Barrel swivels may look very simple, but the component is actualy quite basic in its construction. A barrel swivel consist of a couple of loops of fishing line that a barrel-shaped body connect to each other. That barrel-shaped body is meant to spin freely.
However, many anglers has encountered a situation in which the swivel has failed when it should of successfully functioned. For example, the fish may have gone for a long time over the surface without much difficulty. However, when the fish finally jumps out of the water and begins to make a run for the shore, the line may twist into a birds nest or the barrel swivel may pull apart.
In each of these situations, the fish is lost, the barrel swivel is lost, and the days spent on the water may have been lost as well. Barrel swivels is created in order to solve a particular problem in fishing; the problem of line twist. By using barrel swivels, the two lines of fishing line can spin independently of each other.
This allows for the fishing line to maintain it’s integrity when using spinning bait or trolling techniques. If the anglers are performing the barrel swivels as they should, the anglers will not even notice the presence of the barrel swivels. However, if they are not performing as they should, the entire fishing rig becomes useless to the fisherman.
By understanding the problems that can occur in barrel swivels, fishermen can make better choices about the type of barrel swivel they purchase, the way that they rig their barrels, and avoid becoming frustrated with the fishing process. There are five main problems with barrel swivels, and each of these problems is seen in both freshwater and saltwater fishing environments. By recognizing these five problems, fisherman can avoid the frustration of losing their caught fish.
Five Common Problems With Barrel Swivels
1. Persistent Line Twist
The first problem with barrel swivels, and the most common problem, is that the lines still experience twist despite the presence of the barrel swivel. Anglers may believe that any brand of barrel swivel will eliminate twist in their fishing line. However, this isnt true of cheaply made barrel swivels.
In these instances, too much friction exists within the barrel of the swivel such that any line twist is released in a burst that kinks the fishing line. This problem is common if the fisherman is using inline spinners or spoons and retrieving them at slow speeds. To fix this problem, use a ball-bearing barrel swivel instead of the plain barrel swivel.
The ball-bearing allow the swivel to rotate even with minimal load on the line. While this may seem like a small difference between the two types of products, those who use the products side by side will notice the difference in the integrity of their line. When using the ball-bearing model, the line will remain straight.
2. Incorrect Swivel Size
On the other hand, the plain barrel swivel will create difficulties in constantly untangling there fishing line. Another problem with barrel swivels is the selection of the wrong size of barrel swivel for the strength of the fishing line. Many fishermen of all ages and experience levels are unaware that they are creating this problem.
For instance, it is common for the fisherman to place a size 10 barrel swivel onto a 30-pound fishing line braided line. Such a match between the two components can create a weak point in the fishing line that will fail during the fishs run for the shoreline. The wire eye may bend open or the barrel may crack due to the side pressure the fish placed upon it that the barrel swivel was not rated to handle.
Use a rule of thumb to ensure that the size of the barrel swivel matches the strength of the fishing line. Ensure that the strength of the barrel swivel is double that of the fishing line strength. This strength is needed to counteract any shock loads that may occur in the line due to the fish struggling against the angling line.
While this may seem like overkill for some fishermen, having a margin of strength beyond the fishing line strength can be of great help when battling a muskie or striper.
3. Corrosion and Metal Fatigue
The third problem with barrel swivels is corrosion. This problem is well-known among saltwater fishermen, yet not as well-known among freshwater fishermen who use lakes that contain dissolved minerals in their water.
The barrel swivel that may appear to have only slight pitting on its surface may have lost half of its strength due to the fatigue of the metal at the bends of the barrel where the wire eye pieces connect to the barrel. To avoid this problem, seasoned fishermen routinely rinse their tackle in fresh water after they enter the saltwater areas where the fishing is the most intense. Additionally, they routinely inspect their tackle for any tiny spots of rust along the rotation point of the barrel swivel.
Tiny spots of rust along the rotation point are indicative of the product becoming a liability to the fishing efforts rather than an asset. In order to avoid this problem, replacing barrel swivels prior to a fishing trip may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, purchasing replacement barrel swivels is a better choice than losing one of the fish that were caught.
4. Improper Rigging Techniques
The fourth problem with barrel swivels is improper rigging techniques. Many fisherman who use barrel swivels do not understand how to properly rig the swivels, which can actualy create more twist in the line with the use of the swivels. For instance, one common method of incorrectly rigging a barrel swivel is to ensure that both ends of the swivels have the same direction for the knot.
Alternatively, some fisherman may crisscross their lines through the eyes of the barrel swivel. The correct technique for rigging a barrel swivel is to attach the leader line and the main fishing line in such a way that the lines pull in a straight line through the axis of the barrel swivel. This is especially important with fluorocarbon fishing lines because fluorocarbon lines have less stretch in their line which means they will more readily transmit forces to the rest of the fishing hardware.
Following the proper technique will allow the barrel swivel to not interfere in the fishing process.
5. Excessive Drag Tension
Finally, one of the problems that is not often discussed with fisherman is the effect of drag tension on barrel swivels. If the drag tension of the fishing line is set too tight, the barrel swivel will not be able to rotate freely when the fish that is being caught begins to run and twist the bait line.
This rotation of the bait line will lead to the fishing line taking the punishment of the turning fish. This will lead to the formation of wind knots in the fishing line. Ensure that the drag tension of the fishing line is properly set.
For most fishermen, one-third of the breaking strength of their fishing line is an ideal setting for the drag tension. By setting the drag correctly, the barrel swivel will not become overstressed during the fight with a fish. The other components of the fishing setup will also be able to function as they were meant to.
Each of the five problems described will help to explain the reasons for the failures of barrel swivels. Once fisherman begin to recognize each of these five problems, they can begin to avoid the difficulties that these problems create for anglers who use these products. These five problems account for the majority of failures of barrel swivels.
By recognizing each of these five problems, fisherman can begin to notice the issues with barrel swivels in their own fishing trips. For instance, if the fisherman finds that a barrel swivel feels gritty when they roll it between their fingers, it may indicate that the product has begun to fail. Any connection that is not aligned with the rest of the fishing line or that creates an angle to the line is potentially going to cause problems for the fisherman with their fishing line.
These types of observations will become second nature to the fisherman after a few fishing seasons with these products. By avoiding the five problems mentioned, the fisherman does not have to purchase too much expensive gear to avoid the problems. The simplest way to avoid these problems is to ensure that the fisherman purchases the right type of barrel swivel for the type of fishing that will be performed.
Additionally, ensuring that the barrel swivel is kept clean and free of any corrosion and properly rigged will allow the product to continue to perform its intended function of a barrel swivel without creating any additional difficulties during the fight between the fisherman and the caught fish. The next time that the fisherman rigs up their fishing setup, take a few extra ten seconds to pay extra close attention to the barrel swivels. Roll the barrel swivel between their fingers to ensure that it is free of any grit or corrosion.
Look for any pitting of the barrel swivel that may indicate the need for replacement. Ensure that the fishing line is properly aligned through the axis of the barrel swivel. By taking these few extra minutes, the fisherman will find that their days with great fishing trips will contrast with the days during which they experience difficulties.
As with the fish that are caught, barrel swivels will provide their owners second chances if they are treated correctly to their fishing trips.