To Use Swivels Or Not To Use Swivels? That Is The Question

[RMcDuffee726]

One of the more controversial topics I hear about in Bass Fishing is the usage of swivels.  Personally I use swivels because I don't have the money to spend on multiple set-ups, and I don't want to retie my line every time I want to throw something new.  If I had the money to spend on multiple set-ups then I would probably not use swivels anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't like them.  Many people say that a swivel, even a small swivel will ruin the action of any swim-bait, crank-bait or anything else.  I don't believe this is true.  I have used swivels for awhile now, and have no problem catching good fish.  I'm just curious to here your personal opinions and where you stand in this argument.    

[Wbeadlescomb]

Just for slipping on a wide gap off set hook to give little belly weight on a fluke and a Carolina rig

[Jar11591]

Are you talking about snap-swivels? I never use snaps or snap-swivels just because it's added hardware and I try to use as little hardware as possible. But for plain swivels, I use tiny ones for tying a leader on, because you can reel it right up through the guides.

[Wbeadlescomb]

I think he means snap swivels

[roadwarrior]

  On 2/24/2014 at 5:05 PM, RMcDuffee726 said:

I don't want to retie my line every time I want to throw something new.  .    

 

A very good reason NOT to use swivels. Retying often is a "good practice".

[Koofy Smacker]

  On 2/24/2014 at 7:12 PM, roadwarrior said:

A very good reason NOT to use swivels. Retying often is a "good practice".

Right with you here. I usually retie after every decent fish, every 15 minutes or every few casts if I feel my line getting nicked around rocks or structure. I used to snap a lot of fish off and very very very rarely happens not that I retie so often. Do it a bunch and it only takes 10 seconds to do.

[RoLo]

  On 2/24/2014 at 7:12 PM, roadwarrior said:

A very good reason NOT to use swivels. Retying often is a "good practice".

 

Whenever my braided line gets that fuzzy look, I'll cut-out the frayed section and retie.

I lose my share of good fish, but not due to broken line.

 

A swivel makes a handy sinker-stop for a Carolina rig, and is necessary for lures

that make a full 360-deg rotation, but they're virtually a thing of the past.  

 

Roger

[Got1Fishing]

I use Bill Norman Speed Clips on my crank bait rods, just because I only have 2 crank bait rods and switch out lures a lot. I don't like wasting time retying knots. 

[Chris186]

I don't use snap swivels, but I do use regular ones when I throw a senko.

[FD.]

Swivels on my carolina rig only.  snaps on my crankbait rods.  Everything else is braid and direct tie.

[gulfcaptain]

I use swivels trout fishing. Bass fishing not so much. I know it gets expensive re-spooling but there are ways around this.  Backing on your reels saves money.  Braid although expensive at first saves money.  Some of the braid I've fished for 3yrs and it's still going strong.   Much cheaper to add a 10ft topshot of mono or flouro.  Those 300yd spools last forever.  Also agree with the above statement of retying is good practice.  Even if you're fishing a swivel, you should still be checking your line and retying if there is any wear or weak spots.  

[IowaHusker28]

I do not use snap swivels when cranking or anything really unless it requires it (ex. Carolina rig) It is takes like say 3 seconds to use a snap and it takes what like around +/- 10 seconds to tie a clinch knot? I'll spend the 7 extra seconds to make the bait run true as possible. I mean I do understand why people use them and yea if you can't find a pattern/color I'm sure its nice to be switching all the time but eh If I wasn't catching fish I would blame it not on the swivel and that'd drive me nuts lol 

[Zach Dunham]

I'm assuming you are talking about snap swivels, and my answer is never. When people say it messes with the action of the bait, they don't mean you won't catch fish, just slightly less or less quality. Maybe you could be doing even better! Also, it just adds another point of failure. I have seen snap swivels break or open. Retying your knot should be done often anyways, swivel or not, especially with a crankbait.

[Bankbeater]

If I am going to be using a lot of crankbaits, and I will be needing to change baits often, then I will put on a snap.  Not a swivel.  If I know a certain crankbait will work, and I know that I'm not going to be changing baits often, then I will tie on.  For me it all comes down to time.  It's faster to use a snap, but I feel more secure when I tie on.

[Deleted account]

If you mean snap-swivel, no. If you mean snap, sometimes on crankbaits and jerkbaits, if you mean swivel, sometimes to make a pseudo weightless C-rig, mojo, split shot rig, if you need a name for it.

[tholmes]

About the only lures that I use swivels on are casting spoons, to prevent too much line twist. I always tie directly to everything else. I never use snaps, they catch too much junk.

 

Tom

[TJS209]

I use a swivel on flukes, carolina rig and big casting spoons.

[newriverfisherman1953]

Nope, don't use them.

[Bassintheweeds]

Swivels not even once.

[WIGuide]

When I first started fishing and only had a few rods I used them all the time. Now that I have more, I tie everything direct. If you do use them you still have to check your line and retie accordingly, but it makes it quicker if you're running through a bunch of different baits. A word of warning though, if you do use them stay away from the really cheap ones. The collars have a tendency to slide and they can open up on you. I'd suggest the wire style ones that sort of interlock. I'd say give them a try and see what you think. I don't think they're as bad as the rep they are getting on here.

[Mike L]

  On 2/25/2014 at 5:11 PM, TJS209 said:

I use a swivel on flukes, carolina rig and big casting spoons.

Yep^^

Mike

[RoLo]

  On 2/25/2014 at 5:11 PM, TJS209 said:

I use a swivel on flukes, carolina rig and big casting spoons.

 

Out of curiosity, what role does the swivel play when fishing a fluke?

[Lasher]

All you Carolina rig swivel guys,  ever hear of a Carolina keeper?  adjustable leaders and no extra knot, plus I use them to keep my trailer hooks on.

[roadwarrior]

Connect the main line to a leader with one swivel. Above that swivel use

another with leader for a double fluke presentation.

[RoLo]

  On 2/26/2014 at 6:57 PM, roadwarrior said:

Connect the main line to a leader with one swivel. Above that swivel use

another with leader for a double fluke presentation.

 

I'll buy that