Fishing Swivels Explained:

A fishing swivel is a compact metal apparatus featuring a central pivoting joint and two metal rings affixed at each end. The rings are connected to the joint via an anchor, facilitating unhindered rotation in any direction.

The primary function of fishing swivels is to mitigate line twist, particularly when deploying lures or rigs prone to rotation in water.

Common examples include inline spinners and metal spoons, notorious for quickly entangling fishing lines in absence of a swivel.

Additionally, fishing swivels often integrate a snap mechanism at one end, streamlining the process of switching lures or leader lines during fishing expeditions.

Due to these indispensable benefits, fishing swivels are integral components in the majority of angler setups. Let's delve deeper into the various types of fishing swivels and how to select the most suitable one.

Exploring Different Types of Fishing Swivels:

1. Barrel Swivel:

   • The traditional barrel swivel comprises a basic pivoting joint with two rings.
   • While economical and easy to use, they may not effectively prevent line twists compared to more advanced swivels.
   • Barrel Swivel at The Tackle Room

2. Ball-bearing Swivel:

   • An upgraded version featuring a ball bearing within the joint, enabling smoother rotation of rings.
   • Though pricier, they offer superior performance in preventing line twists, particularly suitable for rotating lures.
   • Ball-bearing Swivel at The Tackle Room

3. Snap Swivel:

   • A refinement of the barrel swivel, incorporating a snap mechanism for quick lure changes.
   • Facilitates rapid interchangeability of lures without the need for frequent line retying.
   • Snap Swivel at The Tackle Room

4. Three-way Swivel:

   • Characterized by a pivoting joint with three rings, ideal for attaching separate leader lines with weights.
   • Commonly utilized in trolling rigs, offering flexibility while minimizing the risk of losing tackle.
   • Three-way Swivel at The Tackle Room

5. Finesse Swivel:

   • Specifically designed for drop shot rigs, featuring a rotating hook attachment for efficient rigging.
   • Allows detachment of the weight without compromising the entire rig setup in case of snagging.

Understanding Swivel Sizes:

Swivel sizes are designated using an aught scale akin to fishing hooks, ranging from 12 (smallest) to 12/0 (largest). Opting for the smallest swivel size feasible minimizes the risk of spooking fish, while larger sizes are essential for heavy-duty fishing applications.

Differentiating Barrel Swivel and Crane Swivel:

A crane swivel serves as an intermediary between a barrel swivel and a ball-bearing swivel, offering enhanced rotation capabilities compared to a traditional barrel swivel but falling short of the efficiency of a ball-bearing swivel. For optimal performance, especially with rotating lures, prioritizing a ball-bearing swivel is recommended.

Selecting the Right Swivel:

Choosing the appropriate swivel hinges on the fishing technique and lure utilized. For lures with pronounced rotational action, such as inline spinners, ball-bearing swivels are indispensable. Conversely, non-rotating lures or rigs may suffice with a simple barrel swivel. Snap swivels offer convenience for quick lure changes.

Swivel Charts:

Addressing Fish Spooking Concerns:

While fishing swivels typically do not spook fish, in certain scenarios—such as heavily pressured fisheries or clear waters—they may elicit caution from finicky fish. In such cases, using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader between the swivel and the lure mitigates this risk while retaining the swivel's benefits.

Alternatives to Using a Snap Swivel:

For scenarios where line twist isn't a concern and fish are particularly sensitive to terminal tackle, opting for a snap without a swivel attached proves beneficial. This approach is advantageous when dealing with highly pressured fish, especially in clear water environments.