A fishing swivel is a small yet essential component of any fishing rig. This is a terminal tackle piece with a pivoting joint in the middle and two metal rings on either end. When fishing with a rotating lure or rig, the joints anchor lets the metal rings move freely in any direction. This keeps the line from twisting.
The best thing about fishing swivels is that they keep your line from twisting when you use a lure or rig that moves around in the water. When fishing with inline spinners and metal spoons, which spin quickly when retrieved, this happens a lot. If you don’t use a swivel, your fishing line will quickly get twisted. Line twist is a big problem for anglers because it can make the fishing line knot, tangle, or even break. This problem can be solved with fishing swivels, which let the lure or rig turn freely without twisting the line.
When targeting salmon, using the right size swivel is critical for getting bites and landing fish. Salmon are strong, hard fighting fish that require specialized gear. Choosing a swivel that matches your line strength and size, fishing method, and the size of the salmon you’re targeting will lead to more hookups and less lost tackle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors in selecting swivels for salmon fishing You’ll learn about swivel types, strength ratings, connection methods, and expert tips for rigging swivels for different salmon species. Let’s get started!
Swivel Types for Salmon
There are a few common swivel types used in salmon fishing:
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Barrel – Basic and affordable option good for reducing line twist Not ideal for heavy loads
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Ball Bearing – Superior strength and smooth rotation for heavy loads. Ideal for salmon.
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Snap – Convenient for quick lure changes. May reduce lure action.
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Finesse – Smaller and more subtle for clear water. Not suitable for kings.
For salmon, ball bearing swivels are the top choice. Their smooth rotation and durability handle the long, bulldogging runs of hooked salmon. They also prevent line twist when trolling or casting spinners.
Barrel swivels work for lighter salmon like trout and pinks, but may fail under the extreme pressure of large kings and silvers.
Swivel Strength Ratings
Swivels are rated by pound test strength, usually ranging from 10lb up to 1000lb test. Match the swivel strength to your mainline for proper balance.
Good strength pairings:
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10-20lb line = #14 swivel
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20-30lb line = #12 swivel
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30-50lb line = #10 swivel
For king salmon, use 50-80lb line and a #7 swivel. For targeting salmon in the 20-30lb range, choose a #10-12 rated swivel.
Using a swivel rated for higher strength than your line risks line failure. Always match the swivel strength to your mainline pound test.
Connecting Swivels to Line
Attach salmon fishing swivels using improved clinch knots, palomar knots, or 3-turn uni knots. Lubricate knots with saliva or knot tying gel. Pull knots tight and trim tag ends close.
Make sure to reconnect swivels and check knots periodically for slipping. Change out gear if worn or damaged.
When using braided line, insert a 6-12 inch fluorocarbon leader before the swivel. The harder nylon leader minimizes damage from toothy fish.
Swivel Size for Salmon Species
Targeting different salmon species requires proper swivel sizes:
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Pink salmon – #14-12 swivels, 10-15lb line
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Sockeye salmon – #10-8 swivels, 15-20lb line
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Coho salmon – #8-7 swivels, 20-30lb line
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Chum salmon – #7-5 swivels, 20-40lb line
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Chinook salmon – #7-5 swivels, 30-65lb line
Larger salmon like chinook require more heavy duty #7-5 sized swivels. Smaller salmon species can be landed with lighter #12-14 swivels.
Match the swivel size to the average weight of your target salmon species. This prevents lost tackle from undersized gear.
Rigging Swivels for Trolling
When trolling for salmon, organize your terminal tackle like this:
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Mainline to ball bearing swivel
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18-24 inch leader to flasher
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12-18 inch leader to dodger
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6-12 inch leader to bait/lure
The swivel at the end of your mainline prevents line twist when trolling. The increasingly shorter leaders keep the flasher and lure separated to avoid tangling.
When longline trolling, use barrel swivels spaced every 50-100 feet along the mainline to reduce line twist. Run leaders with bait/lures between the swivels.
Rigging Swivels for Casting Spinners
Casting spinners like Rooster Tails is deadly for salmon in rivers. Rig your line like this:
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Mainline to ball bearing swivel
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18 inch 15lb fluorocarbon leader
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Snap swivel to quickly change lures
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Spinner lure
The lightweight snap swivel allows you to swap spinner colors easily. The leader protects against abrasion on the river bottom.
Expert Tips for Salmon Fishing Swivels
When using swivels for salmon remember these pro tips:
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Check swivels frequently for damage and replace often
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Match swivel and line strength to avoid break-offs
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Lubricate knots with saliva or gel when tying swivels
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Use fluorocarbon leaders for low visibility and abrasion resistance
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Carry a range of swivel sizes to be prepared for all salmon species
Using properly sized, high quality swivels is a key factor for success when salmon fishing. Follow this guide to select the right swivel for your target species, fishing method, and line strength. Soon you’ll be hooked up with more hard fighting salmon!
What size swivel for bass fishing?
When it comes to bass fishing, choosing the right size swivel is crucial. What size swivel you need depends on where you’re fishing and what kind of bass you want to catch. In general, for bass fishing, its recommended to use swivels in sizes ranging from 2 to 4. These sizes suit most bass fishing scenarios, providing a good balance between strength and maneuverability. But if you want to catch bigger trophy bass or use heavier gear, choose a swivel that is between 4 and 6 inches wide. When choosing the right size swivel for bass fishing, you should think about the line strength, bait size, and fishing style. Talking to experienced fishermen or asking for help at fishing tackle shops can help you choose the right size swivel for the best performance on the water.
Fishing Swivels Size Chart
An angler who wants to find the right swivel size for their fishing needs will find a fishing swivel size chart very useful. These charts typically provide a range of swivel sizes and their corresponding line poundage. The chart helps fisherman match the right swivel size to their line’s strength, making sure the connection is safe and secure. Its essential to refer to the manufacturers recommendations and the specific fishing situation to make an accurate selection. Fishing swivel size charts can be found online, in fishing guidebooks, or in tackle stores. They are a quick and easy way for fishermen to find the right swivel size for their fishing needs. This takes the guesswork out of the equation and increases the chances of a successful fishing trip.
How to Fish: Choosing the Right Swivel
FAQ
How do I know what size swivel to use?
What size swivel for 30 lb line?
How strong is a size 7 barrel swivel?
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Size
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Strength
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4
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280lb
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5
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335lb
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6
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445lb
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7
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555lb
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What size swivels for sea fishing?
What size fishing swivel do I Need?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Fishing swivel sizes range from size 14 (10-20 lbs test strength) for panfish and small trout, to size 7/0 (800-1000 lbs test strength) for large sharks and giant groupers. Match the swivel size to the target species, line diameter, and strength to ensure successful fishing experiences.
How to choose a fishing swivel?
Size: Fishing swivels come in various sizes, with the size usually determined by the test strength of the fishing line used. It’s important to choose a swivel that matches the strength and diameter of your fishing line to ensure proper functionality. Material: Fishing swivels are commonly made from stainless steel or brass.
How do I choose the right swivel size for my fishing line?
By considering the strength of your fishing line, the type of fish you’re targeting, the swivel’s bearing capacity, and consulting a size chart, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right swivel size for your fishing line.
Can a fishing swivel be too small?
Using a fishing swivel that is too small for your fishing needs can result in the swivel breaking under the pressure of a larger fish or heavy tackle. It is important to choose a swivel that is strong enough to handle the weight and size of the fish you are targeting. What are fishing swivels?