# **How to Choose Montana Fly Company (MFC) Fly Tying Beads Brass & Tungsten New Packs**
Fly tying is an essential skill for any serious angler, and the right materials can make all the difference in creating effective and durable flies. Among the most critical components in fly tying are beads, which add weight, realism, and movement to your patterns. Montana Fly Company (MFC) is a trusted name in the industry, offering high-quality brass and tungsten beads in their new packs.
If you’re looking to upgrade your fly tying game, choosing the right MFC beads can significantly impact your success on the water. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting MFC Fly Tying Beads—brass vs. tungsten, sizing, colors, and applications—so you can make an informed decision.
## **1. Brass vs. Tungsten: Understanding the Differences**
### **Brass Beads**
– **Affordability:** Brass beads are generally more budget-friendly than tungsten, making them a great option for anglers who tie in bulk.
– **Weight:** While brass is heavier than glass or plastic beads, it is lighter than tungsten. This makes brass beads ideal for flies that require moderate sink rates.
– **Durability:** Brass is corrosion-resistant and maintains its shine over time, ensuring your flies stay attractive to fish.
### **Tungsten Beads**
– **Superior Density:** Tungsten is significantly denser than brass, allowing flies to sink faster—crucial for nymphing in deep or fast-moving water.
– **Smaller Size, More Weight:** Because tungsten is heavier, you can use smaller beads while still achieving the desired sink rate, resulting in more natural-looking flies.
– **Premium Performance:** While tungsten beads are more expensive, their effectiveness in getting flies down quickly makes them a favorite among competitive anglers.
## **2. Choosing the Right Size**
MFC offers beads in various sizes, typically ranging from **1.5mm to 5.0mm**. The size you choose depends on:
– **Hook Size:** Smaller beads (1.5mm–2.5mm) work well with midge and small nymph hooks (#18–#14), while larger beads (3.0mm–5.0mm) suit streamers and bigger nymphs (#12–#6).
– **Water Conditions:** Fast currents or deep pools may require larger or heavier beads to get your fly down quickly.
## **3. Selecting the Best Colors**
MFC’s new packs come in a variety of finishes, including:
– **Metallic (Gold, Silver, Copper):** Mimics natural insect casings and adds flash to attract fish.
– **Painted (Black, Red, Chartreuse, etc.):** Provides contrast and visibility in murky water or low-light conditions.
– **Translucent (Pearl, UV):** Creates a subtle, lifelike appearance ideal for mayfly and caddis imitations.
**Pro Tip:** Match bead color to the insect you’re imitating—gold for stoneflies, silver for minnows, and black or red for attractor patterns.
## **4. Applications: When to Use MFC Beads**
– **Nymphing:** Tungsten beads excel in getting nymphs down to feeding zones quickly.
– **Streamers:** Brass beads add weight without overpowering the fly’s action.
– **Dry-Dropper Rigs:** Smaller beads help balance the setup while keeping the dropper nymph at the right depth.
## **Conclusion**
Choosing the right Montana Fly Company Fly Tying Beads—whether brass or tungsten—comes down to your fishing style, target species, and water conditions. If you prioritize affordability and versatility, brass beads are an excellent choice. However, if you need maximum sink rate and efficiency, tungsten beads are worth the investment.
With MFC’s new packs, you get consistent quality, a wide range of sizes and colors, and the reliability needed for successful fly tying. Upgrade your fly box today and experience the difference that premium beads make on the water!
**Tight lines and happy tying!**
— *KyleBooker Fishing*