Snap Swivels

[GaBankFisher]

Forgive me if this has been asnwered already. I understand that most recommend swivels for crankbaits. Are there other lures that work well with swivels? I tie pretty much everything directly to my main line (usually 20-30lb braid) but am curious about possibly incorporating swivels. Appreciate your tboughts.

[JeziHogg]

I wouldn't use snap swivels for crankbaits, they make the lure to front heavy and pick up a lot of junk. Try Norman speed clips, as for using snap swivels, use it on baits that like to spin a lot ie. spoons.

[BobP]

Most will argue against using snap swivels on crankbaits because it can alter the bait's performance.  Most crankbaits come with a split ring on the line tie.  Tie the line directly to that split ring or remove the split ring and use a Norman Speed Clip or a crosslock snap (without swivel).  The clip or snap allows you to switch crankbaits more easily.

 

I use swivels on Carolina Rigs.  Some guys use a small swivel on their dropshot rig.  The swivel is useful on baits that will naturally spin during the retrieve;  otherwise, I don't see a reason for them. 

[SirSnookalot]

Many snap swivels are inexpensive barrel swivels with a snap, not only are they on the heavy side and may affect the action of the lure but barrel swivels spin little if at all once they are in the water.  Crane swivels with a crosslock or duolock are only slightly better, personally I use sampo or spro ball bearing swivels, don't get fooled into believing a power swivel is the same as a BB, it isn't.  The ways in which people use swivels, leaders and snaps can and will vary with the lure type as well as the target species. Probably the most popular way I use them in freshwater is 10 or 15# braided line, leader attached with a BB swivel and a duolock on my leader, top water lures get no snap at all and spoons have a BB swivel attached with a split ring.  This is just the way I do it, everyone has to find their own niche.

[Topwaterspook]

X2 on the Ball Bearing swivels. Buy the good ones. That being said, the only time I use swivels is with spinning equipment. As far as some type of quick disconnect device, I don't use them. I found in the past that I tend to not check and retie knots as frequently. This has cost me fish.

[Crestliner2008]

Snaps = YES!  Snap Swivels = NO. Way too much hardware. Will affect your catch ratio. The only time I use a swivel is with an in-line spinner, then it has to be a ball bearing type.

 

One caveat: If I am using braid with a short fluoro leader, sometimes I will connect the two with a quality crane type swivel, such as the Spro PowerSwivel. They provide strength, low profile and free spinning, when I'm fishing dirty-er water. Clear water I tie direct with an Alberto knot and the leader is much longer.

[Fishes in trees]

Whoever told you to use snap swivels on crank baits was yanking your chain.  As other posters have mentioned, some guys like to use snaps to make changing baits easier.  Me, not so much, I find it easier to cut the line and tie the knot.  My short stubby little fingers make snaps a pain to use.

 

The only time I will ever use one is a ball bearing snap swivel on a jigging spoon.  If you've got a good pair of split ring pliers, I think that using a split ring to connect the jigging spoon to the ball bearing swivel is a better connection.

[flyfisher]

I agree with what has been said....yes to snaps and no to swivels for cranks.

[Jrob78]

X2 on the Ball Bearing swivels. Buy the good ones. That being said, the only time I use swivels is with spinning equipment. As far as some type of quick disconnect device, I don't use them. I found in the past that I tend to not check and retie knots as frequently. This has cost me fish.

X2

It's too easy (for me) to get lazy with snaps.  You still need to retie the snap to keep your line fresh and strong.

[GaBankFisher]

Man I don't know where the heck I got that...glad I asked. You guys know more about the tiny narrow subject of "snap swivels" than I know about fishing! Guess I will continue to tie everything directly to the main line until I find a reason (other than laziness/convenience) to incorporate additional tackle. Thanks for all the insights.

[BassAddict1911]

I agree with what has been said....yes to snaps and no to swivels for cranks.

 

same here.