How to Tie a Snap Swivel

Tie on swivel hooks to make hook and weight changes easier.

Fresh and saltwater anglers alike use a variety of terminal tackle to help in presenting lures and bait to game fish. Terminal tackle includes hooks, weights, floats, swivels and snaps that are attached in various configurations to the fishing line. Snaps, for example, are versatile and can be used as a means to quickly change weight size, lures and hooks. Snaps are commonly used to take the place of knots, and greatly reduce the amount of time required to adjust to changing fishing situations.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing line (monofilament, fluorocarbon or braid)
• Swivel snap
• Sharp scissors

Instructions

1. Attach a snap swivel to the end of your main fishing line or leader with a Palomar knot. Hold the snap swivel in one hand and the free end of the line in your other hand.

2. Pass the end of the line through the eye of the snap swivel for 4 to 5 inches. Turn the end of the line and pass it back through the snap swivel eye. The resulting loop formed on one side of the snap swivel eye should be about 3 inches long.

3. Hold the loop in one hand and in your other hand the double line consisting of the main line and free end. Form a simple over-hand knot.

4. Pull the loop through the knot and down over the bend of the snap. Moisten the knot with water or saliva, and pull the free end of the line to begin tightening the knot around the snap swivel eye.

5. Tighten the knot down by pulling the free end of the line and the main line. Trim excess line from the knot with a pair of sharp scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• The Palomar is well-suited for monofilament, fluorocarbon as well as fused and braided lines due to the line being doubled as it passes through the snap swivel eye.

References

• Sportsmans Choice: Terminal Tackle Knots

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish