Line Twist W/ Weightless Plastics

[gallowaypt]

Hey guys! I am experiencing horrible line twist issues on my med/fast spinning setup when throwing weightless plastics. Now I have heard that a swivel will help prevent this. So, I guess my question is what type of swivel would be most appropriate? Also, how much line is tied to the front (line connected to hook) of the swivel? Thank you in advance guys.

[kylek]

I would say that just about any type of barrell swivel will work just fine.  As far as length of line from the swivel to the hook, about any length would work as long as you dont have to reel the swivel into the tip of the rod.

[derekxec]

use a spro swivel they have really really really tiny ones 

[SirSnookalot]

Both barrel and crane swivels rotate very little in the water, BB swivels are better and a ball chain swivel is best.  None of them will prevent line twist as twist is caused by the line being wrapped around a fixed spool, normal for spinning gear.  Some reels advertise an anti twist bail, always been a bit skeptical of those claims as mine have not eliminated twist.  The turning of certain baits like spoons and flukes will add to the twist already being caused by cranking line it.  Keep the hook centered and try to have the swivel in the water so it it's rotating, keep your rod low if you can.

[Sam]

Both barrel and crane swivels rotate very little in the water, BB swivels are better and a ball chain swivel is best.  None of them will prevent line twist as twist is caused by the line being wrapped around a fixed spool, normal for spinning gear.  Some reels advertise an anti twist bail, always been a bit skeptical of those claims as mine have not eliminated twist.  The turning of certain baits like spoons and flukes will add to the twist already being caused by cranking line it.  Keep the hook centered and try to have the swivel in the water so it it's rotating, keep your rod low if you can.

 

What Snookalot said. You will get line twist throwing your plastics and other baits that rotate in the water.

 

You can help reduce the amount of line twist but you will not eliminate it with any type of a swivel.

 

However, with that said, you can always add a swivel to try to help reduce the twist.

 

Just remember that it may be necessary to remove your bait and hook and throw the line out every 25 or so casts and then reel in a tight line through your fingers to help remove the line twist and then re-rig.

[Fishes in trees]

Barrel swivels = bad.   Ball bearing swivels = good.  If you are going to do that, might as well go to a braid to swivel to fluorocarbon leader set up.  In my experience, a foot to foot and a half leader works ok.   No need to go longer.  Just reel up to the swivel and cast.

[keith71]

Make sure it is rigged as straight as possible,it shouldnt twist to bad.I use trick worms alot,I never attach a swivel because I think it speeds the fall to much.My setup is a spinning rod 6'6'' med action 10lb test flouro or mono.

[gallowaypt]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I will try the ball bearing swivel and get back with results!

[SirSnookalot]

I want to add that I work my fluke as not to turn it over, I really concentrate on that and it's help.  At present I'm using super cast 12# and using a spro swivel.

[gallowaypt]

I want to add that I work my fluke as not to turn it over, I really concentrate on that and it's help.

Could you expand on this a little. I might be turning it over because of bad technique. Thanks Snook.

[00 mod]

Also, the faster you reel in, the more line twist.

 

Jeff

[SirSnookalot]

I want to add that I work my fluke as not to turn it over, I really concentrate on that and it's help.

Could you expand on this a little. I might be turning it over because of bad technique. Thanks Snook.

With many lures, flukes and very often hard jerkbaits I do not reel the the lure in, I move them with an arm sweep then reel up the slack. I know we all catch bass on spoons, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and cranks, contrary to speed I believe I catch more bass (snook too) on the pause or drop.  I think a fish almost always will go after the easiest target, that's a bait that is not moving fast, fish spend less energy.  I'll fish this technique to my grave.  Agree with 00 mod about speed retrieval and line twist.  Keeping the hook centered is very important, I kinda stretch the fluke a bit so it has a slight humpback, if I can I would much prefer fishing a fluke on a 1/8 or 1/4 oz plain jig head.

[chromedog]

There are several things I do to keep the line twist down.  I use spinning reels a lot.

I find braid helps minimize the twists

Big one - close the bail after casting by hand, do not turn the reel handle

Those two things will usually take care of most of it.  Add a barrel swivel lastly if you are still having problems.