Swivel or No Swivel?

**ClearLakeClayt** · #1 05-30-2012, 11:16 AM

There have been numerous threads about tying fluorocarbon leaders to braid, and also the use of quick clips as terminal gear versus loop knots. I've read them all and tried most of the ideas. I can tie the uni-to-uni and like it, and will be trying the albright for the braid-to-fluoro splice. Tried the J-knot and found it too bulky. I can tie, and often use, the loop knot, both for tying on artificials and for bait hooks, to ensure maximum freedom of motion for both. I often use quick clips, anything for the Nortons (didn't like), to the Quickswirl 140# test (which I like but won't take some of the larger-eyed lures or jigheads, like Mirrodynes and Bass Assassin jigheads), and plan to try Tony Clips. I've tried Berkley size 12 Cross-Lok snap swivels, but they make me nervous, as have had them come undone...

So, my question. When I just use knots - braid-to-fluoro and a loop terminal - I get a lot of lure spin. Spoons are the worst. Shouldn't there be a swivel somewhere in the system? My buddy uses one between his braid and fluorocarbon leader, and keeps his leader short. That limits the number of times he can retie lures, and I think he often doesn't change when he should. I prefer the quick clips for that reason - it gives me a swivel at the end. Should there be a swivel?

Second question for those who use terminal clips. Have you solved the "large lure eye" problem. Have you tried a larger sized Quickswirl? Does Tony make a quick clip that fits better than the Quickswirl?

**Gilbert** · #2 05-30-2012, 11:36 AM

I don't use any type of clip but for spoons I put a swivel on the spoon. if you are getting spin on your soft plastics, they are not on the jig head right.

**Smackdaddy53** · #3 05-30-2012, 11:38 AM

On spoons i use a split ring with a swivel right on the spoon because thd added weight doesnt affect its action. On bait hooks i use a palomar for strength, loop knot may be a bad idea. On other lures just a loop knot, clips suck

-mac-

**kemahguy** · #4 05-30-2012, 12:16 PM

I never thought I'd use swivels, but it's all I use now and I don't see going back to loop knots. I do use braid on all my reels and have a flourocarbon leader of usually 6 to 8 inches w/ a twist type swivel. I've used them all and have a lot of opinions on what kind or brand to use w/ certain type baits or lures. The best all around hands down are the tony swivel clips! They are usually more expensive, but stronger I've never had one straighten out on me. The nortons are bigger and I do use them for bait applications. The quickswirls are decent and I do like to use them w/ spoons, but they do tend to rust more quickly than the other two. I've only had three of the swivels straighten out in about three years of using these. Two were quickswirls, one was a norton, but those were all to really large fish (oversized red, bullshark and a big alligator gar).

**Gilbert** · #5 05-30-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kemahguy

I never thought I'd use swivels, but it's all I use now and I don't see going back to loop knots. I do use braid on all my reels and have a flourocarbon leader of usually 6 to 8 inches w/ a twist type swivel. I've used them all and have a lot of opinions on what kind or brand to use w/ certain type baits or lures. The best all around hands down are the tony swivel clips! They are usually more expensive, but stronger I've never had one straighten out on me. The nortons are bigger and I do use them for bait applications. The quickswirls are decent and I do like to use them w/ spoons, but they do tend to rust more quickly than the other two. I've only had three of the swivels straighten out in about three years of using these. Two were quickswirls, one was a norton, but those were all to really large fish (oversized red, bullshark and a big alligator gar).

why use 6-8" of leader if you are putting a swivel on? why not just tie the braid direct to the swivel? that is a short leader.

**itemsports** · #6 05-30-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilbert

why use 6-8" of leader if you are putting a swivel on? why not just tie the braid direct to the swivel? that is a short leader.

I usually tie on a 18-24" leader, 6-8" is small, but I would guess the OP does that because tying straight on with braid you have zero stretch and your lure will and does get caught in the line a lot, the leader has a bit of stretch and does not get tangled in the hooks or clips at all if rarely.

**Brandon1107** · #7 05-30-2012, 12:57 PM

Swivel/split ring for spoons
Rapala knot for tops
Improved Clinch for everything else
Albright to join any two lines

Three knots to cover everything and the Rapala is just an improved clinch with an overhand, so it's essentially two. I can literally tie any of these with my eyes closed.
I start out with about 24" of leader material, I'm not a big fan of knots going through the rods eyes. I prefer the abright because the leader tag faces the lure, this prevents grass and trash from hanging up on the knot. With this setup I can tie a spoon on anytime by just tying onto the attached swivel. Simple is best for me. Retie everything at least every trip. I feel like most line and knot failure can be eliminated by proper drag settings.
Just My $0.02
B

**kemahguy** · #8 05-30-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itemsports

I usually tie on a 18-24" leader, 6-8" is small, but I would guess the OP does that because tying straight on with braid you have zero stretch and your lure will and does get caught in the line a lot, the leader has a bit of stretch and does not get tangled in the hooks or clips at all if rarely.

I use the 6-8 inches leader because the braid can get easily tangled w/ any kind of swivel and it can be a mess! I use a 17 lb. 100% flourocarbon leader because it's a little stiffer, it eliminated the tangle problem and I believe I can cast further w/ a shorter leader.

**KDubBlast** · #9 05-30-2012, 01:22 PM

I personally dont use a swivel on anything except spoons with a 9 inch leader. Everything else is a Improved cinch with 15lb-17lb suffix. Never had any problems just play with your drag and should be no issue.

Clips are also another thing I dont like due to if you do get a big fish on they will have no problem bending the **** out of them. My sister caught a fairly nice sized trout using one and the trout bent the clip causing it to go wide open.

**ClearLakeClayt** · #10 05-30-2012, 04:12 PM

Just kidding of course, but this is really just for the guys who like clips. Personally I switch back and forth - yesterday I tied some, clipped some.

Just got back from FTU Gulf Freeway. Buddy says they'll likely not be getting any more Tony Clips. Something to do with him not providing a 1099, which sounds like small business guy clashing with big business. I imagine you can contact Tony directly; his contact info was in a previous thread. However, I think the Tony Clip has the same problem that I have with Quickswirls, and that I'm trying to solve - attaching to thick-eyed lures and jigheads.

I found a new candidate that I think will allow attaching to thick-eyed lures like the Mirrodyne and Bass Assassin jigheads. The clip is called a Norman Speed Clip. It does not come with a swivel, but I was able to add them. Photos below. The large swivel is a Rosco #7. The smaller one is off of a destroyed Quickswirl 140# test (destroyed trying to attach to a Mirrodyne). The Speed Clips are stainless steel, pretty stout, and they will attach to my Mirrodynes and BA jigheads. Next step is to try them in the field...