2024 was an amazing year for challenging the BnR soft round and their Burr beads against other optional gear setups. The main challenge was to compare the soft beads’ catch rate against natural roe. I noticed the roe had a better catch rate in the early morning during twilight.

Like the famous race between turtle and hare, the roe caught first. As the morning passed twilight and the sun started to appear, the soft beads started their run, slowly out fishing the roe.

As a bait fisherman, the roe I often use on the hook is large, well over 25 mm. The size and/or the milking scent may give off an early advantage. Once we get into full daylight, the hookups often slow down.

It is very interesting, as the BnR soft beads that proved successful on the river I covered were 12 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm. A lot smaller than the gob of roe initially placed on the hook.

They are more sensitive in the early morning, using their scent as the roe gives off milking as it drifts downriver. As the morning progresses and becomes daylight, I believe their sight takes over and increases strikes, even drawing them over to the bead.

The next sense is feel. If the bead is not soft and natural, the salmon or steelhead can quickly realize something is wrong on the first mouthing. The soft texture of the bead will allow the angler a second longer to complete the hook-up.

Rigging up the bead is very simple. Sliding on the BnR ‘T,’ stop first and then place it into the pre made core of the bead. The bead is then positioned about a two-finger width above the hook. This allows a quicker hook up the salmon mouths the bead, but the hook is often the corner of the mouth. I have experience with other hook positions, but usually, it is along the jawline.

Also, for catch and release, the hook never enters sensitive areas like the gills or throat, which would be detrimental to their survival.

Soft beads eventually show wear and tear from the salmon’s abrasion, catching debris and snags. The bead tears out and cannot maintain its position above the hook. It is very easy to reposition the leader’s core and get the bead back into the business of catching salmon.