How to Tie Flies With Beads

Beads are used to add weight and flash to flies. You can incorporate beads into numerous fly patterns and easily secure them to the hook. The primary point of importance with beads is choosing the appropriate size for the hook. Beads are also designed with a narrow gap on one side and a wide gap on the opposite side. Although the narrow gap is designed to fit against the eye of the hook, the wide side may also be placed facing the eye for a unique design.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start the thread at the eye of the hook and make several wraps to create a small thread ball. Add a half hitch and cut away the thread spool. Slide the bead on the hook with the narrow diameter opening first. Slide the bead over the thread ball and add a small drop of super glue to the thread. This will lock the bead in place.

    • 2

      Start the thread at the eye of the hook and make several wraps of thread, to create a moderate-sized thread ball. Half hitch the thread and cut away the spool. Slide the bead on the hook with the larger diameter gap first, to create a different look than the fly in Step 1. Add a small drop of super glue to the thread ball and push the bead up against the thread. It will act as a stopper and prevent the bead from covering the eye of the hook.

    • 3

      Cover the hook shank with a thin base of thread. Half hitch the thread and cut away the thread spool. Apply a thin coat of super glue to the hook shank. Slide several beads on the hook with the small diameter end first. Place the final bead on the hook with the large diameter end first. Start the thread immediately behind the bead and use a whip finisher to knot the thread. This will act as a stopper and prevent the beads from sliding.