Cranking, Swivel Or No Swivel...

[smithtonbassmaster]

OK so I fish crank bait's on some days exclusively depending on conditions. MY question is, should I use swivels on the end of my line for my cranking set up and what are the reasons why? 

[fishguy613]

i dont see any reason for a swivel with cranks, i direct tie to the split ring.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I always tie direct.

[BassnChris]

I always tie direct, too.

[Megastink]

When you say swivel, I can only imagine that you mean a ball bearing swivel with a clip at one end. You don't sacrifice anything when you use a clip. So, the question isn't why, it's why NOT? It's faster, no change in action. In fact, the benefit is that it would prevent line twist, and most crankbaits will helicopter on the cast.

[Dwight Hottle]

Tie direct or use a wire snap like a duo loc but no swivel.

[Ratherbfishing]

I only use swivels on spoons and in-line spinners-because those baits will twist line.  But otherwise a swivel is just extra hardware which isn't needed. 

[flyfisher]

Yup what everyone else said....no swivel, and use a snap as it facilitates bait changes much easier and less wasted line. 

[George DeHaven]

I only use swivels on spoons and in-line spinners-because those baits will twist line.  But otherwise a swivel is just extra hardware which isn't needed. 

 

Technically, I feel that this correct. A swivel is not "needed", however, if it isn't impeding the action of the lure then I would use them. Especially if you're trying to cover different depths to find fish. Of course, if you have a fish finder, then you can choose your crank based on that info. But for those of us that don't use elctronics, being able to skip the tying, cutting and re-tying lures is more time that can be spent fishing!

[Bluebasser86]

I tie direct to the split ring. If I was going to use a snap I'd remove the split ring from the front of the bait first. A snap can absolutely interfere with the action of a delicately balanced crankbait as well. I've seen baits that ran well on 8 or 10 pound test but if you stepped up to 12 they'd start rolling. Most of your bass cranks won't be effected, but it certainly can mess the action up. In my experience as snap is much more likely to fail than a standard split ring also, either because it gets opened while fighting a fish or it opens up when a bait gets snagged and pressure is applied to try to free it. I don't agree with the thought that it's really that much faster either. For one, an experienced knot tier can tie a palamar knot in just a few seconds very easily. Secondly, if you're fishing a crankbait where you should be you're going to need to retie often anyways, defeating the purpose of the snap. 

[ww2farmer]

Tie direct for me

[flyfisher]

I can tie a palomar pretty much blindfolded and a snap is always faster, especially when dealing with larger treble hooked baits, not even a comparison....

[WRB]

I always use strong light weight snap like Berkley Cross-Lok, no swivel.

Standard split rings can easily damage your knot if the line is tightened into the wire ends. Oval split rings help to resolve that problem.

Using a light wire strong small size snap doesn't damage knots and improves most deep diving crank bait action contrary to what others have stated. Light weight lures like original Rapalas and jerk baits like LC Pointers and top water lures work better tied direct, no split ring or snap.

Loop knots are also a weak link as the line wears, flattens or chafes.

The snap swivel has little use in bass fishing.

Tom

[CJV]

I mostly just tie direct but alot of the megabass knuckles I use have snaps on them already.

[JeziHogg]

Take the split ring off, use a Norman speed clip.

[Dave P]

Snaps. No swivel. I only tie to traps.

[RoLo]

No Swivel

A swivel is only needed when there is full 360-deg rotation and even a Johnson Spoon wobbles back-and-forth without revolving.

 

Roger

[CDMeyer]

Just use a Palomar Knot and tie it right to the crank bait, it keeps the bait as naturally as possible. 

[mjseverson24]

I use both snaps and snap swivels when fishing cranks, I actually have gone recently to very light spro snap swivels i never tie direct because of pike and musky, i typically use either mono or co poly with a 30 lb floro leader of bout 2-3 ft to help with abrasion resistance, but if i didnt have to worry about being cut off i would probably just direct tie.

 

Mitch

[McAlpine]

Take the split ring off, use a Norman speed clip.

X2

Split ring can damage your line and get into a funky state where the line falls into the groove and the bait won't run right. Speed clips rock.

[SirSnookalot]

Off the top of my head I can think of 1 spoon that always goes 360 degrees and that's a drone spoon, I don't see it being used too much anymore.

I don't find a loopknot to be weak at all, it's the predominate lure knot with saltwater anglers, at least in my part of the world.  It's knot I use every single day, with the exception of jigs and jig heads, even my spoons get a loopknots here.  The only negative to a loopknot is a front treble can get hung up in the loop once in a while.  

Snaps are not as popular in saltwater (some people do use them) as they are in fresh, we generally do not change lures as often, tying a fresh knot for a lure change isn't a big deal.

[IronSpork]

Occasionally I'll use a snap when cranking but I almost always tie a palomar direct. The only time I use swivels is when fishing in-line spinners. I've tried a few different clips w/ swivels but almost all my break offs were happening at the swivel so tying direct is the way to go IMO.

[Scott F]

I only use swivels on spoons and in-line spinners-because those baits will twist line.  But otherwise a swivel is just extra hardware which isn't needed.

If your spinners are twisting your line, there is something wrong with your spinner. the blade is supposed to spin, not the entire lure.

[FrankW]

The Palamar is a great knot but in my opinion it is a poor choice for tying directly to the lure with no slip ring.  If you tie directly to the crank you should use a loop knot so you don't effect the action of the lure.  Or, tie to a slip ring or use a clip. 

 

Frank

[tholmes]

i dont see any reason for a swivel with cranks, i direct tie to the split ring.

 

^^ This is what I do also.

 

Tom