Line Twist And Swivels

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Ive been having some problems with line twist lately. I was gonna try using a swivel to remedy this but Ive heard that swivels can mess up the action of some baits. Just wondering which types of baits you should/shouldn't use swivels with.

[SirSnookalot]

You can use swivels with any lure or bait, I do.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

what about crank/spinner baits? wont the swivel mess up the action?

[B-Dozer]

I'm guessing you are talking about a spinning reel. So try this, first always close the bail by hand. Then I use a swivel with a "tippet" so to speak in front of it. tie this to your crank bait or soft bait directly. I don't use a spinning reel to much, but this works for me. enjoy.

[BenBassmaster]

I wouldn't use them on on a spinnerbaits or a crankbait, but it's just my opinion. I think the swivel doesn't work on a spinnerbait or a crankbait because they spin around and around. I think it messes with the action of the lure. My opinion though.

[BrianinMD]

Only thing I will use swivels for are drop shot and c-rigs.

Closing the bail by hand, and make sure there is no loop in the line works very well.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

In-line spinners and swimming twist-tail grubs are two lures that might benefit from a swivel along with flukes. As mentioned, closing the bail by hand and pulling the line snug prior to retrieve help with line twist. Another tip is to be sure the line roller is maintained properly and working smoothly. KVD L&L helps with line management too but some line twist is inevitable with spinning tackle. Before it gets too bad, cut off the bait and troll the bare line out behind a boat or down stream to remove most of the twist accumulated. Braid is very manageable on a spinning reel as well.

[00 mod]

One other thing, is to never real against your drag! Let us know how everything works out for ya!

Jeff

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

One other thing, is to never real against your drag! Let us know how everything works out for ya!

Jeff

x2 good point

[K_Mac]

I feather the line off the spool with my index finger at the end of my cast, much like thumbing the spool of a baitcaster. As I close the bail I lift the rod tip to remove any loose line before turning the handle. Twist issues are far less common since I learned to do this. As mentioned above, I see many people reeling against the drag when reeling in fish. This will make a mess of your line in short order...I rarely use swivels for anything but a C-rig. Good luck!

[SirSnookalot]

Spinnerbaits work just fine using a swivel between line and leader. 2 main factors cause line twist, a bait my turn over or spin like an inline spinner and some spoons. Also the way line is wrapped around a spinning reel spool puts twist on the line, as oppose to a b/c that has the spool at a 90 degree angle "winching' the line in. Closing the bail by hand IMO is more convenient, less wear and tear, and reduces loops but does not eliminate line twist.

[Loop_Dad]

Not sure about action, but swivel can effect the sensitivity when you are working with slow presentation lures. It's like swivel working as a small weight pulling the middle of your line downward when you are trying to maintain the tension. Go with tiny swivel.

[Crestliner2008]

Besides manually closing the bail, there is one sure fired way to avoid line twist with a spinning rig. Tighten down the drag all the way down and back-reel when fighting a fish. I no longer do that, because at my age, I truly enjoy the "whirrrrinngg" sound of a screaming drag! But I have used the back reel technique since the '70's.

It's also not a bad idea to read the instruction booklet with your reel, to see how to load it properly with line. For instance, although most spinning reel manufacturers recommend laying the spool on the floor and "coil" reeling it on, some (like Shimano) recommend "spooling" it on like you would a baitcasting reel. Go figure.

Finally, you can certainly use a swivel about 2' up from the lure, but I don't think I'd care to put a snap-swivel directly on a crankbait, hard jerkbait, or even a jig. Too much hardware. Just my opinion.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Thanks for the replys everyone. Sounds like there are some other things I can try besides the swivel. I was wondering what you mean about not reeling against the drag. Are you saying if the fish is taking line to let it? I thought I wanted to keep tension. Isn't there more of a chance of the fish getting some slack in the line?

[SirSnookalot]

Most likely the average fish you catch you shouldn't have to worry about the drag, set it and let the fish run, they will tire pretty quick. With the way modern spinning reels are made my preference over back reeling is to palm the spool to increase drag without the need for a manual adjustment when I have a fish on that makes those long runs.

[Loop_Dad]

With the way modern spinning reels are made my preference over back reeling is to palm the spool to increase drag without the need for a manual adjustment when I have a fish on that makes those long runs.

That's an interesting technique that I will have to try sometime.

[SirSnookalot]

Probably more of a saltwater technique (that's where I learned it), but I do use it frequently in freshwater. When I get a fish buried in some heavy vegetation, grabbing the spool with my hand really helps me in pulling them out. Needless to say, your knot is the most important component.

I've been fishing saltwater for 30 years. the last 10 almost everyday, my techniques, location of fish and landing ability have vastly improved because of it for freshwater.

[Bankbeater]

If all of the above won't take care of the problem I would consider getting a new reel. I had a spinning reel that would twist line no matter how I put line on, or what I did. Bought a new one last year and have not had any problem with it.

[new2BC4bass]

I was wondering what you mean about not reeling against the drag. Are you saying if the fish is taking line to let it? I thought I wanted to keep tension. Isn't there more of a chance of the fish getting some slack in the line?

Correct. If the fish is pulling out line, do not reel. If the fish is pulling line, then there won't be any slack. If it reverses direction putting slack in the line, reel. Gain line on the fish by pumping your rod. That is...with rod in high position, reel in line as you lower the rod tip. Stop reeling. Lift rod. Repeat. The last is basic and something you no doubt already know, but worth repeating for newbies.

[NBR]

I unlike Crestliner don't ever want to hear the drag scream in any fresh water situation except maybe a big salmon on the Great Lakes. I never realized how much a slipping drag while you cranked could twist a line until one time when putting on a new line I flat out forgot to tighten up the drag after a winter of the tackle just sitting there.A few cranks and the twist was cut the line terrible. I back reel now for bass, walleye, notherns, musky etc. Northerns and musky sometime go faster than I can back reel so I just let the reel back wind. An ocassional banged knuckle but I haven't lost a fish because of it. The harder they go the more I point the tip of the rod towards them. When they are burning away from you having a rod flex is never or rarely needed to prevent slack getting into the equation.