Bead sizes for snells

[GrizzlyAdams]

I have very recently learned how to tie my own snells and am wondering what size beads seem to work the best. Is there a general rule of thumb that you use i.e. larger beads in the spring, smaller in the summer and larger again in the fall, etc. Or is it more of a personal preference? I know that every lake is different but am just looking for everyone's opinion as to what works best for you. Thanks for any and all replies.

Grizzly

[Deitz Dittrich]

I dont think there is any rule of thumb.. Give stuff a try, try different things as well.. IE brass, plastic, glass.. ect..

[Northlander]

Use the lightest and smallest your comfortable with when using crawlers or leeches. This wont hinder their movement.

With bigger minnows you can go bigger. I just use cheap plastic ones.

When I use a float I use a bobber stop and smallest bead I can find up about 6" or so so it floats the bait but still allows it to move freely. The bead just keeps the float from crossing over the bobber stop.

[FinsandFeathers]

what Northlander said, also, go to craft stores for your beads, you get a ton more selection and product for your money! Its a great way to kill some off time in the winter when your waiting for the rattle reel to go off . Also, dont just make a few, this year I've made @ 250 of them, some of all types and bait styles and have done quite well selling them in the dreaded garage sale events .

F&F....

[Northlander]

Very good point on getting the beads at craft stores. Unless you buy them buy the thousands its a good place to get them.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Thanks for the replies. I figured that there was no rule of thumb but if you don't ask you may never know. I have tied several just this weekend with different colors and mainly smaller beads. (I only have smaller ones with 1 color of larger ones). Heading up to Lake Osakis this coming weekend and we will put them to the test. Also Thanks for the tip on the craft stores. I will check that out for sure. The more money I save the more tackle I can buy. Love it. I tend to over buy tackle but what better way to spend money. Thanks again. By the way, Any tips for lake osakis by Alexandria anyone?

[opsirc]

I usally use a medium size, like to mix and match colors also.

[Mr.Seaguar]

I tried craft stores but HSO-Classifieds stores have exactly what I want when it comes to spinner beads, blades, clevises. I bought my beads by the 000s and suggest you do too.They dont take up much room and you will use 1000 a year if you get hung much. I just put them all into ziplock bags in a my plano spinner box in the boat. Scheels has better price on solid color blades but HSO-Classifieds stores were better for multiple colors. I use gold and silver in the MO river and lime/chart and orange/chart in lakes. Pink and white catches blugills like crazy. Hooks are what really costs money. I use the VMC octopus hooks, they might not be Gamakatsu but the are 95% of the hook for 40% of the cost. One thing that worked good for me, tie a bunch of plain snells so if you have a hot color you can just add beads and blade and have another ready quick. Have fun.

[fishguyd]

smaller is better , less water resistance meaning better depth control of the bait, plus the fish dont care is personal preference, good luck