Cranking, Swivel Or No Swivel... 2025
smithtonbassmaster reply :
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 reply :
i dont see any reason for a swivel with cranks, i direct tie to the split ring.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
I always tie direct.
BassnChris reply :
I always tie direct, too.
Megastink reply :
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 reply :
Tie direct or use a wire snap like a duo loc but no swivel.
Ratherbfishing reply :
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 reply :
Yup what everyone else said....no swivel, and use a snap as it facilitates bait changes much easier and less wasted line.
George DeHaven reply :
On 2/8/2014 at 5:28 AM, Ratherbfishing said: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 reply :
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 reply :
Tie direct for me
flyfisher reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
I mostly just tie direct but alot of the megabass knuckles I use have snaps on them already.
JeziHogg reply :
Take the split ring off, use a Norman speed clip.
Dave P reply :
Snaps. No swivel. I only tie to traps.
RoLo reply :
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 reply :
Just use a Palomar Knot and tie it right to the crank bait, it keeps the bait as naturally as possible.
mjseverson24 reply :
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 reply :
On 2/9/2014 at 8:13 AM, JeziHogg said: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 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 2/8/2014 at 5:28 AM, Ratherbfishing said: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 reply :
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 reply :
On 2/8/2014 at 4:33 AM, fishguy613 said:i dont see any reason for a swivel with cranks, i direct tie to the split ring.
^^ This is what I do also.
Tom
Crankinstein reply :
I generally tie mine direct. I've used swivels in the past and when my bait gets hung it seemed like the swivel would always bend and I'd loose the lure, tying direct seemed to result in me generally pulling my bait free a lot more often. As far as action goes I never really noticed any glaring differences. I can see a purpose in swivels when your changing out baits frequently trying to match the right color or depth to conditions but once that's dialed in I'd say tie direct. Using different knots like a loop knot or rapala knot can also offer some more of that free motion but I usually find myself tying a palomar knot most of the time.
calvincorey reply :
In pre fishing I do, so I can change quick, to different colors, baits etc... But on tournament day,I tie directly. I feel it doesn't effect the action, just a preference kind of thing. IMO
Bankbeater reply :
I use to use a snap, but over the past few years I have started to tie direct more, and more. All it takes is one bad snap to break, and there goes your new PB.
TorqueConverter reply :
I use clips. I'm using the Norman Speed clip now, but I hate it. As soon as I can find some, I'm going back to the paperclip style clip.
senile1 reply :
I tie to the split ring on most baits. One just has to make sure, when tying the knot, that it is on the opposite side of where the ends come together. I also check periodically to make sure the knot hasn't slid around into the groove between the ends. And as WRB stated, oval split rings eliminate that issue. On some baits, such as Rapala Floaters, I use a loop knot.
wisconsin heat reply :
I remove the split ring and use a snap.
SirSnookalot reply :
I use a lure exactly how it comes out of the package, I don't add or subtract anything. Snap/swivels are something I don't ever use, I do see the cheap ones used quite a bit. In fairness to the product I have seen the cheap ones fail only a few times. I do use a duolock in freshwater without any problems that I can recall. I seldom use them in saltwater unless I'm targeting toothy fish, that 1 inch may curtail a cut off but I really don't know for sure. I don't like wire, I know I get less strikes, never saw this product so I just order some, being "clear" surflon instead of the black or silver.
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