I was wondering if anyone could help me with a question I have regarding some jigs I would like to make. I would like to make some 1/8 once jigs, and I really like the beads from Troutbeads.com, but I do now know what size bead to put on that size jig. Any ideas?

Hook size is the determining factor......beads from 6mm to 10mm all work. Big hook, big bead(s).....small hook, small bead(s).

ive tied like 6 jigs, never used beads...

im also a sh!tty float fisherman, and havent even landed a fish yet because i dont practice the method religiously

take this for what its worth, its only my opinion...

make the beads smaller than the jig head, or the exact same size, no larger, preferably smaller, bigger beads would likely screw with the action you are trying to get the jig to do...

i could be totally wrong, but thats just what my mindset tells me when i start tying the things...

The hooks I have are Owner, and they are size 1 and 1/0.
So anyone who actually does this, what would you suggest the bead size for a 1, 1/0, or even a size 2 hook be?

Thanks for any useful information!

Are you talking about using troutbeads pinned to the hook as the head, or used on a 1/8oz weighted head hook, and beads as the body?

Here is a sample of one I made with "Eggheads" beads by troutbeads.
Eggheads are only available in one size; 7mm. They are great for jig bodies, though I've found that for a snug, secure fit, first wrap a length of medium sized chenille around the hook shank, THEN a couple drops of head cement, THEN slide the eggheads beads up and into place.

What Twitch said. I think those egg heads are a great way to go.

I do make some using the standard 6mm and 8mm trout beads, but you have to make the holes a bit bigger to accommodate a typical steelhead worthy jig hook.

that jig is MONEY twitch!

I like a 6 mm bead. I buy the fluorescent Salmon Red beads from Cabelas and drill them out with a 9/64" bit.

I've found the hole in the Trout Beads to be to big for my liking.

Twitch ties some gr8 jigs....I have a few of his.

I've fished beads long before they became popular and long before "trout beads" have been around. I used to drift them, mostly single without yarn.....very effective in clear water.
As far as 1/8 oz float-fished jigs......sounds pretty light to me. Maybe OK for frog water and small streams, but keeping the jig down is problematic when the water is faster because the top water is so much faster than the water in the strike zone. It's not that it won't work, it will.....but it is problematic and I wouldn't recommend it for someone starting out.
It's not the bead(s) that impart any "action"....it's the material.....especially when fished beneath a float.
I'm not dissing you at all. Experiment and think like a fish.....you'll get it.

Twitch - Thank you for the good info, that is what I was looking for, but forgot to say I was using the beads for the body.
ColeyG- Also thank you for the info, those are nice looking jigs!

1/8th oz too light? I like a 1/16th oz jig quite a bit and never fish heavier than 1/8th. Use an inline or keel style sinker between your float and yig to keep your offering in the zone rather than a bulkier jig. Steelhead seem to eat a nice tight package more than a big sloppy one

If I had to pick a single jig for steelhead it would be pink&white marabou tail with red beads for the body. Something about that color+contrast combo seems to work.

1/8 isn't to light Slabby. I think that is the most common size folks use for steelies, with some using 1/4 oz.
If you can always add spit shot to your leader as well.

You trying to pick on me? Good luck with that. I suggested that 1/8 oz might be too light.....not too heavy. You supported the idea by suggesting additional weight. Oops.

Coley is very experienced for a young feller, but if you've seen where he fishes......anybody could catch a truckload of fish there.

Don't be afraid of large offerings......they are often deadly.....very deadly.

All old fishermen have done the light and ultra light thing to death......fun and re-visited countless times over the years.....seems to be some unexplainable attraction to the idea......but in the long run, it doesn't out-produce.

Like I said......experiment.

Light, right, that is what I meant to say

Picking on? Certainly no, just celebrating our differences.

Coleyg what method do u use to get the marabou through the beads. I have a hell of a time with that. Also I always get feathers poking through the beads. Yours look so nice.

If you like 6mm red, but (like many) are fed up with drilling, First Bite Jigs sells them pre-drilled. I hate drilling!

So what is the technique for getting the marabou inside the beads? I like that look a lot.

One word regarding beads, "mottled".

Thanks for the tip Eric. Once I get through the 500 pack of beads I have that will be the way to go.

Looks like I need to go shopping.