Swivels with braid, Do they help?

I normally use swivels with braid just as I do with mono but I am beginning to wonder if the help. I get quite a few knots in my braid anyway but they seem to be either wind knots or goof that allows the line to wrap around the reel. The line itself looks like it's able to absorb twisting w/o causing a problem. Would I just be asking for trouble if I don't use a swivel---it would be one less piece of hardware for the fish to see.

Comments? TIA

You'd be asking for trouble if you were not using one where the application calls for it. Any spoons, spinners, drop shots and vertical presentations I definitely use a swivel, but I'll say this, DO NOT BUY CHEAP. If you buy a cheap swivel that doesn't do it's job then it's a big waste of money, time and effort. I only use Spro swivels since I trust them the most.

I usually tie my leader directly to the braid.
If your using four feet of leader, you want the knot to pass through your rods eyelets.

My opinion

Best to use a GOOD swivel if using less than a 5 ‘ leader IMO.

In my experience, the swivel doesn't have to be between the braid and your leader. I always tie the braid and 5 ft. of fluorocarbon leader together, then put the swivel 12" ahead of the lure I'm using. No tangles or twists. Works for me.

try the high quality micro swivels....you can wind them right onto your spool without any problems

Jigging - no swivel.

Trolling - swivel.

And yes, just like $teve said, Spro swivels only.

I've lost too many fish on swivels and snaps that weren't Spro.

X2...the only way to go.

Arnie

Spro swivels are hard to find. Lot of cheap terminal tackle out there in the big box stores. Store brands and all made in China

I run braid on all my lines with swivels, jigging, trolling or casting. I will use about 3ft fluorocarbon leader below the swivel. I have found that when I used to troll with harnesses tied to the braid, get stuck and couldn't break the line would have to cut it at the boat. Now if get stuck I only loss the gear on the bottom if I can't get it off.

In my opinion it depends on the type of lure you are using . If it’s a spinner or other type of lure which can rotate around , including during the cast , then I definitely use a swivel . If it’s a lure like a jerk bait then you can get away without one .

For casting I usually use a braided main line and then tie a fluorocarbon or mono leader directly to the braid via an Alberto or FG knot but then I have a snap with or without a swivel at the end of the line or about 20 inches above if I am using a jig .

found lots of Spro swivels on Amazon........different sizes and price point all over the place


fortunately our local tackle shop carries quality stuff as well

Micro swivels are the answer in that case. I now exclusively use micros except for salmon fishing.

Micro swivels are the answer in that case. I now exclusively use micros except for salmon fishing.

I've seen many youtube videos with salmon guys switching to micro swivels too for salmon. I couldn't bring myself to do it though, even if they are Spro and are rated for 60 lbs.

Micro swivels are the answer in that case. I now exclusively use micros except for salmon fishing.

I've seen many youtube videos with salmon guys switching to micro swivels too for salmon. I couldn't bring myself to do it though, even if they are Spro and are rated for 60 lbs.

Yes, they're pretty durable but there's also a lot of pressure on them when trolling for salmon. The boat is moving, the big fish is fighting. the waves etc... so I prefer to use ball bearing swivels on my salmon rigs. I would perhaps use micros for jigging but I seldom if ever do jigging for salmon.