I am using the swivel to aid in the amount of time it takes me to tie on a different lure. I will try a leader and see if that helps any. Should I stick to the old adage of 18-24" of leader?
That length should be just fine. Tie a couple leaders/hooks before you go out so you dont have to do it lakeside.
Basically, you just want to get the swivel away from the bait. Obviously, fish will still eat it with the hook on a swivel
Using a leader will help, though.