TOP SWIVELS FOR ELITE PERFORMANCE!
There are many applications for swivels in saltwater fishing, but when it comes to inshore fishing I’ ve been finding the best results them except when using lures that are prone to twisting line or offshore fishing when you have a bait that is twisting.
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PROPER USE OF SWIVELS FOR FISHING
Function
Fishermen use swivels to provide a point between the main fishing line and the terminal tackle that will prevent any spinning movement of the tackle from twisting the main line. Swivels are also used to attach multiple pieces of tackle to a main line, such as connecting both a leader and hook and another separate line with a sinker.
Proper Use
Use only as many swivels as are absolutely required. Fewer swivels means fewer weak points introduced into your fishing line. Most rigs require only one swivel to act as the connecting point between the rig in the main fishing line. Use a swivel that is properly sized for the fishing line you are using and the type of fish you plan to catch. Harder fighting fish or larger species obviously require a more substantial swivel. Use the best possible swivel you can afford.
Benefits
Increased line twist in the main fishing line can make it difficult to cast or retrieve and can even stress the line to the breaking point. Swivels provide an axis point that allows leaders or rigs to spin, yet keeps the main line still. This reduces the amount of twist. Swivels with snaps also make it easier to change out lures, leaders and other fishing rigs. Both snap swivels and three-way swivels allow two separate lines to be connected to a mainline.
Disadvantages
Swivels, especially those with snaps, introduce weak points that can bend, break and fail, particularly under the strain of a fighting fish. Also, adding a requires two extra tie points. These knots introduce still more weakness in the line. Finally, swivels do not completely eliminate line twist. Eventually, the angler must play out the line without any tackle and untwist it, regardless of whether or not a swivel was used.