How bad is it to always use swivels? 2024

GrundleLove reply :

I seem to find myself always using swivels to attach my lures to my line, i like to use different lures when i fish from the shore and i find this to be the most effective way...maybe its because I'm lazy and don't know of any quick effective knots? How much is my laziness affecting the effectiveness of my fish catching. Feel free to shun me. :-/

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

When you "always" do something the same way, you're limiting your effectiveness. With that said, I use snaps regularly. Mostly for moving baits like cranks. If I use a swivel to prevent line twist it usually in-line and part of a snap.

Nibbles reply :

Do you mean snaps?

The only time I would ever say it would be a bad idea to use snaps is with topwaters and suspending jerkbaits. They're not good with topwaters because they unbalance them significantly and cause the lures to be nose-heavy.

Suspending jerkbaits weigh a specific amount so that they can suspend. Adding a snap may affect the weight of the jerkbait, causing it to sink instead of suspend.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

Quote
Do you mean snaps?
The only time I would ever say it would be a bad idea to use snaps is with topwaters and suspending jerkbaits. They're not good with topwaters because they unbalance them significantly and cause the lures to be nose-heavy.

Suspending jerkbaits weigh a specific amount so that they can suspend. Adding a snap may affect the weight of the jerkbait, causing it to sink instead of suspend.

Good point. I remove the split ring if using a snap on these type baits. That offsets the effect, but still may want to tie direct to certain baits.

J Francho reply :

Quote
Do you mean snaps?
The only time I would ever say it would be a bad idea to use snaps is with topwaters and suspending jerkbaits. They're not good with topwaters because they unbalance them significantly and cause the lures to be nose-heavy.

Suspending jerkbaits weigh a specific amount so that they can suspend. Adding a snap may affect the weight of the jerkbait, causing it to sink instead of suspend.

Not if you use the right size, and remove the split rings. #2 Duo Locks work well with most jerkbaits in the 85-120 size. I've gone up to #3 for a Sammy 100 with no issues, though a #2 is preferable.

OHIO reply :

I used to use snaps on every lure, but I still caught fish.

I started tying directly to jigs and soft plastics and the sensitivity increased some, but I didn't notice any difference in the number of bites.

I think you will be fine, but I would try tying direct.

J Francho reply :

Explain how a split ring is more sensitive than a snap? Or are you removing the split ring and tying to loop? That would kill the action, depending on bait, line size and type, among other things. I'm just getting the sensitivity deal there.

Oh, for the OP, don't use a snap if its a jig, spinnerbait, or a hook. We're talking about baits with split rings that you tie to.

RandySBreth reply :

Quote
Not if you use the right size, and remove the split rings. #2 Duo Locks work well with most jerkbaits in the 85-120 size. I've gone up to #3 for a Sammy 100 with no issues, though a #2 is preferable.

Yep. What he said.

OHIO reply :

Quote
Explain how a split ring is more sensitive than a snap? Or are you removing the split ring and tying to loop? That would kill the action, depending on bait, line size and type, among other things. I'm just getting the sensitivity deal there.
Oh, for the OP, don't use a snap if its a jig, spinnerbait, or a hook. We're talking about baits with split rings that you tie to.

I assumed that the OP was talking about snaps instead of swivels because I don't see how swivels make it easier to attach lures.

I said that tying direct is more sensitive than using a snap, but if he is in fact talking about swivels, my answer still holds true.

J Francho reply :

Huh? Makes no sense to me. I really don't get it. Is there a difference in the sensitivity of the metal in a snap compared to a swivel or a split ring? :-/

I tell you what, I fish all winter for trout that would eat most of the bass we all brag about. The rig uses 8# mono, two swivels, a bobber, and is fished on an ultra lite power, ultra slow action rod that is about as sensitive as leaving your hand in a bowl of ice for ten minutes. Oh yeah, your hands feel like that anyway, most days. Guess what, I feel the take every time, before the bobber does its little dance.

Way too much theory going on, and not enough practice. I personally don't care if you use a snap, or tie to the split ring. Don't tell me you do it because one is more sensitive than the other. Tell the truth: YOU HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE that way.

That's the same reason I use a snap. I'm positive that the Palomar knot will hold better, and never get caught in the split of the split ring. Oh BTW, I can switch until I find the better color patterns (or so I think ;D).

Anyway, the OP is probably using cheap snap swivels to connect his baits. The rule: A swivel, or a snap. Never both. Unless its a spoon.

OHIO reply :

OK maybe my wording is wrong.

I wasn't talking about using a swivel at all. I thought the OP meant to say he was using snaps instead of swivels because they are easier to change lures with.

All I am saying is that tying directly to a lure will increase sensitivity over tying to a snap.

If the OP was indeed talking about swivels, then the sensitivity factor still holds true.

It would increase sensitivity to tie directly to a lure than to use a swivel or snap. That's all I am trying to say.

J Francho reply :

You're talking about jigs then? Who uses a snap with a jig?

You gain or lose nothing in the sensitivity dept. with a hard bait, regardless of snaps/swivels/rings.

OHIO reply :

Quote
You're talking about jigs then? Who uses a snap with a jig?
You gain or lose nothing in the sensitivity dept. with a hard bait, regardless of snaps/swivels/rings.

I said I used to use snaps with every lure I threw, that includes jigs.

Since then I have switched to tying directly to most baits and that has increased sensitivity.

You don't think that tying direct increases sensitivity? In my experiences it has.

J Francho reply :

I thought we were talking hard baits, not jigs. Honestly, no I do not. But that isn't why I'd never use a snap with a jig.

OHIO reply :

Quote
I thought we were talking hard baits, not jigs. Honestly, no I do not. But that isn't why I'd never use a snap with a jig.

Why wouldn't you use a snap with a jig if not for sensitivity? Does it affect the action or what? Just curious.

J Francho reply :

Picks up weeds, gets stuck in rocks.

Tin reply :

Quote
I seem to find myself always using swivels to attach my lures to my line, i like to use different lures when i fish from the shore and i find this to be the most effective way...maybe its because I'm lazy and don't know of any quick effective knots? How much is my laziness affecting the effectiveness of my fish catching. Feel free to shun me. :-/

I'm surprised you landed that Mass record 9 pounder with one and it didn't break or bend out.

Tin reply :

Quote

Quote
I thought we were talking hard baits, not jigs. Honestly, no I do not. But that isn't why I'd never use a snap with a jig.

Why wouldn't you use a snap with a jig if not for sensitivity? Does it affect the action or what? Just curious.

Ever try setting a hook on a jig with 65 pound braid and winch a fish out of heavy cover without the swivel breaking or bending out?

OHIO reply :

Change the 65 to 50 and my answer is yes.

J Francho reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
I thought we were talking hard baits, not jigs. Honestly, no I do not. But that isn't why I'd never use a snap with a jig.

Why wouldn't you use a snap with a jig if not for sensitivity? Does it affect the action or what? Just curious.

Ever try setting a hook on a jig with 65 pound braid and winch a fish out of heavy cover without the swivel breaking or bending out?

I would have though the same thing, but why isn't it an issue with frogs, and #3 snap? Never had one of those open up. I got a bud that swears by big Norman Speed (euphamism for frustrates me so much I eventually cut it off and retie without it) Clips.

Skeet22 reply :

While we are on snaps is anyone using Berkley cross locks? I started using them on moving baits and like them alot..

trevor reply :

I just tie a uni-knot or a loop knot, and thats it. I never use snaps in freshwater, and I don't feel it hinders me in any way. I use swivels, but never snaps in freshwater.

I.rar reply :

i only use snaps (norman speed clips) with crank baits and spinner baits when im changing them often. never with anything else.

bilgerat reply :

Cross loc snaps on hard baits.

The only times I use swivels is on in-line spinners, and I use only ball bearing ones.

I agree with JFrancho, the Norman speed clips are a pain in the arse.

I.rar reply :

i honestly never had a problem with the norman speed clips but i only bought them because the BPS didnt have berkley cross-snaps. the one thing that worried me is when using the same clip continuously , that it may become brittle like when you bend a paper clip over and over untill it snaps. ive never had that happen though.

or maybe when you guys freeze up there and cant get your fat fingers to open em up .

The Rooster reply :

I'm thinking of trying the snaps this year to help with speed of changing a lure. Until now I've never used it, always tied directly to every lure I put on.

However, on occasion, I have used a swivel, and only the ball bearing type, to try to prevent line twist. I've never noticed the slightest bit of difference using it. The line still twisted like crazy on an inline spinner tied to spinning reel/rod line, swivel or not. So, I said forget them, the line will twist just the same either way.

Hamby reply :

I know a knot that I can tie in 5-10 seconds. With mono, it's all i use. Anything else gets a palomar knot. I'm pretty sure i recognized it on here not too long ago, but that exbassguide guy on youtube also put up a video of it. My dad taught me the knot several years ago, and said that Jimmy Houston showed it on TV many years ago. It's an extremely simple knot, and i'm surprised many don't know of it. Very simple knot in any conditions.

I'll find the video.

Hamby reply :

Stasher1 reply :

Here's Alton Jones tying the same knot...

lsbass reply :

I always use a reverse clinch knot when using crankbaits or anything fast moving. Am I missing out on anything besides being able to change my lure faster?

J Francho reply :

Quote
Here's Alton Jones tying the same knot...

That's pretty similar to the knot I use for spinnerbaits. I tie it just about as fast. Works fine with CXX or regular mono, but not braid or fluoro. Nice to know when you're changing spinnerbaits a lot.

dodgeguy reply :

Quote
While we are on snaps is anyone using Berkley cross locks? I started using them on moving baits and like them alot..

i use them with everything.

BrASSmonkey reply :

Looks like a San Diego Jam knot to me.

http://www.netknots.com/html/san_diego_jam_knot.html

Hamby reply :

Meh, i don't really care what it's called. I only suggested it because some were talking about how much quicker it is to use a swivel to switch. If you have some line cutters on hand, that knot doesn't take much longer.

But thanks for that link anyways.

Stasher1 reply :

Quote
Looks like a San Diego Jam knot to me.
http://www.netknots.com/html/san_diego_jam_knot.html

It's similar, but the tag end on the SDJ goes back thru the loop formed at the lure before going thru the loop at the other end, where the reverse clinch does not.

Aluma-Bass reply :

no snaps or swivels!! those are for noobs! ;D

OnthePotomac reply :

After reading all of the above, this chart may be of value.

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

DeBassin619 reply :

I use to fish with a guy that all he used were swivel snaps and all he fished with was Inlinespinners and little laker panfish type soft plastics w/ a bulldog spiltshot rig/setup .

He sure did haul in some lunkers for my state with those two techniques.

I find the size you use definetly affects the action of your bait. If you wanna fish a lot of lures quickly and have them close/available, its a good method to try. Find the smallest available size and work your way up.

Theres nothing more frustrating than having to retie a knot when you haven't threaded it properly, line snaps or your changing lures a lot.

If it's an issue of breakage: I'd worry more about being able to locate fish first and let alone, get them to bite.

figure8racer reply :

Ok. I'm fairly new to the idea of using snaps on my crankbaits/jerkbaits because I always assumed it would kill the action of my bait. After reading these posts I see that I was obviously incorrect in this assumption and since I have sausage fingers with limited dexterity it takes me longer than most to tie a knot so I'm pumped to give it a shot. Is there a general consensus that I should remobve the snap ring on my crankbaits/jerkbaits so they don't become unbalanced? Especially my suspending baits? Also could I use snaps on my frogs and zara spook type baits as well? This would make it a lot easier for me to utilize the 4 decent combos I have rather than add additional subpar equipment to my lineup. Thanks.

3158

How bad is it to always use swivels? 2024

related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic