Bead Heads and Cone Heads

[Strike]

Hey I have been trying to stock my fly box for next year and realized that I didn't have any BHs. I went down to my local fly shop and paid 3 bucks for twenty. They cost almost as much as the hook itself. I was wondering if anyone has a source where you can purchase them for less money. I have gotten many things at craft supply stores, but I haven't seen beads where one hole is bigger than the other. Does anyone know where I can get a deal?


Thanks in advance!

Strike

[Crosby]

There are a couple of sites out there that sell mail order a litte cheaper. I will see if I can get those addressses. There is a really good one in PA. that if you just send in a request on some stationary with your letterhead on it- I used to have a little shop years ago that I still have my letterhead from---- 40% off everything and it carries quality. otherwise Sportsman warehouse sells the beadheads in just a plain baggie that they buy in bulk and package at $1.99 for 20. I have tied my bhpt for the entire year in 5 sizes. Amazing what boredom at 19 below zero will do to you.

[RHeppy]

I buy alot of beads from craft stores they look the same and work really well. The only problem with using the beeds you can buy from craft stores is they are not weighted. Check them out they may do the job, and are alot less expensive.

[cardiac]

Try The Flydesk in West Valley
http://flydesk.com
They have good prices on all flytying materials including beads and cones.

[Strike]

Thanks! That store looks really nice. I will have to visit them next time I am in SLC. Have you ever used their hooks that are like Tiemco, but a different brand? (can't remember the name) Thanks again! That place looks pretty cool.


Strike

[Light Cahill]

I have had good success using the Mustad nymph hooks for my wet flies and nymphs. They are priced at around $3.50/50 or $5.50/100 at Sportsman's Warehouse. Since it's common to lose nymphs, spending considerably more on the Tiemco does not make sense. The Mustad dry fly hooks are not bad either.

[LIV2FSH]

Strike,
Have you been into Hooked Fishing there on Main street in Kaysville? James has the good Spirit River beads @ $7.40/100 Pack. That is about as cheap as I think you will find them. It is also one of the only shops around that you can buy Tiemco hooks in 100 packs. That saves a little money also. I personally wouldn't tie on anything but a Tiemco hook. But that is just my personal opinion!
Tight Lines, Bruce.

[Strike]

I agree the Tiemco hooks are a much better hook, but Beads? Does it matter what brand of bead I throw on? I am a novice fly fisher and even more of a novice tyer, so forgive me for asking, but I didn't think the type of Bead made a difference. Should I be buying a particular brand?

[LIV2FSH]

Curtis,
His prices are pretty standard on Tungsten Beads. He like most other shops only carry them in 20 packs. Most people are not willing to spend the money to buy them at all, let alone by the 100 or 1000. I personally use tung beads on all the flies I tie for my boxes.
I buy all my beads by the 1000. But I tie alot of flies! I also never pay retail for my tying materials. I would go broke! I help a good friend of mine fill fly orders for a couple of shops in Montana. It keeps me busy thru the Winter and I get my materials at wholesale, plus I make some money too. It works out great for both of us!
Tight lines, Bruce.

[LIV2FSH]

Strike,
I have used other brands of beads and have not been happy with the results. The spirit River beads have a coating or plating on them that keeps them from tarnishing and going dark after some time. If you are using a bead for just weight, any bead will do. But then again, so will lead! If you like the shinyness or flash that you get from using a bead, as I do, then just any bead isn't going to cut it! Most brass beads will tarnish after a short time in a fly box. I have flies I tied 2 or 3 years ago that look like they were tied today. Again, this is just my personal preference and opinion! Personally I think it matters!
Tight Lines, Bruce.

[Strike]

Thanks for your advice and opinion! It is great forums like these where beginners like myself can quiz all the experts. I bought some beads from James this evening after I was up on the Weber. He runs a good shop with very good prices. I don't know if he has the knowledge that other shops have, although when you are new it doesn't matter all that much. I am not too technical about a lot of things just because my style is that of a beginner. But I do appreciate your imput about the beads. I found out the hard way last spring when I first started tying about cheap hackle. That was when I started paying more for the good material. In the long run it pays off! Thanks again!

Icefree guides and sunny days!

[LIV2FSH]

Strike,
I will agree that James doesn't have the best flyfishing advice. He is a businessman that runs a "fishing" shop. Whatever is going on at the time, that will boost his "bottom line" is what is "happening". He does, however, have probably the best selection of quality tying materials next to Sportsman's in the Ogden valley. His prices are competative also.
The point that I disagree with you is where you said "although when you are new it doesn't matter all that much." I think when you are "new", it is critical to have good info! The more knowledge you can gain from somebody thats "been there done that", is a huge plus!
Just my opinion!
Bruce

[Phlyfisher]

I've found that if you log onto http://www.flyshop.com and click onto auctions, and then fly tying, there are sometimes good deals on beads. I've seen a pack of 500 copper beads sell for as low as $9.00

[mcgx2]

One of the reasons beads sold in flyshops are more expensive than those sold in craft stores is that they are counter drilled for ease of putting them on the hook. Without the counter bore you can have a heck of a time getting the bead on the hook. For me it's worth the few additional $ not to have to fight putting the bead on.

mcg

[Larry S.]

I have using the hooks from Dennis Brakke for a few years now with no problems. Also, a friend of mine who teaches a fly tying class at Logan High in the evenings has been using them in his classes for the same amount of time. I don't think you can beat the price and the quality is right up there with the best of them. After all I heard somewhere a while back that most of the hooks come from the same one or two plants in Japan anyway.(I'm not talking Mustad here)

[Strike]

Where can you get these hooks? I was going to drive into SLC and get some hooks by the name "ABI" sounds like the same thing. I think they were 7 bucks for 100! That is cheaper than the Mustad and they are made in Japan. All are Chemically Sharpened. If you can e-mail me where I can get some of these hooks, I would appreciate it. Thanks! I would like to give them a spin on the ol' vise.

[Larry S.]

See cardiac's post above(The Fly Desk). Dennis is one of the owners.

Also, if you are in the Logan area I would definatly check out Round Rocks in Hyde Park on Highway 91. See Jim. They have pretty much the same hooks at half price which is even cheaper.

[cardiac]

Strike, call Dennis first. He does business out of his home and his shop hours end at about 1 p.m.
Alan

[Strike]

I was thinking about buying some in bulk through a place called "Fishwest" 500 beads for $20. Have you or anyone else ever had any experience with this company or it's beads? Thanks!

[LIV2FSH]

Strike,
Is that price for Tungsten? If it is, I'd jump all over it! Even for brass it's a pretty good price.
I haven't dealt with Fishwest. So I'm no help there, sorry.
Tight Lines, Bruce

[Strike]

They are that price for either Brass or copper. Maybe I am wrong in doing so, but I asume they are made of alloy, and treated with a brass or copper finish. I am going to order some in a few weeks, and let everyone know how they are. Thanks for all your imput guys!