Note-this is a rough guide only to sizing beads to hooks. It is difficult to slip beads on some hooks because of the bend shape, but if you have trouble pinch the barb first and then help the bead over the bend of the hook by grabbing it with a pair of forceps.
Bead Diameter in inches |
Bead Diameter in mm |
Best Hook Sizes* |
1/16 |
1.6 |
20, 22, 24 |
5/64 |
2 |
16, 18, 20 |
3/32 |
2.4 |
16, 18 |
7/64 |
2.8 |
14, 16 |
1/8 |
3.2 |
12, 14 |
5/32 |
4 |
8, 10, 12 |
3/16 |
4.8 |
4, 6, 8 |
*You can use more than one bead size for most hooks. The size you choose depends on how much weight you want and what the completed fly will look like.