Line twist is a problem that can develops in fishing lines that are prone to becoming kinked or tangled. Line twist can occur when the lures that anglers use for fishing has a tendency to spin as the fish swim through the water. As a result of the spinning of the lures, the fishing line becomes kinked and develops tangle.
One way of preventing line twist is to use a swivel in the fishing line; the swivel allows for the fishing line to rotate freely, which prevents the development of kink in the line. A swivel size chart can assist in the selection of the proper size of swivel to use in the fishing line. Using a swivel that is too small for the fishing line may lead to the swivel break under the pressure of the fish; using a swivel that is too large may lead to the swivel being too heavy for the fishing tackle.
How to Use Swivels to Prevent Line Twist
There is several types of swivels that can be used in fishing lines. Some of the most common types are barrel swivels, ball bearing swivels, and snap swivels. Barrel swivels are one of the most common types of swivels that is used in fishing setups; small barrel swivels are often used for light fishing setups, and fish in the water are less likely to notice them.
Ball bearing swivels are more advanced then barrel swivels; they contain internal stainless steel balls that allow the swivel to rotate more easy, especially when trolling lures at high speeds. High speeds can create the torque that can cause the rotating component of standard barrel swivels to seize; the ball bearing swivel will not become seized. Therefore, anglers should use ball bearing swivels when trolling for fish.
Snap swivels contain a clip that allows for the quick change of fishing lures; snap swivels are useful for anglers who use many different types of lures. Additionally, there are specialty swivels, such as three way swivels and crane swivels. Three-way swivels allow for a single fishing line to be split into three different direction; these are used in bottom fishing setups.
Crane swivels are elongated; they are used for setups that involve diving fishing lures. Another consideration in the use of swivels is the strength of the swivel in comparison to the strength of the fishing line. If the strength of the swivel is less than the strength of the fishing line, the swivel will fail; the line will sever at the swivel.
For instance, if anglers use a fishing line that can handle 6-pound test fish, they should use a swivel that can handle a higher weight than 6-pound test fish. Another common mistake among anglers is to use a swivel that is too small for the fishing line to save some of the weight in the fishing line; however, such a small swivel will stop rotating. This will cause line twist.
For instance, panfish use very small barrel swivels; however, species like marlin or tuna use very large, strongly ball bearing swivels. Swivels should be maintained in specific ways. Anglers should always wet the knot in fishing line before they tighten them.
Additionally, anglers should rinse the swivels with fresh water after they are use in salt water. Salt water can cause the swivels metal component to begin to corrode; corroded metal will no longer allow the swivel to rotate. The inability of the swivel to rotate will lead to line twist.
Additionally, anglers should perform pull tests on their fishing line when they are on an dock. These tests will allow anglers to ensure that their fishing line and swivels is strong enough for the types of fish that they are targeting. By following these step, anglers will be able to prevent line twist, and will have fewer tangle in their fishing lines.