Fishing for salmon and steelheads using beads is the fastest revolution in tackle. There are two categories: soft and hard beads. Manufacturers have been very creative in producing solid, mixed, sheen, and translucent colours.

Sometimes, a manufacturer steps outside normality, producing a unique shape and presentation, not necessarily conforming to conformance.
Like BnR Tackle soft Burr beads, these beads have a thorough core already incorporated for easy leader penetration and quick changes.

Anglers’ initial response to the Burrbead is often questionable. Resistance to change is a natural human response, but it can be overcome by catching the powerhouse salmons successfully.

There are two noteworthy benefits to this specific shape. It provides a unique rebound from river structures, and the spikes create a visually striking presentation for salmon and steelhead. The bait’s overall profile is distinctive from other beads due to its shape.

When configuring your BnR Soft Bead or Burrbeads, properly positioning the bead above the hook is crucial. These beads are equipped with a T-stop, designed to fit inside the bead’s pre-made core hole and have a small disc shape that cradles the soft bead. The BnR “T” -stop applies sufficient friction to enable the bead to slide up the line above the hook and remain securely in place without causing any harm to the leader. A commonly recommended distance for the bead to be positioned away from the hook is approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches. This placement allows the hook to be inserted into the outside corner of the fish’s jaw.

In a river flowing on Vancouver Island’s East Coast, I targeted Silverbrite Chum salmon. Silverbrite refers to chum salmon that have entered their spawning waters but have yet to turn into their calico colour.

The fishing trip commenced with 14 mm of natural soft orange beads, resulting in a catch of two chum salmon. I then switched to the 14 mm Flamingo soft bead, resulting in an impressive catch of three Silverbrite Chum salmon and one Coho salmon. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the bead was lost. Fortunately, my fortunes turned around when I decided to try out the Burrbead. To my amazement, I could reel in twelve chum salmon and two Coho salmon using this new soft bait.

My fellow anglers were impressed by my achievements and curious about my methods. I took the opportunity to demonstrate and clarify the utilization of the Burrbead. While casting, I emphasized the significance of short floating to prevent dragging the bead along the bottom. After drifting a distance of approximately four feet, the float suddenly submerged, and I excitedly announced to them, “FISH ON!”

The best opportunity to fish in this stream on the East side of Vancouver Island for Silverbrite Chum salmon is when a rising tide has happened, permitting new fish to enter the waterway. They are not holding frequently, so the fisherman should be attentive as they go upriver to their spawning grounds.

All hard or soft lures are susceptible to significant damage caused by the river, underwater structures, and the powerful chum salmon themselves. Over time, the soft bead pre-made core will deteriorate and slip over the “T” stop onto the hook. It is advised not to replace them or dispose of them. There is an easy fix.

Pro Tip

To reuse the soft bead that has slid over the “T” Stop, remove it from the hook, then take the leader off the swivel and insert the leader end into the eye of a spare hook. Slowly insert the hook centred in a new position on that bead and sew the leader line through it. Slide the bead back down to the “T” Stop.