Tungsten Beads
After receiving some samples from my supplier I've decided to replace all the beads on my commercial patterns with tungsten. They are more expensive but my supplier has worked with me in creating pricing that eases the pain a bit. I've said it before, commercial tying for me isn't about the profits, there are other ways to make money. It is my belief and my supplier was supportive of this, that after 15 years of commercial tying it is still important to me to put out the best product I possibly can.
The clincher for me was the black tungsten beads. All the ones I have seen in the shops have been more metallic grey than black and true black does indeed make a difference and when I received the samples I was sold!
The only exception will be white metal beads for chironomids and I've switched to the Superwhites put out by Superfly for the Stillwater Solutions line.
I like the metallic grey (or gunmetal) for my GRHE when I'm fishing overcast/rainy days, like I will be tomorrow. I haven't really found a difference (other than personal preference) when it comes to what the fish like because they'll take both. Does the true-black really make that much of a difference? I have both, just wondering.
BTW, the superwhites have replaced the gills on all my chronies. I now tie "gill-less" lol. Fantastic bead!!
Fly fishing is not only a method to catch fish, but a state of mind.
I believe they do make a difference. In a lot of situations I've found the fish don't want that flashy metal. It usually happens when the hatch is hoppin' and the fish can be more selective when it comes to our presentations. First thing in the morning when the hatch is kicking off the fish are competing with one another for the first pupae of the day but that soon changes.Originally Posted by 11th Warrior
I found a great site for tungsten beads, certainly not the deal I'm sure John gets , but less than $12 for 50 of them. (They aren't an advertiser here, so I won't mention them-PM if you want) I have been stocking up and tying exclusively with tungsten since last summer and am very happy with the results (and the true black). They don't however, carry a white bead (yet), so I use brass beads in white or pearl (even better) for my ice cream cones. I do use the black nickel beads on a lot of my nymph patterns (I prefer it to gold or brass colour).
Last edited by professori; February 26th, 2010 at 07:51 PM.
Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes home through an alley. ~Author Unknown
I have been using tungsten beads and agree that the black makes for a good looking Chironomid. The added weight certainly helps when your doing deepwater fishing. The one problem I find with my tungsten beads is that when I am using a smaller bead like a 5/64 I have a very hard time getting it over any antron I tie in for gills. I am curious whether anyone else has this problem.
When I'm tying that small I use white beads and leave out the antron.
Fly fishing is not only a method to catch fish, but a state of mind.
Moreso than with larger beads you really have to be vigilant in utilizing minimal thread wraps. I tie the gills on small patterns with 10/0 thread and keep the thread wraps as close to the eye of the hook as possible. It is an arduous task but it is doable.
My wife just got back from the post office with an envelope with 3000 tungsten beads in it and the lady at the post office asked her if there was a plaque in the envelope because it was so heavy.
I just placed an order with furry donkey and they should be here by TuesdayI'm still shocked over the low price! I didn't like the tungsten eyes so I went with the brass ones instead, but 400 brass beads should do me for a few years at least!!
Fly fishing is not only a method to catch fish, but a state of mind.
Like john, I use fewer thread wraps and smaller diameter thread. Be sure you are reducing the amount of gill material, and try to use a thread like UTC that ihas a flat rather than a round cross esction. 11th warriors idea is also a good one. At that size, a white bead is about as effective as antron.
Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes home through an alley. ~Author Unknown
"Furry Donkey"?? If he weren't my supplier I would've thought you were drinking too much! Too funny! Goodonya for bringing a chuckle as I sit alone in my room and my wife is thinking I need to get out more!I just placed an order with furry donkey and they should be here by Tuesday
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