A guy I use to fish with would use one...I never have...sometimes he would out fish me other times not...I do like the idea of using one at night....

+1 I use different color beads/size combinations for different water clarities and fishing conditions. Started out on C-rigs, and had success, so tried it with Texas Rig too.

I usually rig mine with a bead just to give it a different look or when its real murky and want to give it more color. It also gives it a nice rattle sound.

I use a bead about half the time. Glass gives off more of a click than plastic, I've found. I learned the technique from Marc Mitchell, who's an excellent guide on Fork.

I use one to keep the grass and stuff off the knot and protect the knot , also to add a little noise

I almost always use a red bead on a texas rig unless the water is super clear.

All you guys talking about using a bead to "protect the knot". Do ya'll leave your knot exposed when texas rigging? I always push my bait up over the knot.

I first started using a bead (red) on Texas rigged after a bass went after the weight (brass) and bead (red) on my C-rig. But as time went on and I found other baits it became less effective. Will use a bead occassionly if I go weightless.

once again my answer to one of these polls is: it depends on the situation. I never limit myself to one way or the other, but switch between the two as the situation call for it.