WHAT SIZE BEADS FOR KINGS?
If I had to choose just one size bead to fish for Kings in MI, It would be 14mm. But I always carry 12mm and 16mm also, at all times. Rather be over-prepared then under.
With great and poor conditions, sometimes they just want one particular size/color. You have to experiment and figure out the code. If fishing with multiple people, its best to have one person run one size/color bead, another person with a different size/color bead etc…..Also good to have someone run skein as well, to figure out what they want. Teamwork is best.
My size choice would change, for the following scenarios:
If water is low and clear - I would drop-down to 12mm. Also drop-down leader line and hook.
A Lite bight - if the fish are pressured acting finicky, gunk up a 12mm bead.
Water is stained - 16mm for a bigger profile, makes it easier for them to see.
Deeper dark holes - 16mm for a bigger profile, makes it easier for them to see.
Some folks that fish smaller fisheries of the Great Lakes, will toss 8-10mm for Kings and are very successful. Experiment and learn.
With great and poor conditions, sometimes they just want one particular size/color. You have to experiment and figure out the code. If fishing with multiple people, its best to have one person run one size/color bead, another person with a different size/color bead etc…..Also good to have someone run skein as well, to figure out what they want. Teamwork is best.
My size choice would change, for the following scenarios:
If water is low and clear - I would drop-down to 12mm. Also drop-down leader line and hook.
A Lite bight - if the fish are pressured acting finicky, gunk up a 12mm bead.
Water is stained - 16mm for a bigger profile, makes it easier for them to see.
Deeper dark holes - 16mm for a bigger profile, makes it easier for them to see.
Some folks that fish smaller fisheries of the Great Lakes, will toss 8-10mm for Kings and are very successful. Experiment and learn.