From the Bench

From the Bench is Firehole's fly tying learning center. Practical, evergreen lessons on hooks, beads, materials, and technique, each one built to answer a real question at the vise and make you a better tyer.

Firehole jig hook with an oversized slotted tungsten bead
Beads

Oversizing Tungsten Beads for Euro Nymphing

The bead chart says size down. Here's the one time you do the opposite on purpose, to punch a euro nymph to the bottom, and the jigs built for it.

Jul 4, 2026
BeadsTungsten Bead Size Chart: What Size Bead for Every Hook

Tungsten Bead Size Chart: What Size Bead for Every Hook

The wrong bead size is the most common reason a good pattern fishes badly. Here's the tungsten bead size chart we use at the bench, plus when to run slotted vs. round.

Jul 4, 2026