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Old July 5th, 2004, 10:00 PM
joe
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Default Does a "Snap-Swivel" really reduce the number of strikes?

In article ,
"GeneS" wrote:

I'm installing new PowerPro 30# line on all my reels today.
I mostly fish for sal****er trout, reds, & flounder in the
Gulf Coast bays, and bass in the freshwater lakes.

Question:
I have heard that it is a pain to tie the PowerPro line.
Is there a "Snap-Swivel" out there that I can use that
will allow me to test different lures, etc. - without
scaring off the fish? Once I have found the lure, etc. that
I want to use, I can tie it to another rod & reel less the
snap-swivel.

If so, what size & brand of snap-swivel? I have never been
really clear on this subject. I have used snap-swivels on lures
in both salt & fresh water & caught fish. Then again, I really
do not know how many I lost either:-)

If anyone has ever seen good scientific data on the subject, please
post a link here.

THANKS,
Gene


If you are going to use (already have) additional reels I suggest just
tying on a few various lures to the additional rods. I started out with
a couple of rods and now carry about 5 - 6 on a trip. I always have a
johnson spoon (silver is my preference), topwater (walk or chug/pop),
jerkbait, sub-surface lure and a couple other options. This is for flats
fishing which I guess would be similar to what you are doing.

If you are not tying on a leader (fluorocarbon is a good bet) then the
braided lines are really not too much trouble to tie. Following the mfg.
suggestion to use enough wraps and maybe double the line it is not too
hard. The slippery nature of the lines help them snug up easily and
since they are strong and small they make a pretty compact knot.

Using a leader I use the uni to uni, doubling the braid and making about
8 - 9 wraps then just use the typical 3 - 4 for the 20 - 30 pound
leader. I do hate to try to tie this any more than needed so I usually
add about 30 inches of leader to give room to re-tie. Of course if you
get into a snook (or even ladyfish) you may have to replace the leader
anyway from the abrasion.

I use a swivel with my spoon and have not noticed any shyness on the
part of the reds that I have caught. I do not imagine that tying on a
swivel would be a huge deterrent to getting strikes. I have thought
about using a swivel between the braid and the leader. The biggest
problem with this is that the swivel will not go through the guides or
possibly could damage your tiptop guide.

The other issue with using a snap swivel with your terminal tackle is
that it will likely change the action and balance of the lure you are
trying. Lastly, it is another possible point of failure. I have
preferred using the ball bearing swivels but have had failures even with
some of the 'better' brands.

Overall I would suggest just tying on your lure other than something
that requires a swivel to avoid line twist (like a spoon).

Good Fishin'

atljoe
--
"Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com