Fly Tying Materials - Beads To Hook Size Chart and Tips about Beadhead Flies

BEAD TO HOOK SIZE:
1/16= Size 20,
5/64= Size 18,
3/32= Size 16,
7/64= Size 14,
1/8= Size 12,
5/32= Size 10 & 8,
7/32= Size 6 & 4,
1/4=#2.

HOOK TO BEAD HEAD FLY REFERENCE:
TMC 2457 (scud hook)
- B.H. Serendipity's
TMC 3761 (1xl)
- B.H. Hare's Ear
- B.H. Pheasant Tail
- Copper John
TMC 5263 (3xl)
- B.H. Wooly Buggers

Why Use Beads?
Beads can be used on almost any standard
nymph or streamer pattern, add weight to
get down to where the fish are, and flash
to attract them.

How Do I use Beads?
1) Put bead on hook by inserting the point
of the hook into the small hole of the bead.
2) Wrap a few turn of lead wire around hook
shank and push up into the bead. This step
is most often overlooked but very important
for a few reasons:
2a) By filling the bead with lead it keeps the
bead centered on the hook and adds more
weight.
2b) When this step is skipped the tyer, he or
she uses many wraps of thread that slip
into the bead before they can finish the
beadhead fly.