Swivels and snaps

The swivel is one of the cheapest and most underestimated bits in the box. It looks like nothing, but it solves one of the spinning angler’s most common problems: a line that twists and tangles. Together with a snap it also saves you time at the water.

The swivel against line twist

A rotating spinner blade twists the line turn by turn, and after a while it has coiled up and tangles as soon as you slack. A small swivel between the main line and the bait lets the lure spin freely while the line itself stays still. The problem goes away, and you can fish all day without standing and picking out tangles. It is when you spin with a spinner that the swivel does the most good.

A snap for quick changes

A snap is a small locking clip that you fasten the lure in, often built together with the swivel into a snap swivel. With it you change lures in seconds without retying, which is gold when you want to try your way between different baits and colours. Stick to a small, discreet model in clear water so it does not scare shy fish.

In bait fishing and fly fishing

The swivel has a place in bait fishing too: a small swivel joins the leader to the main line and works as a stop for the running sinker in a ledger rig. In fly fishing you do not use a swivel — there you tie the tippet straight to the fly line’s tapering leader. The swivel’s main job is therefore in spinning and bait fishing.

Quality pays

Do not skimp on swivels and snaps — they sit in the line to the fish. A cheap, weak snap can straighten on a strong fish, just like a bad hook. Pick a reliable model in the right size, small enough for put and take. Learn to tie it on properly under tying on hook and lure, and see more small kit under hooks, weights and floats.

A reliable choice from an established brand is Spro Barrel Interlock Snap (4.7★) — swivel and snap in one, in a small enough size that you can change lures quickly without retying. See price on Amazon