Swivels On Crank Bait?

[Brett's_daddy]

Question, do any of you ever use swivels for crank/swim bait? I'm just thinking it would be much easier to have a swivel on there that you could just quickly snap out the current bait and snap in the new bait instead of always cutting the line and tying on a new bait (of course some of you can tie on a bait so fast it doesn't really matter but alas that is not me...lol). Do you use leaders or just snap the bait directly onto the swivel? What size/type swivels do you use?

[A-Jay]

Never a swivel but yes to just a clip - about half the time.

 

Swivels use is reserved for when I want to reduce line twist - usually from spoons, or when throwing a fluke on spinning gear.

 

A-Jay

[blckshirt98]

I use a Norman Speed Clip for just about everything where I'm looking for a reaction bite.  Maybe the most valuable/time-saving piece of terminal tackle I have.

[the reel ess]

No for me. I lost a big fish this spring because when I got it close and there wasn't enough line out to cushion the fight, she straightened out the Norman speed clip and swam off with my bait in her lip. It had nothing to do with drag, it was just a heavy bass. She just shook that big ol' head and the clip was off.

 

So I says to myself, "Lesson learned, never again will you lose a big fish because of a swivel or clip. Direct tie from now on." But to each his own.

[Jrob78]

There is absolutely no reason to use a swivel with a crankbait.  You should take all the split rings off of all your baits if you plan to use a snap.  They aren't meant to be attached to split rings.  Also, you still need to check your line often and retie when needed to keep your line fresh.

[smalljaw67]

Use a Dou lock or cross lock snap, no swivel. The only time I use snap swivels is ultra light rods with 4lb line when I'm throwing in-line spinners.

[bigbill]

I use the better quality ball bearing locking snap swivels. My pb10lbs was caught on them with 8lb Excalibur silver thread line. The large car tire turtles can't open my snap swivels.

We get more side to side movement with the snap swivels too it's a much smoother movement.

Plus I can't see the line in the dark

[poisonokie]

Snaps only or a nonslip mono knot if you know you won't be changing your bait for a while.

[SirSnookalot]

I can think of a few scenarios where I use a swivel.   Most spoons I use waver back and forth, do not roll over like a drone spoon or j-spoon, a swivel is not needed if they waver like a kroc or jg spoon, loopknot to lure and an Alright line to leader.

[Last_Cast]

I usually never do, bought some pre rapala wiggle warts with snaps on them...not sure how i feel about it though

[WRB]

Deep diving and lipless crankbaits I use Berkley Cross Lock snaps, never had one fail, easier to tie good knot to a clip verses a lure with a split ring. Jerk bait of minnow lures I tie direct and don't like loop knots.

No reason to use a swivel.

Tom

[SirSnookalot]

Crosslocks are good, some of the bigger ones are hard to open.  I prefer the duolock style, they work very good too, I only use them in freshwater, they won't fail there.  In saltwater I tie my leader directly to the lure.

[Mike L]

Like others have said I only use a swivel to prevent line twist when useing a spinning setup to throw very light unweighted plastics. Which very rare.

As far as snaps go, I used too not any more. (Norman)

It's just as fast for me to tie on another with a SDJ knot direct, than to open, take it off, put a new one on and close. Especially when it's cold and have fat fingers.

Mike

[bigbill]

The Wal-Mart locking snap swivels I use on spinnerbaits, Carolina rigs. On the hooks with pre rigged plastics. My c-rig is 1/8oz. near the shoreline. The Mann's classic spinnerbaits and smaller spinnerbaits have eyelets.

My crankbaits, topwater setups get the more expensive ball bearing locking snap swivels. Smoother movement is a factor.

Plus I'm having a hard time tying knots now. Eye sight and arthritis is taking its toll.