helping it to sink more quickly and effectively reach the desired depth in the water. Beads also add a bit of flash or colour, making the fly more attractive to fish. There are different types of beads, with the most common being brass and tungsten.

Brass Beads: Brass beads are less dense than tungsten, which means they add less weight to the fly. They are often used in shallower water or when a slower sink rate is desired. Brass beads are also less expensive than tungsten beads.

Tungsten Beads: Tungsten beads are significantly denser than brass, making them much heavier. This allows the fly to sink faster, which is particularly useful in fast-flowing water or when fishing deep pools. Tungsten beads are more expensive but offer superior performance in getting the fly to the target depth quickly.

WHAT ARE DUMBBELL EYES USED FOR?

Dumbbell eyes are a type of weight used in fly tying, resembling small dumbbells with weights on each end. Their primary function is to add significant weight to the fly, enabling it to sink quickly to the desired depth. This added weight creates a distinctive jigging motion as the fly is retrieved, mimicking the erratic movements of an injured or struggling prey fish. This motion is particularly effective in attracting predatory fish, which are often triggered to strike by the appearance of vulnerable prey.

In addition to adding weight and movement, dumbbell eyes help orient the hook point upward if desired. This orientation reduces the likelihood of the fly getting snagged on the bottom, while also positioning the hook for a better chance of hooking a fish. Dumbbell eyes come in various sizes, materials, and colours, allowing anglers to tailor their flies to specific fishing conditions and target species.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEIGHT

Choosing the right weight for your fly is crucial and depends on several factors, including water depth, current speed, and the type of fish you're targeting. In fast or deep water, where you need your fly to reach the bottom quickly, tungsten beads or dumbbell eyes are often the best choice.

In contrast, when fishing in slower or shallower waters, you might opt for brass beads or even unweighted flies. Brass beads are lighter, allowing for a more controlled descent, which can be beneficial when fish are feeding closer to the surface or when a subtle presentation is required. Unweighted flies can be particularly effective in calm, shallow waters where a delicate presentation is necessary to avoid spooking fish. The ultimate goal is to select a weight that allows your fly to reach the strike zone efficiently while minimizing the risk of getting snagged on the bottom.

DOES BEAD COLOUR MATTER?

Bead colour can indeed matter when fly fishing, as it can influence the visibility and attractiveness of the fly to fish. The colour of the bead can be chosen to either blend in with the natural surroundings or stand out to catch the fish’s attention. For instance, gold or copper beads can add a subtle flash that mimics the natural shine of an insect, while bright colours like pink or orange might be used in murky water to make the fly more visible. Ultimately, the choice of bead colour can be an important factor in fly design, depending on the specific fishing conditions and of course personal preference.

If you would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.