09-09-2009, 12:44 PM
If i'm trolling, especially if i'm using a spoon, i'll have a swivel at the TAG end, where the leader attaches to the main line. This avoids the previously mentioned line twist.
When i'm casting, I don't use a snap swivel at all, salt or fresh water. The only exception, of course, would be if i'm tossing a spoon, and then it's not a snap swivel at the lure, it's a ball bearing swivel at the tag connection. I'm pretty sure that live bait fish don't have a snap swivel growing out of their head, so it couldn't be any more un-natural. Loose the snap swivel, and you'll get more bites.
You don't need a swivel in your rig if you're casting a swimming lure like a crank bait or stick bait, or for poppers and other surface lures. Their action doesn't twist the line. You only need to incorporate a swivel in the rig when the action of the lure could potentially twist the line.
For one, and especially if i'm targeting fish that have a keen sense of sight or if i'm in particularly clear water, I use a Fluorocarbon leader. Actually, I use fluoro regardless because it is bad ass and really works. For casting, I almost exclusively use braid line for the main, suffix or power pro, and connect to about a 3 or 4' fluorocarbon leader via an Albright special knot. It's clean, it's strong, and it works exceptionally well.
If you're still tying your main line strait to the lure, or using a snap swivel, you're missing out. Go to fluoro and albright it on. It's worth the extra time, you'll catch more fish.
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When i'm casting, I don't use a snap swivel at all, salt or fresh water. The only exception, of course, would be if i'm tossing a spoon, and then it's not a snap swivel at the lure, it's a ball bearing swivel at the tag connection. I'm pretty sure that live bait fish don't have a snap swivel growing out of their head, so it couldn't be any more un-natural. Loose the snap swivel, and you'll get more bites.
You don't need a swivel in your rig if you're casting a swimming lure like a crank bait or stick bait, or for poppers and other surface lures. Their action doesn't twist the line. You only need to incorporate a swivel in the rig when the action of the lure could potentially twist the line.
For one, and especially if i'm targeting fish that have a keen sense of sight or if i'm in particularly clear water, I use a Fluorocarbon leader. Actually, I use fluoro regardless because it is bad ass and really works. For casting, I almost exclusively use braid line for the main, suffix or power pro, and connect to about a 3 or 4' fluorocarbon leader via an Albright special knot. It's clean, it's strong, and it works exceptionally well.
If you're still tying your main line strait to the lure, or using a snap swivel, you're missing out. Go to fluoro and albright it on. It's worth the extra time, you'll catch more fish.
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