To Bead or not to Bead, that is the question…

In fishing/talking with a number of folks about using a plastic bead above the swivel, I’ve heard many versions of yes you should or no you shouldn’t use one.

I’m refering to the plastic bead just above the swivel…that is to protect the knot from the sinker.

I’m running out of them and very undecided if I should continue using them or not…any thoughts?

I thought the real reason you (Brian) added a bead just above the swivel was to bring back your good ole’ days of Carolina-rigging for them beautiful bass. Clickety, Clickety, Clackety, here bassy, bassy, bassy!

Hey Slop Bass… you left the gate open again!

I dont use them and dont have a problem but I check and retie often.But I dont think fish should have whiskers either

Thanks Castaway…Do you use mono or a braid?

I always put a bead over the knot or ahead of my slip sinkers….I think it’s just a good idea. I am also using mono 6 lb trilene.

save your beads for Marty gra I use to use them then ran out and fished without them, actually for the last several years I have fished without themand havnt had any problems using PP, I would guess on mono the results would be different.

CA

Safty first. My granfauther told me that if you have a way to take wear off of the knot use it. I did it when I was an eye guy and now that I have seen the light!

Klickitty Clack! Here BASSY BASSY!

I use a bead as well for knot protection. I have also noticed that the sinker will not get hung up on the swivel when I use a bead.

Mono usually 8# trilene main line and lighter leader.Tried power pro for rigging last year and didnt like it.

I only use them on slip bobbers.

I do not use a bead when fishing cats using 80# power pro.
I do use a bead when fishing mono for eyes.
I also go through alot of beads during LaCrosse October fest.

Bead it..bead it…bead it.

What is softer, lead or hard plastic?
No beads here.
Of course I am talking PP or other super braids.

Sinkers with a metal eye. I’ll think differently.

I run mono and sometimes use a bead. I can’t really see a difference. They do keep the swivel from deforming the sinker.

More importantly, retie your knots RELIGIOUSLY. I’m guilty of being lazy sometimes, but it doesn’t pay. I lost a nice fish this year only to have a guy in my boat catch it a couple weeks later with my gear still in its mouth.

Anyways, here is a pic of the fish I could have caught.

RETIE!

Tim? What kind of fish is that?

Uh…. a big one?

I Have never used a bead, I use small rubber tubing about a 1/4″ in length. When that wears out I retie with new one.

And you are using mono, Kent?

Thats what is called a VERY BIG fish. Thanks for the pic.
Thanks, Bill

ps. Hey Brian, how about starting a ”Braggin Board” thread and tac it up at the top. Cat pics only thread.

Very good idea Bill!

Just the picture, the size, weight and GPS location!

Also technique used too would be nicE TOO.