LEAD DUMBBELL EYES – Hareline Fly Tying Jig Fishing Heavy Barbell Beads 8 Sizes!
Ben Carmichael 
# **How to Choose LEAD DUMBBELL EYES – Hareline Fly Tying Jig Fishing Heavy Barbell Beads 8 Sizes!**
When it comes to fly tying and jig fishing, one of the most essential components for achieving the perfect balance and action in your flies is the **lead dumbbell eyes**. Hareline’s **Heavy Barbell Beads** come in **8 different sizes**, making them a versatile choice for various fishing conditions and fly patterns. But how do you choose the right size and type for your needs? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selecting the best **LEAD DUMBBELL EYES** for your next fishing adventure.
## **Why Use Lead Dumbbell Eyes?**
Lead dumbbell eyes serve multiple purposes in fly tying and jig fishing:
1. **Weight & Sinking Speed** – The added weight helps flies sink faster, making them ideal for deep-water fishing or fast currents.
2. **Balance & Stability** – Properly weighted flies maintain a horizontal orientation in the water, improving their natural movement.
3. **Jigging Action** – The offset weight creates a jigging motion, which is highly effective for attracting predatory fish like bass, pike, and saltwater species.
4. **Durability** – Lead is dense and resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
## **Understanding Hareline’s Heavy Barbell Beads (8 Sizes)**
Hareline offers **8 different sizes** of lead dumbbell eyes, allowing anglers to fine-tune their flies based on target species, water depth, and fly size. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations when choosing the right size:
### **1. Size & Weight Considerations**
The size of the dumbbell eyes directly affects the sink rate and fly balance.
– **Smaller sizes (e.g., 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz)** – Best for small flies, trout patterns, or shallow-water fishing where a subtle sink rate is needed.
– **Medium sizes (e.g., 3/16 oz, 1/4 oz)** – Ideal for streamers, bass flies, and deeper presentations.
– **Larger sizes (e.g., 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, 5/8 oz, 3/4 oz)** – Perfect for saltwater flies, heavy jigs, and fast-sinking applications.
### **2. Fly Pattern & Hook Size**
The size of the dumbbell eyes should match the hook size to ensure proper balance:
– **Size 6-10 hooks** – Pair with **smaller dumbbell eyes** (1/16 oz – 1/8 oz).
– **Size 2-6 hooks** – Use **medium dumbbell eyes** (3/16 oz – 1/4 oz).
– **Size 1/0-4/0 hooks** – Opt for **larger dumbbell eyes** (3/8 oz – 3/4 oz).
### **3. Water Conditions**
– **Fast currents & deep water** – Heavier dumbbells (3/8 oz and up) help flies reach the strike zone quickly.
– **Slow-moving or shallow water** – Lighter weights (1/16 oz – 1/4 oz) prevent flies from sinking too fast.
## **Tips for Tying with Lead Dumbbell Eyes**
1. **Secure Placement** – Use strong thread wraps or superglue to prevent the eyes from shifting.
2. **Balanced Fly Design** – Position the eyes slightly forward to create a jigging action.
3. **Coating for Durability** – Some anglers coat lead eyes with epoxy or UV resin to prevent chipping.
## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right **LEAD DUMBBELL EYES** from Hareline’s **Heavy Barbell Beads** collection can make a significant difference in your fly’s performance. Whether you’re targeting trout in a mountain stream or chasing redfish in saltwater flats, selecting the correct size ensures optimal sink rate, balance, and action.
For the best results, experiment with different sizes and observe how they affect your fly’s movement in the water. With Hareline’s **8-size variety**, you’ll always have the perfect weight for any fishing scenario!
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣
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