James RickardUsing snap swivels
June 12th 2008 00:34
Unless you're on the tournament trail, I'll wager that you probably use a snap swivel at the end of your line.
Breathe easy if you do because I'm not going to slap your wrists. I do it too!
Some people say a snap swivel affects the action of a lure. I'll admit that may be true but I can't buy into it completely. If anything, a snap swivel can allow MORE freedom of movement for certain lures. Crankbaits quickly come to mind.
On the other hand, you're probably making a mistake if you're trying to mate a snap swivel and a spinnerbait.
I was going through my spinnerbaits and I only have lures with the "R-bend." An "R-bend" exemplifies why you shouldn't use a snap swivel with a spinnerbait. During the cast, the swivel usually slips and the lurer's retrieval is usually something less than desired.
The other design of spinnerbaits uses a closed tie on point rather that an "R-bend." This sounds like the way to go but the lure can twist during the cast and bind your line resulting in a weak point.
There are various methods to get around the "R-bend" but I prefer to use a leader on the spinnerbait and THEN attach it to my main line.
Although the Palomar knot lends itself to many applications (including adding the snap swivel) the reverse clinch know as illustrated in the YouTube video is a strong, yet easy, knot for spinnerbaits and other lures that inhibit the ease of the Palomar.
When it comes to snap swivels, my main concern is size rather than strength. I like to use a snap swivel that is small enough to pass through the end guide of my rod. Even something that small is good for around 30 pounds and that's over 13.5 Kg.! I always figure that's plenty for just about anything I pull out of the river!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
Breathe easy if you do because I'm not going to slap your wrists. I do it too!
On the other hand, you're probably making a mistake if you're trying to mate a snap swivel and a spinnerbait.
It seems like most spinnerbaits use an R-bend.
The other design of spinnerbaits uses a closed tie on point rather that an "R-bend." This sounds like the way to go but the lure can twist during the cast and bind your line resulting in a weak point.
There are various methods to get around the "R-bend" but I prefer to use a leader on the spinnerbait and THEN attach it to my main line.
Although the Palomar knot lends itself to many applications (including adding the snap swivel) the reverse clinch know as illustrated in the YouTube video is a strong, yet easy, knot for spinnerbaits and other lures that inhibit the ease of the Palomar.
Although I've posted this video before, this seems like a good time for a review!
When it comes to snap swivels, my main concern is size rather than strength. I like to use a snap swivel that is small enough to pass through the end guide of my rod. Even something that small is good for around 30 pounds and that's over 13.5 Kg.! I always figure that's plenty for just about anything I pull out of the river!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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