Glass Beads and how to rig them for fishing success!

We’ve had a lot of folks hitting us up lately asking how to properly integrate glass beads into their presentation. After years on the water, I’ve found that glass offers a specific acoustic and visual profile that plastic or lead just can’t mimic.

Whether you’re chasing stubborn walleye, aggressive trout, or whitefish, here are four  ways to rig glass beads for more strikes:

If you want to add a high-pitched acoustic signature to your favorite spoon, this is the ticket. Tie a Rapala knot with one or two beads to create a small loop that can be attached to the spoon. Attach the loop to the split ring of your lure or a snap swivel so the beads hang freely alongside the spoon. When you jig, those beads "clack" against the metal, creating a dinner bell effect that draws fish in from a distance as well as adding more bling.

For a more subtle sound attractant, try tying an inline loop (like a Dropper Loop) and sliding a few beads on. This allows the beads to collide with each other rather than the lure. It creates a crisp, rhythmic clicking sound during a vertical jigging sequence that can trigger a curiosity strike when the fish are being finicky.

Lead split shot has its place, but glass beads are my go-to when I want a "flashy" alternative. By sliding a bead inline, you add just enough weight to get your wire worms down into the strike zone faster without killing the action. Because glass refracts light rather than absorbing it, you get an added shimmer that mimics fish eggs.

This is a classic finesse move. Slide a single bead onto your line so it sits flush against the top of your wire worm. This small addition provides a burst of color and flash, making the rig look like a larva or worm on an egg. It’s often just enough of a visual "hot spot" to turn a follow into a hard commit.

Stop soaking lures that don't work! 🎣 If you haven't had a strike in 20 minutes, the fish are telling you something—listen to them. Success on the water is all about the 'pivot.' Swap your colors, change your bait, and never stop experimenting. Fortune favors the versatile.