Do Swivels Affect Lure Action? [Underwater Analysis]
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Will using a swivel to connect your mainline to your leader affect the action of your lure??
The theory is that your swivel will absorb the action from your rod before it even gets to the lure.
Let’s find out!
In this video I will be analyzing some underwater footage of using a swivel vs. no swivel with soft plastic lures.
Enjoy!
Gear Shown in Video:
- Lures: Slam Shady 2.0 Paddle Tail & New Penny Polk County Tweaker
- Terminal Tackle: Hoss Helix Hook – 3/0 1/8oz
- Reel: Otis 2500 Spinning Reel
- Rod: 7’6 Slot Machine Medium Heavy Rod
- Mainline: Diawa J-Braid 8 Grand 10lb
- Leader: Ande Mono Leader Material 15lb
Do you like to use swivels with soft plastic lures? Let us know how you do in the comments down below!
-Tony
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
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- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I have never used a swivel with soft plastics. I always thought it would interfere with the action. Good job tony.
I guess never thought about doing it that way. My swivel/clip would be on the lure at the end of the leader. I agree with you on the test 100%. But what about at the lure?
At the lure would be more ideal since its a direct connection. Even then, a swivel isn’t necessary for lures.
Good testing Tony as well as the video you’ve shown on the subject.. Thank you
Thank you for the feedback Thomas!
Great video
Thank you for the great feedback Jordan!
Interesting results. I think the leader length definitely comes into play here.
It can, but either way the swivel is going to absorb a good amount of the action from the rod tip. Best bet would be to connect the swivel directly to the hook or lure with a split ring.
Since switching from Trilene (Gold) back in the early 90’s, I’ve been using “Micro” swivels between #15 braid and approx. 18”-22” of #25 flouro leader (with loop knot) to 5” ball tail lures. l have no reason to believe they reduce the number or quality of what I catch. Depending on your tag end, they only catch slightly more fine algae moss than an Alberto Knot. But changing leaders to a swivel is way faster out on choppy and windy flats.
It can definitely still catch fish! We all have our preferences.
I get quick changes using just a small clip with no swivel. Main line-leader (15″) with swivel, then a double knot loop on the top of the lure/jig leader line (15-18″). I keep multiple leadered jigs/hooks ready to change out, rolling that leader to keep from tangling.
Terrific footage, Tony! I won’t be using any swivels.
Thank you for the feedback James!
Thank you showing us the difference swivel vs no swivel. Your video was clear and concise! Thanks again!
You’re welcome Amos!
Thanks for the video showing the actual differences (at least with the tackle and swivel you used). I’ve fished my whole life, mostly in freshwater – I’m 73 – and used swivels and I have no idea whether they reduced my strike/catch rate, but I’ve caught a lot of fish. And while I might agree that there’s a “subtle” advantage to not using a swivel, at my age, with my less nimble fingers, tying knots really slows down my fishing and my enjoyment, and enjoyment is my primary purpose in fishing.
One thing that a swivel does create some problems with is in using one to attach my leader to my main line (braid). Even a small swivel can get hung up on the guides and mess up my cast. More often my swivel won’t go through the tip so I’m left flinging a lot more terminal line which reduces accuracy. I’ve adopted a “compromise” where I try to tie on enough leader directly to my braid so that I can switch lures pretty often without having to re-tie more leader on.
I’m not going to win any tournaments, and I don’t suggest anyone do what I do, but I’m happy.
You can definitely still catch fish using swivels, but there will be those days where a subtle difference can make a big difference. Thank you for sharing the feedback Dave!
I rarely ever use a swivel ever and hand tie everything!
The way to go!