Terminal Tackle: Swivels and Snaps Buyers Guide

What is a fishing swivel?

Swivels are a type of terminal tackle that is made up of two rings joined by a pivoting component. They are designed to reduce twists in your fishing line. Ball bearing swivels, which are manufactured with stainless steel bearings between a spindle and body and allow the swivel to revolve and barrel swivels, which are formed of a nickel-plated barrel with brass pins, are the two most popular forms of swivels. Each has its own set of advantages. The barrel swivel is good for fishing deep water with a drop shot rig, whereas the ball bearing swivel is ideal for trolling and managing heavy rigs.

The fishing swivel was designed to offer an axis point for your gear to spin and unwind while retrieving line. Reducing twist in your fishing line avoids tangling, which is especially important when using a spinning reel or monofilament fishing line.

To select the best fishing swivel, consider one that is slightly stronger than your leader line. While smaller swivels are more stealthy, a heavier swivel will be more useful while battling large target species of fish.

Do I need a swivel on a lure?

When using swivels fishing with lures, the answer will vary from fisherman to fisherman, depending mainly on the conditions in which you are fishing. Fishing in strong currents, for example, might cause twisting in the fishing line during recovery, which a swivel can help fix and prevent. A swivel is also beneficial when using spinning tackle and can be useful depending on your target species. When hooked, fish like flathead can become restless and aggressive, twisting and spinning on the line, which is not ideal for a line without a swivel.

What are fishing snaps used for?

Fishing snaps, sometimes known as clips, are used to connect lures, jigs and slugs to your line. They are especially beneficial when targeting species that are not aggressive but are nonetheless feeding on what is available. In these situations, you should 'match the hatch' or imitate the prey. Many lure changes are virtually unavoidable, but a lure clip at the end of your leader line can make this procedure easier and faster. Fishing snaps or clips also create free space at the lure tow point, allowing for more range of movement during retrieval and mimicking a more natural swim of the lure in the water.

How to maintain fishing swivels and snaps in Australia?

After each use, thoroughly rinse and dry your swivels and snaps before storing or returning them to your tackle box. Storing them while they are still damp might induce corrosion, which will reduce their performance. Remember to check that your swivel still turns easily after battling a fish.