Slotted Beads?

[a23fish]

As a rank amateur at tying flies, I want to know when you would use a slotted bead head vs. a normal bead head? Are the slotted versions for different styles of hooks, such as jig hooks or bent eye hooks? If for bent eye/jig hooks, does the slot go to the inside of the bend? What is the purpose of the slot?

 

[Fly-Swatter]

Slotted are for jig hooks. The slot helps the bead seat closer to the eye.

 

[nfrechet]

Slotted Beads

I recently saw a forum post that said you can only use slotted beads when using the latest fad in jig style fly hooks. I personally think i...

flytyingnewandold.blogspot.com

 

[KeviR]

This has been discussed not that long ago. A "normal" drilled bead will go on most jig hooks OK and be fully functional. It generally doesn't sit quite as tight to the eye, but it's not far off. I never tried a slotted bead on a standard hook, but I imagine it would be a little floppy. One other thing - I am pretty sure for the same diameter a slotted bead is just a bit heavier - in other words, there is a little less material removed by the slot than is removed by the conical hole of a conventional bead.

 

[KeviR]

To add another twist, there are also a newer style wonky bead. The bead shape isn't really spherical, it's more egg-shaped with a hole if the narrower end. It changes how the bead sits on the hook and works well with jig hooks. Haven't tried any.