Fishing Swivel

For new anglers dipping their toes into the exciting world of fishing, understanding fishing swivels is a key step toward mastering this rewarding pastime. These small but mighty tools have evolved from simple connectors to sophisticated designs, each crafted to suit specific fishing environments and target species. Whether you're casting in tranquil freshwater streams or battling the waves of the open sea, the variety of swivels—barrel, ball-bearing, snap, three-way, finesse, rolling, crane, heavy-duty, and inline—allows you to tailor your tackle to the task, boosting your chances of a successful catch. 

Beyond preventing line twists, swivels are at the heart of a vibrant fishing industry, supporting gear innovation, conservation efforts, and community-driven activities like tournaments and eco-tourism. As you explore fishing, you’re joining a tradition rich with history yet buzzing with modern advancements, from corrosion-resistant materials to sustainable practices. Each swivel you rig connects you to millions of anglers who share a passion for the sport and a commitment to preserving our waters.

How to Choose the Right Swivel

Selecting the perfect swivel involves matching it to your fishing style, target species, and conditions. For saltwater, choose corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or brass, as seen in brands like Mustad. Ensure the swivel’s strength matches your line test to avoid breakage—check ratings on packages. For spinning lures, ball-bearing swivels offer smooth rotation, while snap swivels are great for quick lure changes. In clear water, finesse swivels minimize visibility for wary fish like trout. For big game, heavy-duty swivels handle the fight of species like marlin. Always consider the swivel’s size and weight to avoid disrupting lure action, and test different types to find what works best.

Types of Fishing Swivels 

Fishing swivels shine in scenarios where line twist is a concern, particularly with rotating lures or complex rigs. They’re invaluable when trolling, as lures dragged through the water can twist lines without a swivel. Spinning lures like inline spinners or metal spoons also benefit, as their rapid rotation can tangle lines quickly. Heavy-duty swivels are essential for big game fishing, ensuring line integrity under pressure, while three-way swivels excel in multi-line rigs like drop-shot setups. However, in finesse fishing or clear water, some anglers avoid swivels due to their visibility, opting for knot-tying techniques to keep presentations subtle.

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How to Tie a Fishing Hook to a Swivel

Using a swivel in fishing is a practical way to enhance your setup by minimizing line twist and preventing tangles, especially when targeting species like trout or mackerel that thrash or when using spinning lures. Begin by choosing the right swivel—such as a barrel or ball-bearing type—based on your fishing environment and target fish. Attach the main fishing line to one end of the swivel using a reliable knot like the Palomar or Improved Clinch knot, then tie a leader line to the swivel’s other end, connecting your lure, hook, or bait to the leader’s free end. The swivel allows the leader and bait to rotate freely, reducing stress on the main line. Regularly inspect the swivel for wear or damage to ensure it performs effectively during casts and retrieves.

 

Tying a fishing hook to a swivel is a fundamental skill that ensures a secure, tangle-free setup capable of withstanding casting and fish fights. The Improved Clinch Knot and Palomar Knot are highly recommended for their strength and simplicity, as noted by sources like Salt Strong and WikiHow. For the Improved Clinch Knot: thread the line through the swivel’s eye and the hook’s eye, leaving 5-10 inches of tag end; wrap the tag end around the standing line 5-7 times; pass it through the small loop above the hook’s eye, then through the larger loop formed; moisten and tighten, trimming the excess to 1/8 inch. For the Palomar Knot: double 6 inches of line to form a loop; pass it through the swivel and hook eyes; tie an overhand knot with the loop, keeping the hook andBOT swivel outside; pull the loop over both, moisten, tighten, and trim. The Palomar Knot excels with braided lines, while the Improved Clinch Knot is ideal for monofilament or fluorocarbon, making both versatile for most fishing scenarios.

How to Use a Swivel in Fishing

Fishing swivels serve multiple critical functions, making them indispensable for anglers across various fishing styles. Their primary role is to prevent line twist, a common issue when using rotating lures like inline spinners, spoons, or during trolling, which can tangle or weaken lines. By allowing the lure or bait to spin freely without twisting the main line, swivels maintain natural action and reduce line wear, as highlighted by Hunting and Fishing Depot. They are also used in complex rigs, such as drop-shot, bottom fishing, or three-way rigs, to connect multiple lines, leaders, weights, or floats, preventing tangles and ensuring smooth operation, particularly for species like catfish or flounder (Wikipedia). Swivels facilitate quick lure changes with snap swivels, saving time when experimenting with baits, and reduce visibility in finesse fishing with smaller models for wary fish like trout. Additionally, they connect different line types (e.g., monofilament to braided) or attach terminal tackle, enhancing rig versatility. While some anglers, as noted on Reddit, caution that swivels may be visible in clear water, potentially spooking fish, their benefits in preventing tangles and optimizing lure performance make them a staple in most tackle boxes.

How to Use a Swivel in Fishing

Using a fishing swivel effectively requires selecting the appropriate type and integrating it correctly into your setup to maximize its benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a swivel in fishing:

 

Select the Right Swivel: Choose a swivel based on your fishing style and conditions. Use barrel swivels for general fishing, ball-bearing swivels for trolling or spinning lures, snap swivels for quick lure changes, three-way swivels for complex rigs, or finesse swivels for clear water, as recommended by Tackle Room. Ensure the swivel’s strength matches your line’s test rating to avoid breakage.

 

Attach to the Main Line: Tie the swivel to your main fishing line using a secure knot like the Improved Clinch Knot or Palomar Knot. For the Improved Clinch Knot, thread the line through the swivel’s eye, wrap the tag end around the standing line 5-7 times, pass it through the loop above the eye, then through the larger loop, moisten, and tighten. For the Palomar Knot, double the line, pass the loop through the swivel’s eye, tie an overhand knot, pull the loop over the swivel, moisten, and tighten.

 

Connect the Lure or Hook: Attach your lure, hook, or leader to the swivel’s other ring using another secure knot. For lures, snap swivels allow quick changes; for hooks, tie directly or use a leader for stealth.

 

Check Rotation: Before casting, gently spin the swivel to ensure it rotates freely without obstructions, preventing line twists during use.

 

Cast and Retrieve: Cast your line normally, allowing the swivel to prevent line twists, especially with spinning lures like spoons or spinners. For trolling, position the swivel closer to the lure to manage rotation during long retrieves.

 

Inspect and Maintain: Regularly check swivels for wear, corrosion, or debris, particularly after saltwater use, and replace if damaged to maintain performance.

Types of Fishing Swivels

Barrel Swivel

Ball Bearing Swivels

Snap Swivel

Three-Way Swivels

Finesse Swivel

Rolling Swivel

Crane Swivel

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Ball Chain Swivels

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Fishing Swivel Manufactures

Owner Hooks

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Gamakatsu Hooks

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Mustad Hook

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Seaworx Hooks

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VMC Hooks

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Eagle Claw Hooks

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SPRO Fishing

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Dr. Fish

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Tsunami

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Top Fishing Swivel Manufacturers USA

Calling all anglers! We're on the hunt to crown the best swivel manufacturer based on your real-world experiences, and we need your help. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the waters or a passionate newcomer, your opinion is invaluable to us and the fishing community.

 

Share with us your favorite swivel brand and the types of swivels you swear by for your fishing adventures. Do you prefer the simplicity of barrel swivels for general use, the quick convenience of snap swivels for lure changes, or the smooth rotation of ball-bearing swivels for heavy-duty fishing? Let us know the manufacturer, the specific swivels you use, and the type of fishing you undertake with them.

 

Your insights will guide fellow anglers in making informed decisions and could elevate the reputation of a deserving brand to legendary status. Cast your vote and reel in the recognition for the best swivel manufacturer by dropping us a comment with your favorite picks!

#1 Swivel Manufacture  

Seaworx Fishing

Seaworx Fishing stands out as a leading manufacturer of fishing swivels, renowned for their high-quality and innovative designs that cater to anglers’ needs. Based in North Florida, Seaworx produces a range of swivels, including ball bearing, crane, and rolling swivels, crafted with premium materials to ensure durability and smooth rotation, minimizing line twists. Their swivels, praised for strength and reliability, enhance fishing success for species like wahoo and bass, making Seaworx a trusted choice for both inshore and offshore fishing.

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FAQs on Fishing Swivels

Where to buy fishing swivels?

Fishing swivels, essential for preventing line twists, can be purchased from a variety of sources depending on your needs. Local tackle shops offer a hands-on experience with personalized advice from knowledgeable staff and the ability to take your purchase home immediately, though their selection may be limited and prices higher. Online retailers like Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, and TackleDirect provide a broader range of options, competitive pricing, and the convenience of home delivery, making them ideal for anglers seeking specific brands or better deals—just be sure to check reviews and ratings for quality assurance. Fishing specialty stores, whether physical or online, strike a balance by offering extensive selections and moderate expertise, catering to those who want variety without sacrificing guidance. Whether you prioritize convenience, cost, or expert input, these options ensure you’ll find the right swivels for your next fishing trip.

What size swivel for bass fishing?

Choosing the right swivel size for bass fishing depends on your setup and target conditions. For most bass fishing with lures like crankbaits or spinnerbaits, a size 4 or 5 barrel or ball bearing swivel (around 50-75 lb test) works well, balancing strength and low visibility. In heavy cover or with larger baits, opt for a size 3 (80-100 lb test) for added durability. Seaworx swivels are a great choice for reliable performance.

Do You Need a Swivel for Fishing?

Swivels aren’t always necessary but can improve your fishing. They prevent line twist when using lures like spinnerbaits or trolling, keeping your line smooth. In finesse techniques like drop-shotting, you might skip them to stay subtle. For beginners, swivels are helpful in heavy cover or with live bait to maintain lure action. Consider your setup and conditions to decide.

What Size Swivel for Salmon Fishing?

For salmon fishing, swivel size depends on your line and target. A size 4 or 3 swivel (50-80 lb test) suits most setups with 15-20 lb lines, balancing strength and low visibility. In heavy currents or for larger salmon, use a size 2 (100 lb test) for durability. Smaller swivels work for finesse trolling. Match the swivel to your line strength for best results.

How to use a swivel fishing?

Using a swivel in fishing is a simple yet effective way to improve your setup by reducing line twist and tangling. Start by selecting an appropriate swivel size and type, such as a barrel or ball-bearing swivel, based on your fishing conditions and target species. To attach it, tie your main fishing line to one end of the swivel using a strong knot like the Palomar or Improved Clinch knot. Then, tie a leader line to the other end of the swivel, connecting your lure, hook, or bait to the leader’s free end. The swivel allows the leader and bait to rotate freely without twisting the main line, which is especially useful when using spinning lures or targeting fish that thrash, like trout or mackerel. Check the swivel periodically for wear or damage to ensure it functions properly.
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