Overview

Using a tungsten bead, cone, body form, or dumbbell is the fastest and easiest way to add significant weight to your fly. Since tungsten is approximately twice as heavy as brass, you can really make your fly bomb toward the bottom. In most situations the added weight of a tungsten bead to the fly often eliminates the need to add split shot to the leader.

Unlike lead, tungsten is non-toxic and safe for the environment. On streams that prohibit the use of lead it is an excellent substitute and often the only way to get your flies down to the level of the fish.