Tying on a swivel and snap

A swivel does two important jobs: it stops the line from twisting when a spinning lure works, and combined with a snap it lets you change lures quickly without tying again. It only helps if it sits properly, so the knot to the swivel is as important as the knot to the hook. This is how you tie it safely.

The right knot to the swivel

You do not need a special “swivel knot”. You use the same reliable knots as to a hook. The improved clinch is first choice for monofilament and fluorocarbon, while the palomar is strong, simple and especially good on braid. Below we go through the clinch variant, because it is the most common against a swivel eye.

Step by step (clinch to swivel)

1. Thread through. Pass the line through the swivel eye and back along the main line.
2. Wrap. Wrap the tag end 5–6 turns around the main line.
3. First loop. Pass the tag back through the small loop next to the swivel eye.
4. Large loop. Then pass the tag through the large loop that has formed.
5. Wet and tighten. Wet the knot and tighten evenly against the swivel eye, then trim the tag.

Swivel with a snap

Many use a combined swivel with snap. Then you tie the line to the swivel’s fixed eye just as above, and you clip the lure into the opening snap. The gain is that you change lures in seconds without giving line to a new knot every time. Just check that the snap is properly closed before every cast, and pick a reliable model — a cheap snap can straighten out on a strong fish.

Check and retie

A knot against metal wears with time, so feel the knot now and then and retie at the slightest doubt, especially after a tough fish. Always wet before you tighten. More on the hardware itself is under swivels and snaps, and an overview of every knot you need under all fishing knots.