Fishing swivels is the simplest component of the terminal fishing tackle. However, they cause much lost fish and entangled fishing rigs. The reason that you put a fishing swivel on the fishing line is to prevent the fishing line from developing a twist in the line.
However, it also could be the reason that a large bass or trout have shaken free from the fishing line. The frustration of not have a good day on the water due to a failed fishing swivel is great. Many anglers do not consider the importance of a fishing swivel.
Most anglers just grab the first inexpensive fishing swivel that they can find at the tackle shop. However, this is a mistake that costs them many fish, take up their time, and destroys their fishing tackle. If they were to understand the problems of fishing swivels, they would fish more intelligent and have fewer failed fishing swivels.
These problems affect both freshwater and salt water fishing trips, wherever the fish may be found. However, the problems with fishing swivels are few and can be eliminated. The first problem with fishing swivels is that they can develop unexpected line twist.
Common Problems With Fishing Swivels
1. Unexpected Line Twist
Even if you attach a fishing swivel to the fishing line, the fishing line can still develop twists. The most common type of fishing swivel is the barrel swivel. Beginners purchase these because they are the simplest type of fishing swivel.
2. Barrel Swivel Issues
However, if any sand or salt gets into the barrel of the fishing swivel, it will develop twists in the fishing line after a few fishing cast. The spinning of the fishing line will cause the fishing line to develop twists in the line. These twists will ruin the fishing casts of an angler.
To avoid this problem, anglers can use ball bearing fishing swivels. These fishing swivels will allow the bait on the fishing swivel to spin freely without adding any twists to the fishing line. Even though ball-bearing fishing swivels cost more money, it is still worth it to anglers for using spoons that will not twist the fishing line.
3. Swivels Falling Apart Under Pressure
The second problem with fishing swivels is that they will fall apart while under pressure. Many inexpensive fishing swivels uses wire clasps to allow the line to move in and out slightly. However, if a large fish pulls on the fishing swivel, the wire can come apart.
This happens the most when using freshwater fishing swivels for saltwater fishing and when using small fishing swivels for big-game fish. The solution to this problem is to use Coastlock or McMahon fishing swivels. These types of snaps will lock when they are being pulled apart.
This will prevent the swivel from falling apart. By using these types of snaps, anglers will stop losing their crankbaits when they fall apart.
4. Development of Corrosion
The third problem with fishing swivels is the development of corrosion. Many fishing swivels will develop corrosion faster than the anglers want to admit. Even if the swivels look great after a trip to a brackish water area, the microscopic pit in the swivel will cause the fishing swivel to fall apart after a few fishing trips. Fishing swivels with a black nickel finish will hide the rust spot on the fishing swivel and make it worse.
Anglers can rinse their fishing swivels with freshwater after every saltwater fishing trip. It may seem like too much work, but it will extend the life of the fishing swivel compared to the fishing swivels left in damp tackle boxes.
5. Improper Swivel Sizing
The fourth problem with fishing swivels is that they are too big or too small in comparison with the other fishing gear. If fishing swivels are too big, fish may spook on the fishing line. Also, fishing swivels that are too big may change the rate at which the bait will sink in the water. Fishing swivels that are too small will break when the fish begins to chase the bait.
It is obvious what size fishing swivel to use with what type of bait. However, many fishing stores offer many size of fishing swivels. Most anglers just pick one without thinking about their fishing rig.
It takes thirty seconds to pick the right fishing swivel for their bait and line, to prevent the frustration of losing their fishing swivel.
6. Snap Swivels Losing Tension
Another common problem is that snap swivels will not remain in their closed position. The wire on inexpensive snap swivels will lose tension when the anglers change the bait.
This means that the lure may fall off the fishing swivel before it lands on the water. The better snap fishing swivels will use tempered wire and a barb that lock the wire in place. These types of snap swivels will remain secure to the fishing line, even after a few changes in bait. However, they will still allow enough ease to release the lure when the angler changes the bait.
7. Three Way Swivel Tangling
Another problem with fishing swivels is that three way fishing swivels will tangle in the fishing line. This problem happens due to the multiple fishing swivel arm that extend from the three-way fishing swivel. These can become entangled in the fishing line while casting the line into the water. To avoid this problem, use a tandem rig with two fishing swivels. This will prevent the three-way fishing swivel from tangling in the fishing line while still allowing the bait to reach the desired depth.
A tandem fishing rig takes a few extra steps to rig, but allows the angler to cast the line more clean into the water and prevents the fishing line from tangling.
8. Degradation of Old Swivels
Another problem with fishing swivels is the leaving of old fishing swivels attached to the fishing line between fishing trips. The ultraviolet light, the friction of casting the line repeatedly, and the moisture in the air will degrade the metal of the fishing swivel over time.
Even if it looks shiny, a fishing swivel that survived a large fish may develop stress fracture that will cause the fishing swivel to fall apart when the next fish lands. While it may seem like a waste of money to cut the old fishing swivels and replace them between fishing trips, when an angler finally lands their personal best fish, they will be grateful to have replace the old fishing swivel. Fishing swivels are at the junction of the fishing rod, reel, line, and lure.
They dont have to be seen to complete their job. However, if they fail, the fishing trip fail. By paying attention to these four aspect of fishing swivels, anglers can prevent the failure of the fishing swivels.
The next time an angler puts a fishing swivel on the fishing line, they should take a moment to pick the proper fishing swivel for the fishing line. By doing so, their tackle box will have fewer empty boxes, their line will be straighter, and they will find themselves with more fish in their net.