Name: Jacob Barnes, Marcus Barnes
Name of Business: Death Roe Soft Beads
Website: www.getdeathroe.com
Social Media: facebook: death roe, instagram: @getdeathroe

Can you share a bit about yourself and your background? How did you come to be
involved in the fishing product industry?

Growing up in a family that moved around a lot and cherishes the outdoors, we started
fishing at a young age and were taught fairly early on to respect the environment and what it
has to offer. Years of fishing during our younger years eventually led to a more significant
interest in the field, with both of us going to college for environmental biology and conservation.
Both of us ended up working at Bass Pro Shops throughout our college years, which further
enhanced our interest in the industry and allowed us to see the close relationship between the
fishing industry and environmental conservation. Years went by and when the opportunity came
to carry the torch for this company, we could not pass it up and saw it as a chance to offer
quality products that we have experience with as well as educate and help anglers become the
best that they can be.

What’s the story behind the name of your company?

The original concept for the company name is a play on words for death row and roe in
relation to trout and salmon beads. The goal for the name was to show focus on offering a high
quality soft trout bead that is deadly for trout and salmon fishing.
How long have you been involved in trout fishing personally? Is there a memorable story
you’d like to share?
Both of us really started to focus on trout fishing when we moved to Seattle, Washington
in the fall of 2011. Seeing full scale Pacific Northwest pink salmon and chinook salmon runs for
the first time was a memory we’ll never forget, and it really put the grand scale of things into
perspective for us. Seeing more fish than you can count making their way to their final
destination is really eye opening.

Why did you decide to focus on or include trout fishing products in your company’s
lineup?

Initial research showed the soft bead industry in the Northeast US was very limited. The
company was created to fill that niche and supply high quality soft trout beads in the region.

How do you ensure that your products are suitable for trout fishing, specifically?
We’ve spent countless hours working on a soft plastic blend that matches the density
natural trout and salmon eggs and is elastic yet durable. Additional hours are spent working on
colors and sizes for many situations. Match the hatch is an important phrase in the industry, yet
sometimes wild colors still get a reaction.


A main thing we try to do is listen to customers. Many times, customers have ideas or
suggestions that are helpful or may include information that we have not considered. Another
thing we strive for is self education, reading articles and watching videos helps keep us in the
loop when we are spending hours in the shop manufacturing product.
Out of all the products your company offers, which one is your personal favorite for trout
fishing and why?
Our favorite product has to be our Nat Roe soft bead. It is the definition of match the
hatch and it’s a versatile soft bead and has proven successful for us in tough situations.

Can you share a story or experience where this product made a significant difference in a
fishing trip?


On several trips, high pressure situations led to tough, slow days. Decisions to downsize
to a more natural soft bead instantly changed the tide of the day for the better, producing morebites and landing more fish. Small changes can make a big difference in the trout fishing world.

What feedback have you received from customers regarding this product?

Overall feedback has been great over the years! Customers note the wide range of
colors we offer, the range of sizes we have available, and our quick shipping turnaround.

Where is your all-time favorite location to fish for trout? Why?

Upstate New York is definitely our favorite location. There are vast opportunities for trout
and salmon fishing. Locations ranging from small finger lakes tributaries, reservoir fed streams,
and large winding rivers are all within arms reach and offer excellent angling opportunities
opportunities. Wild brook trout, wild brown trout, rainbows, chinook, coho, and steelhead are all up for grabs in this region.

Describe your most memorable trout catch.

Our most memorable catch while fishing together would have to be the time we were
float fishing in the dead of winter. It was cold enough for ice buildup on our line and guides, and
the day was proving to be a tough one. At one point we were fishing on the upstream side of a
fallen tree, when float drop lead to a down stream chase of a huge silver steelhead blazing
down the creek with only a 4lb leader rigged up. Marcus had to chase it down under the log
before it got to a curve and was gone for good. We’ll never forget the sight of that sliver bullet
leaping on the downstream side of that fallen tree.

What type of bait or lures have you found to be the most effective in that favorite spot?

Smaller, more natural baits are king in high pressure locations. One our favorite things to
try when fishing is tough is the 6mm nat roe soft bead. Less weight, smaller profile float, and
really minimizing the size of the overall setup really can decide whether trout will bite or not.
This is especially helpful when other anglers are around or you find yourself fishing getting
second or third pickings at the spot you like.

What’s one trout fishing mistake you see beginners make frequently, and how can they
avoid it?


A mistake that we notice fairly often is fishing too fast. We’ve watched anglers walk up to
a spot, fish for a short while, then move on only for us to walk over and end up catching a few
fish out of the hole. The best way to avoid this is to not be afraid to slow down. Spend a little
extra time trying to figure out what the fish want.Change colors, downsize, upsize even. Once
you find that combination that produces bites, you’ll be rewarded with great memories.

Can you share a lesser-known trout fishing tip that has consistently worked for you?

Downsize, downsize, downsize. In high pressure areas, low flow areas and clearer
waters, downsizing your bait profile often produces bites, even in areas that are actively being
fished by others. This means smaller soft bead, smaller hook, and lighter leader. Downsizing
also adds the extra challenge of landing potentially large fish on lightweight tackle, which makes landing one that much more satisfying.

What piece of advice would you give to someone trying to improve their trout fishing
game?

Learn to be adaptable and read the water. Everyday will likely be different and you
should try not to settle in a routine. Once you can change your technique depending on
changing conditions, whether that is water levels, water clarity, active weather, time of day, time
of year, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better angler.