David Hawken Showcases Aero-Baits Soft Beads on Outdoor GPS

On January 25, 2025, David Hawken appeared on Outdoor GPS to present the latest innovations from Hawken Fishing, particularly the new Aero-Baits soft bead patterns. His segment highlighted the durability and effectiveness of these beads, offering anglers an exciting new option for steelhead fishing.

The Evolution of Bead Fishing

The discussion kicked off with a look back at the transition from traditional jigs to high-end jigs and now to bead fishing, which has taken the angling world by storm. According to the hosts, bead fishing is used in 80-90% of steelhead fishing trips due to its effectiveness. David Hawken, who has been manufacturing soft beads for five years, explained that one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers has been keeping the mottling on soft plastics. Unlike hard beads, which don't have this issue, soft beads often lose their mottling after just a few casts.

The Durability of Aero-Baits Soft Beads

David showcased how Hawken Fishing solved this problem by embedding the mottling directly into the plastic rather than simply adhering it to the surface. To prove its resilience, he conducted a live test by shaking the beads vigorously in a bottle of water for seven minutes. The results? The mottling remained intact, demonstrating the bead’s superior durability. The host then attempted to scrape the mottling off with a sharp knife, finding that it held up better than any other soft bead on the market. While no product is completely indestructible, Aero-Baits soft beads proved to be as durable as possible, setting a new standard in the industry.

The Advantage of Soft Beads

Soft beads offer several advantages over hard beads. They provide a more realistic feel, allowing fish to hold onto them longer, increasing the chances of a solid hookup. Additionally, the Aero-Baits soft beads feature intense UV properties that make them highly visible underwater, a critical factor in attracting steelhead. The new pigments used in these beads represent the latest advancements in fishing tackle technology, making them a must-have for serious anglers.

Availability and Demand

Due to high demand and the time required to perfect this innovation, these beads are not yet available in retail stores like Fisherman’s Marine. However, they can be purchased directly from the Hawken Fishing website. David admitted that production is struggling to keep up with demand, further emphasizing the popularity and effectiveness of these new beads.

Expanding the Aero-Baits Line

Currently, the Aero-Baits line includes eight patterns, carefully curated based on input from top guides in the industry. These patterns are designed to cover all essential fishing conditions, ensuring that anglers have the right tools for the job. While other specialty colors exist, these core eight patterns provide everything an angler truly needs.

David also touched on the possibility of expanding the Aero-Baits line to include clusters, a current trend in soft plastics. However, he expressed hesitation about jumping on the trend immediately, preferring to focus on refining and perfecting the current offerings before expanding.

The AF11 Float – A Game-Changer for Bead Fishing

In addition to soft beads, David introduced the new AF11 float, a 15-gram float designed based on feedback from top anglers. This float was created by modifying the popular AF5 float, chopping off the top and bottom to create a more streamlined design. The host praised the float’s balance and efficiency in maintaining proper bait presentation. He emphasized that properly designed floats can make a significant difference in fishing success by ensuring optimal bait movement and line control.

Final Thoughts

David Hawken’s appearance on Outdoor GPS reinforced Hawken Fishing’s commitment to innovation and quality. The new Aero-Baits soft beads set a new benchmark for durability, and the AF11 float provides anglers with another powerful tool for their tackle box. With demand outpacing supply, anglers eager to try these groundbreaking products should visit the Hawken Fishing website to get their hands on them before they sell out.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest fishing gear and techniques from Hawken Fishing!