Gear List
Starter Steelhead Bead Setup
Everything you need to build the beginner-friendly bead rig.
Essential Gear
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Mainline
12–20 lb mono or braid
The main fishing line that connects your rod to the rig. Mono is forgiving for beginners.
Recommended:
- • Berkley Trilene XL (Mono)
- • PowerPro Braid
Float
8–14g depending on river size
Keeps your bait suspended at the right depth. Choose based on current speed.
Recommended:
- • Thill Premium Floats
- • Berkley Bullet Weights Float
Weight
Split shot or inline weights
Adds weight to your rig for casting and depth control.
Recommended:
- • Do-It Split Shot
- • Berkley Bullet Weights
Swivel
Small barrel swivel
Prevents line twist and allows the rig to move naturally.
Recommended:
- • Eagle Claw Barrel Swivel
- • Owner Hyper Swivel
Leader
6–10 lb fluorocarbon
Invisible line that connects the mainline to your hook. Fluorocarbon is abrasion resistant.
Recommended:
- • Seaguar Fluorocarbon
- • Sunline Fluorocarbon
Beads
6–12mm beads depending on season
Attracts fish and protects knots. Use bright colors in clear water.
Recommended:
- • Berkley PowerBait Beads
- • Pautzke Fire Corn Beads
Pegs
Toothpicks or bead pegs
Holds the bead in place on the leader. Toothpicks work great and are free.
Recommended:
- • Toothpicks (free)
- • Bead Stop Pegs
Hooks
#6–#10 octopus hooks
Sharp hooks for bait presentation. Size depends on bait and fish size.
Recommended:
- • Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks
- • Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp
Tools
Forceps, split shot pliers, scissors
Essential for tying knots, attaching weights, and cutting line.
Recommended:
- • Dr. Slick Forceps
- • Pliers and Scissors Set
Build Your Starter Setup
Budget Setup
~$50
Great for getting started without spending much
- • 10lb Mono Mainline
- • 8g Basic Float
- • Split Shot Weights
- • Basic Barrel Swivel
- • 6lb Fluoro Leader
- • 6mm Plastic Beads
- • Toothpick Pegs
- • #8 Basic Hooks
- • Basic Tools
Recommended Setup
~$100
Best balance of performance and simplicity
- • 12lb Mono Mainline
- • 10g Quality Float
- • Split Shot Weights
- • Quality Barrel Swivel
- • 8lb Fluoro Leader
- • 8mm Glow Beads
- • Bead Pegs
- • #8 Octopus Hooks
- • Quality Tools
Upgrade Setup
~$150+
For better casting, sensitivity, and control
- • 15lb Braid Mainline
- • 12g Premium Float
- • Inline Weights
- • Premium Swivel
- • 10lb Premium Fluoro
- • 10mm Premium Beads
- • Premium Pegs
- • #6 Premium Hooks
- • Premium Tools