Using Swivels

[doug deike]

I was just wondering if using a swivel has any negative effect on how a lure works in the water. I like to use the rapala knot is that ok to use with a swivel?

[SirSnookalot]

If I'm not mistaken a rapala knot is very similar to a loop knot. I use nothing but swivels and loop knots, I tie line to leader less than 1% of the time.

[tomustang]

Only negative thing I've encountered occasionally was smaller fish tend to bite at the swivel

[SirSnookalot]

Only negative thing I've encountered occasionally was smaller fish tend to bite at the swivel

I have not had that happen in freshwater, in saltwater a spanish mackerel will bite the swivel off, that's the only time I tie leader to line.

[Bluebasser86]

I was just wondering if using a swivel has any negative effect on how a lure works in the water. I like to use the rapala knot is that ok to use with a swivel?

Are you using a swivel like a barrel swivel to reduce line twist along with a leader or are you using a snap and a swivel to be able to change baits quickly? If you're using a swivel and leader to reduce line twist it would just depend on the type of bait as to if it would hurt the action or not, and a Rapala knot would be ok but not my first choice in that situation. If you're using a snap and swivel to attach your baits that will kill the action and effectivness of most baits and I would never attach one of those with a Rapala knot but other than with something like a flutter spoon, that spins and twists the line, I have no use for a snap and swivel.

[SDoolittle]

Are you using a swivel like a barrel swivel to reduce line twist along with a leader or are you using a snap and a swivel to be able to change baits quickly? If you're using a swivel and leader to reduce line twist it would just depend on the type of bait as to if it would hurt the action or not, and a Rapala knot would be ok but not my first choice in that situation. If you're using a snap and swivel to attach your baits that will kill the action and effectivness of most baits and I would never attach one of those with a Rapala knot but other than with something like a flutter spoon, that spins and twists the line, I have no use for a snap and swivel.

My thoughts exactly.

[doug deike]

I was actually using them to change baits quickly. so do you tie them direct then?

[SirSnookalot]

I use a duolock most of the time for freshwater and a barrel swivel to connect my leader, with absolutely no negative effect on lure movement. I know the trend is not to do this but it works for me.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I use a snap, no swivel on cranks/jerkbaits. This makes changing baits easy, but I don't do allot of changing. It, IMO, lets the bait move more freely than if I tied directly to the split ring.

Other than that, the only time I use a swivel on is drop shot rigs. A tiny Spro swivel works for me here.

I was actually using them to change baits quickly. so do you tie them direct then?

I would use just a snap. No extra weight, and a smaller profile. For my use, only certain things will twist my line, and make me WANT a swivel. When using those I don't want the large profile snap/swivel near my lure (regardless what it does to the action)

In this case I would use the Spro swivels I talked about.

http://www.spro.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SPSB-ALL

[SDoolittle]

I never use a snap. Some people swear by them, but I prefer to tie directly to most lures. I do use the Rapala knot occasionally, but only on a plug type lure (crankbait, jerkbait, etc.), and only if there is no split ring. I don't see any benefit of using a Rapala knot in conjuction with a snap swivel. Try a Palomar knot.

[OnthePotomac]

Doug, I put this little chart together which might help you decide what to use:

USE SWIVELS ON

Carolina rigs

Fluke rigs

In line spinners (If line

twist occurs)

USE SNAP SWIVELS OR

SWIVELS ON

Standard Spoons

Mepps Syclops

TIE DIRECT TO

Buzz baits

Chuggers (or split ring/duolock)

Jigs

Frogs/rats

Prop baits

Spinner baits

Stick baits (i.e.Zara Spook)

Tail spinners

Weedless spoons

Weight forward spinners

TIE TO SPLIT RING OR

DUOLOCK SNAP

Crank baits

Lipless crank baits

Jerk baits

Blade baits

Jigging spoons*

* Swivel if desired

[doug deike]

Doug, I put this little chart together which might help you decide what to use:

USE SWIVELS ON

Carolina rigs

Fluke rigs

In line spinners (If line

twist occurs)

USE SNAP SWIVELS OR

SWIVELS ON

Standard Spoons

Mepps Syclops

TIE DIRECT TO

Buzz baits

Chuggers (or split ring/duolock)

Jigs

Frogs/rats

Prop baits

Spinner baits

Stick baits (i.e.Zara Spook)

Tail spinners

Weedless spoons

Weight forward spinners

TIE TO SPLIT RING OR

DUOLOCK SNAP

Crank baits

Lipless crank baits

Jerk baits

Blade baits

Jigging spoons*

* Swivel if desired

Thanks!! I'm getting tons of great tips from this site.