[Teamanglerx]

I am just starting out fly fishing again and have put together a good basic selection of flies for my area. The one debate I am having is with nymphs. Some say plain with split shot, others say bead head. If I have to choose between a bead head and one without which is the more versitle? I don't want to have to purchase/carry around 3 of each fly so any advise is appeciated.

[FlyGal]

I carry both and skip the splitshot....Saves weight and space.

[packfancjh]

personally I go with bead head more often than not.

[Jose]

Originally Posted by Teamanglerx

...If I have to choose between a bead head and one without which is the more versitle? I don't want to have to purchase/carry around 3 of each fly so any advise is appeciated.

I would find it difficult not to have 3 of each fly, but to answer your question, imho, I think as far as versatility is concerned, the non-bead head is more versatile. BUT...you would need to have shot with it to make it more versatile, and if you don't want to bother with shot (especially if it's not really necessary), the bead head nymph is just more practical and makes more sense. In the end, I am with FlyGal, although I carry 10 little shots with me anyway

[MrEsox]

One thing to remember is that a nymph that has a bead or cone on the hook right behind the eye often will run with a slight head down motion. One that has a weighted hook will often ride streight in the water. Often one type over the other will produce fish depending on what they want that day. I'd use both and see. That is why I too carry both.

[jclampwork88]

I like the versitility of the fly without the bead. For me it all depends on the conditions. I do use split w/ a beadless fly if i need to get to the bottom.

John