How to Use Swivels for Fishing

Swivels are one of the most common pieces of fishing equipment. They are used to prevent fishing line from becoming twisted, which is one of the primary causes of fishing line that becomes tangled or weak. Swivels also are used to link two pieces of fishing line together, or to attach a leader to a fishing line. To learn how to use swivels for fishing, read on.

Things You'll Need

• Swivel
• Fishing line
• Fishing rod and reel
• Hook
• Snap
• Lure

Instructions

1. Cut off any hook, lure or anything else that is at the end of the fishing line.

2. Tie the swivel to the end of the fishing line. One of the best knots for doing so is the trilene knot. (See Resources for instructions on tying.)

3. Tie a piece of fishing line to the other side of the swivel, if you plan to use a leader. (A leader is the line between the swivel and the hook. It oftentimes ia smaller in diameter than the main fishing line.) Then tie a hook onto the end of the leader using a trilene knot.

4. Attach a snap to the other end of the swivel if you do not plan to use a leader.

5. Clip a hook or lure onto the snap. Some anglers like to use snaps on their swivels because they allow them to change lures as frequently as they like without having to cut the line.

Tips & Warnings

• While swivels reduce line twist, the knot or knots required to tie them onto the fishing line do weaken the line slightly.

References

• Take Me Fishing: Other Tackle
• Trilene Knot Instructions

Resources

• Trilene knot