Bottom line no, soaking bean seeds is not recommended by any university-based research that I found. It can damage the seed. The things that are the most important for even germination is soil temperature, soil moisture, and planting depth. Beans germinate best in soil temperatures between 60- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit. Soil temperature gauges are about $9-10 and will last for a long time (unless your Labrador decides to use it for a chew toy). I now have one with teeth marks that still works. A soil thermometer if a useful tool for a vegetable gardener. Soil moisture also needs to remain consistent, and it is important not to plant your seed too deep. If you follow the suggestions on the seed packet you will do fine. The important thing is to realize that beans are killed by frost so don’t plant them until all danger of frost is over. For us this is mid to late May (pay attention to the weather reports). Here is a link to a pole bean growing guide from Cornell University.

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene8f63.html#varieties