Fishing may seem like an easy, leisurely activity, but for many it is a serious sport, and there are lots of little things to learn and tools to help the fishing enthusiast catch the big fish. One little aid is the use of a swivel on a main line to prevent the line from twisting when it is being reeled in. Here's how to tie a swivel on a fishing line.
Set up your fishing pole by attaching your reel and spool. Pull the line out several feet so you have excess line to tie the swivel. Remove the swivel from the package. Stick the end of the line through the eye of the swivel.
2
Tie a palomar knot. Double the line over itself and make a loop. Feed the end of the line through the eye of the swivel, then hold the long end of the line and cross it over the loop to make an overhand knot. Push the swivel through the end of the loop. Pull the swivel, free line and tag line end to tighten the knot.
3
Try tying an improved cinch knot for a stronger knot on the swivel. Push the line through the eye of the swivel. Double it back and make five complete turns around the line. Push the end of the line through the first loop above the swivel's eye, then back through the large loop. Push the end of the line through the first loop by the eye. Tighten the ends.
4
Tie a trilene knot if fishing in murky waters, as this will glide through the water easily. Push the line through the eye of the swivel, then double back through the eye one more time. Hold the swivel in your left hand and the free line in your right. Wrap the tag line around the free line six times. Feed the tag line end through the loop you made threading the line through the swivel. Tighten by pulling the tag line and free line at the same time.
5
Cut off the excess line on the tag lines and make sure the swivel is secure. No matter which method you choose, you should have a nice, clean knot that will glide through the water and keep your swivel attached to your line.
Tips & Warnings
Use swivels for all spinning reels.
Don't use swivels on a really light line, as the rubbing motion can snap the line.
