When I first heard about fishing beads, I was intrigued but a bit skeptical. I had been fishing for years, mostly using live bait or lures, but the idea of using small, colorful beads as bait seemed unusual. My curiosity eventually got the best of me, so I decided to give it a try on my next fishing trip. I headed out to my local river, armed with a variety of fishing beads in different colors and sizes. To my surprise, setting up the beads was easy, and I was ready to cast them within minutes. The anticipation was palpable as I waited to see if these simple beads could attract any fish.
Success with Fishing Beads on My Line
To my amazement, the fishing beads worked incredibly well. I hooked a fish within the first hour, something that rarely happens with live bait. The beads mimicked the look of fish eggs, which was exactly what the trout in the area were after. They seemed to be more attracted to the orange and red beads, which resembled the eggs they usually fed on. The thrill of feeling a fish tug on the line, knowing it was drawn in by something so simple, was exciting. I felt like I had unlocked a new level of fishing, and the beads were now a permanent part of my tackle box.
Refining My Technique with Fishing Beads
As I gained more experience with fishing beads, I started experimenting with different techniques. I learned that adding a small weight to the line helped the beads sink deeper, reaching fish that were hiding near the bottom. I also started using larger beads when targeting bigger fish like salmon. The more I used them, the more I realized how versatile fishing beads could be. Whether I was fishing in a river, lake, or stream, the beads consistently performed well.
My fishing trips became more productive, and I enjoyed the added challenge of fine-tuning my bead selection based on water conditions and the species I was after. Below, I’ll break down some top-rated fishing beads, exploring their key features, pros, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
1. Sea Striker Plastic Beads 6MM – Red
Some Tips:
Fishing beads work best when paired with the right rigging technique. For Sea Striker Plastic Beads, using them with a basic Carolina or Texas rig enhances your setup for catching species like trout and bass. The 6mm size is ideal for mimicking fish eggs, adding color and visibility underwater.
Key Features:
- Size: 6MM
- Color: Red
- Material: Plastic
- Quantity: 36 beads per pack
Pros:
- Great for mimicking fish eggs
- Easy to rig due to consistent shape and size
- Vibrant red color to attract fish
- Works well in freshwater fishing for species like trout and steelhead
Special Features:
These beads come in a 36-pack, providing enough pieces to last for multiple fishing trips. The red color stands out in murky water, helping attract fish when visibility is low. The plastic material is durable, lasting through multiple uses.
Price:
$8.68 (excluding shipping and fees)
Review:
Sea Striker Plastic Beads receive a solid 4.4-star rating from over 230 reviews. Anglers love their performance, especially for species that are naturally drawn to the red hue, like steelhead and salmon. These beads are especially useful when you need to add a bit of color to your rig to catch the attention of more cautious fish.
2. Lindy Beads for Fishing Spinner Rigs
Some Tips:
Lindy Beads are perfect for spinner rigs, adding color and flash to your lure setup. Use them with metallic blades to maximize attraction when fishing for walleye. Varying the color combinations helps when the fish are finicky.
Key Features:
- Sizes: 5mm, 6mm
- Color: Red (other colors available)
- Premium finishes for maximum reflection
- Includes 100 beads per package
Pros:
- Adds visual appeal and flash to your rig
- High-quality pearlescent and metallic finishes
- Multiple colors to adapt to different water conditions
- Affordable for the amount of beads included
Special Features:
The 100-bead pack ensures you’ll have more than enough for your spinner rigs, and the pearlescent finish adds extra flash to mimic baitfish scales. The multiple sizes allow for more versatility depending on your fishing setup.
Price:
$3.49 – $7.99, depending on size and color
Review:
Lindy Beads are known for their excellent quality, with anglers praising their durability and effectiveness in attracting walleye. With a 4.4-star rating, they’re a favorite among those looking for high-visibility beads that deliver results.
3. BnR Soft Baits Fishing Beads
Some Tips:
BnR Soft Baits are excellent for mimicking fish eggs, especially in rivers and streams. For best results, use them in drift fishing setups for steelhead and salmon. Their neutral buoyancy allows for a natural drift, which helps when fish are being selective.
Key Features:
- Sizes: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 20mm
- Color: Red/Blue
- Soft consistency for the natural appearance
- Neutral buoyancy
Pros:
- Versatile for different fish species
- Wide range of colors and sizes to mimic fish eggs
- Soft texture for a natural drift
- Includes T-stops for easy rigging
Special Features:
Each pack includes 10 soft beads, which come with appropriately sized T-Stops to make rigging easy. These beads’ soft texture gives them a natural look, making them highly effective for fish like steelhead and trout.
Price:
$5.69 – $6.34
Review:
With a 3.5-star rating, BnR Soft Baits have mixed reviews. Some anglers swear by their lifelike presentation, while others mention that they wear out quickly. However, their neutral buoyancy is praised for creating a natural drift, a key factor in tricking wary fish.
4. Eagle Claw Glass Bead/Brass Clacker Assortment
Some Tips:
Eagle Claw’s Glass Bead and Brass Clacker assortment is perfect for those who want to add noise to their rig. The clacking sound, combined with the bright beads, increases your chances of hooking predatory fish like bass.
Key Features:
- Material: Glass and brass
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Package includes a mix of beads and clackers
Pros:
- Adds sound to your lure setup, increasing attraction
- High-quality glass beads
- Brass clacker for added noise and visibility
- Durable and reliable for multiple uses
Special Features:
The combination of glass beads and brass clackers creates a unique attractant. As you retrieve your lure, the clacker creates a subtle sound that can catch the attention of fish even from a distance.
Price:
$3.12 (excluding shipping)
Review:
Eagle Claw’s Glass Bead and Brass Clacker assortment enjoys a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviewers. Anglers particularly love how the clacker adds an extra element of attraction, making it perfect for bass fishing. These beads are a great addition to any tackle box.
5. LAZER Red Faceted Glass Beads – 8MM
Some Tips:
Faceted beads like the LAZER Red add an extra sparkle in the water, increasing the lure’s visibility. Use them when fishing in clearer waters or on bright, sunny days to maximize their reflective qualities.
Key Features:
- Size: 8mm
- Material: Faceted glass
- Color: Red
- High-visibility design
Pros:
- Faceted glass enhances visibility in the water
- Durable and reusable
- Great for clear water conditions
- Affordable option for high-quality beads
Special Features:
The faceted design allows these beads to catch light from multiple angles, creating a reflective sparkle that helps lure fish. Their durable construction ensures they can withstand multiple fishing trips.
Price:
$7.30 (excluding shipping)
Review:
With a 4.5-star rating, LAZER Red Faceted Glass Beads are loved for their quality and visibility in the water. Anglers appreciate the extra flash these beads provide, making them a go-to for fishing in sunny, clear water environments.
6. BnR Tackle SBCL20 Soft Beads, 20mm
Some Tips:
BnR Tackle’s larger 20mm soft beads are best used for bigger fish like steelhead and salmon. Their larger size makes them more visible in faster-moving waters, helping attract fish from a distance.
Key Features:
- Size: 20mm
- Color: Clown
- Includes 10 soft beads per pack
- Soft consistency for natural presentation
Pros:
- Large size for increased visibility
- Soft texture mimics natural fish eggs
- Neutral buoyancy for lifelike drift
- Perfect for big game fish like steelhead
Special Features:
These beads come with T-Stops to help with easy rigging, and their soft texture gives them a lifelike feel in the water. They are designed to drift naturally, making them a favorite among steelhead anglers.
Price:
$12.19 (excluding shipping)
Review:
BnR Tackle SBCL20 beads are rated 4.8 stars, with anglers praising their lifelike drift and effectiveness in catching larger fish. Their larger size is perfect for those targeting big game species.
7. Danielson Assortment Egg Bead, 8mm
Some Tips:
The Danielson Assortment Egg Beads are great for adding variety to your rigs. Use them in a dial box to switch colors easily and adapt to the water conditions throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Size: 8mm
- Color: Red/Orange
- Comes in a reusable dial box
- Made for adding color to rigs
Pros:
- Reusable and convenient packaging
- Adds vibrant colors to your rig
- Affordable option
- Great for targeting multiple species
Special Features:
This assortment comes in a reusable dial box, allowing anglers to easily change colors and sizes without cluttering their tackle box. The 8mm size is perfect for most freshwater species.
Price:
$9.07 (excluding shipping)
Review:
Danielson’s Assortment Egg Beads hold a 4.3-star rating, with many anglers appreciating the convenience of the dial box and the vibrant colors of the beads. This set is perfect for those looking to experiment with different bead colors during a single fishing trip.
Comprehensive Guide from an Experienced Angler
Fishing beads may seem like a simple addition to your tackle box, but when used correctly, they can significantly improve your fishing success. I’ve spent years refining my techniques for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and beads have played an essential role in certain situations. Whether you’re after bass, carp, or any other species, understanding how to use fishing beads effectively can make a world of difference.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the different types of fishing beads, when and why to use them, and how to set them up for maximum effectiveness. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about fishing beads, drawn from my personal experience and expertise.
What Are Fishing Beads?
Fishing beads are small, typically round objects made from plastic, glass, or other materials, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. Though small, their role is multifaceted, helping to attract fish, protect knots, and even act as strike indicators.
The use of beads is widespread, from saltwater to freshwater fishing, and they can be employed in a variety of techniques. While their basic function is straightforward, their true potential comes to light when you learn how to use them strategically.
The Key Benefits of Using Fishing Beads
1. Attracting Fish
In many cases, fishing beads are used as visual attractors. The color, size, and movement of the bead can catch the attention of fish, especially in murky or low-light conditions. Brightly colored beads, particularly orange, pink, and chartreuse, mimic fish eggs, which can be irresistible to species like trout and salmon.
2. Protecting Knots
When fishing with weight, such as sinkers, the weight can slide down the line and come into direct contact with the knot that secures your hook or lure. The repeated movement and pressure can weaken the knot and eventually cause it to break. A bead acts as a buffer between the weight and the knot, protecting it and extending the life of your rig.
3. Creating Sound
Some beads, particularly those made of hard plastic or glass, produce a clicking noise when they hit against weights or other beads. This sound mimics the movement of prey and can draw fish toward your bait. This auditory cue can be particularly effective when targeting species like bass, which are sensitive to sound and vibrations in the water.
4. Adjusting Depth and Drift
When drift fishing or trolling, beads can be used to adjust the depth of your presentation. By adding beads of varying sizes, you can control how your bait moves through the water column, increasing your chances of putting your bait right in front of a fish.
Types of Fishing Beads
There are several types of beads, and the one you choose depends on the species you’re targeting and the fishing conditions. Here are the main types of beads I’ve used successfully over the years:
1. Plastic Beads
These are the most common and versatile beads. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them suitable for various fishing applications. Plastic beads are typically lightweight and work well as visual attractants or knot protectors.
2. Glass Beads
Glass beads are heavier than plastic beads and have a higher density. They’re excellent for producing sound when they knock against weights or other beads. The clarity of glass beads also adds a certain shimmer that can attract fish in clear water.
3. UV and Glow-in-the-Dark Beads
For low-light conditions or deep-water fishing, UV and glow-in-the-dark beads are incredibly effective. These beads charge in sunlight or with a quick flash from a light source and then emit a glow that can attract fish in darker environments. They’re especially useful for night fishing or fishing in cloudy, deep waters.
4. Egg Imitation Beads
These beads are specifically designed to mimic fish eggs, which are a major food source for species like salmon and trout. Egg imitation beads are often made from soft, squishy materials and come in natural colors that closely resemble real fish eggs.
How to Set Up Fishing Beads: My Go-To Techniques
Over the years, I’ve used beads in several ways depending on the situation. Here are some of my preferred techniques for using fishing beads effectively:
1. Inline with the Hook
One of the most common methods is to place a bead on the line, right above the hook. This setup is often used when targeting species that feed on fish eggs, like trout or salmon. By positioning the bead near the hook, you increase the chances that the fish will strike close to the hook, resulting in a better hookup rate.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Thread a bead onto your fishing line.
- A hook should be tied to the end of your line.
- Position the bead about 1-2 inches above the hook.
- Add a small peg or stopper to keep the bead in place if needed.
This simple rig is highly effective for species that respond to eggs, and the bead’s color and movement can make it irresistible.
2. As a Knot Protector
When fishing with a sinker or other weights, I always make sure to add a bead between the weight and the knot. This not only extends the life of your knot but also adds a small amount of sound and movement to the presentation.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Thread the line through your sinker or weight.
- Add a bead right after the weight.
- Tie on your hook or lure.
- The bead will sit between the weight and the knot, preventing any direct contact.
This setup is essential when fishing in deeper waters or with heavy tackle.
3. Carolina Rig with Beads
The Carolina rig is a versatile rig I often use for bass fishing, and beads are an integral part of this setup. The bead serves both as a sound generator and a knot protector.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Slide a bullet weight onto your line, followed by a bead.
- Tie a swivel onto the line to act as a stop for the weight and bead.
- Attach a leader to the swivel and tie on your hook.
- Add your bait of choice to the hook.
When you retrieve the line, the bead will knock against the weight, creating a clicking sound that attracts fish.
Choosing the Right Bead for the Situation
Choosing the right bead comes down to understanding the species you’re targeting and the environment you’re fishing in. For example, when I’m carp fishing, I typically use more subtle, natural-colored beads since carp can be more cautious. On the other hand, when bass fishing, I opt for bright, noisy beads that will grab the fish’s attention quickly.
In clear water, transparent or lighter-colored beads work best, as they won’t spook the fish. In murky or dark water, opt for bright, fluorescent beads or even glow-in-the-dark options for added visibility.
Conclusion / Beads Can Be a Game-Changer
Fishing beads are a versatile, affordable, and effective addition to your tackle box. Whether you’re using them to attract fish, protect your knots, or create enticing sounds, beads can significantly improve your fishing success. As an experienced angler, I’ve learned that it’s the small details, like choosing the right bead, that often make the biggest difference.
If you haven’t tried using fishing beads yet, I highly recommend experimenting with different colors, sizes, and setups. With a bit of practice and observation, you’ll soon discover how this simple tool can enhance your fishing game.
