How to Tie a Swivel: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Knots

A swivel is a type of fishing tackle component that allows for free rotation and movement. 

It is designed to prevent line twists and tangles when using certain fishing techniques or lures that cause the fishing line to spin or rotate.

 A typical swivel consists of two rings or loops connected by a rotating mechanism in the center. 

One ring is attached to the fishing line, and the other connects additional components such as hooks, lures, or leaders.

 The rotating mechanism lets the connected components rotate freely without twisting the mainline.

Swivels are available in various sizes and designs to accommodate different fishing needs.

 They come in different strengths and materials to withstand the pressure of large fish or heavy tackle.

Some common types of swivels include barrel, ball-bearing, and snap swivels. 

Overall, swivels play an essential role in reducing line twists and improving the effectiveness of fishing techniques by allowing the bait or lure to move naturally in the water while maintaining the integrity of the fishing line.

To tie a swivel, follow these steps:

1. You’ll need a fishing swivel, fishing line, and any other tackle you plan to use.
2. Take the end of your fishing line and thread it through the eyelet of the swivel. Ensure the line goes through from the bottom of the swivel to the top.
3. Pull the fishing line through until about 6-8 inches extending beyond the swivel.
4. Create a loop with the free end of the fishing line. Keep the loop open and away from the swivel with your thumb and index finger.
5. Take the loop and wrap it around the mainline and the swivel. Make at least five to six wraps, ensuring the loop and mainline pass over itself.
6. Hold the wraps in place with your thumb and index finger while keeping tension on the line.
7. Throw the free end of the fishing line through the loop.
8.  Insert it from the top of the loop and pull it through.
9. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction and ensure a secure knot.
10. Hold the mainline and the free end of the fishing line, then pull them in opposite directions. This will tighten the knot around the swivel.
11. Trim any excess line with scissors or a line cutter, leaving a small tag end for added security.
12. Inspect the knot to ensure it is secure and tightly wrapped around the swivel. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it holds.

Congratulations! You have successfully tied a snap swivel to your fishing line. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before casting your line.

How to tie fishing knots

These are the best fishing knots and how to tie it. 

How to tie a Trilene knot

To tie a Trilene knot, follow these steps:

1. Thread the end of your fishing line through the eyelet of the hook or lure.
2. Double back the line and create a loop parallel to the standing line.
3. Hold the loop and the standing line together, creating a double line.
4. With the loop and the double line in one hand, pass the tag end of the line through the loop.
5. Wrap the tag end of the line around the double line and the standing line 5-7 times. Keep the wraps tight and close together.
6. After completing the wraps, pass the tag end of the line back through the loop.
7. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
8. Hold the standing line and the tag end, then pull them opposite to tighten the knot.
9. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied a Trilene knot. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before casting your line.

Mono to swivel knot

To tie mono to a swivel knot, follow these steps:

1. Double the end of your monofilament fishing line to create a double line.
2. Pass the double line through the eyelet of the swivel.
3. Hold the swivel and the doubled line together, creating a loop.
4. Trap the loop around the mainline and the swivel, making 5-7 wraps. Ensure that the loop passes over itself and the mainline.
5. Hold the wraps in place with your thumb and index finger while keeping tension on the line.
6. Take the end of the doubled line and pass it through the loop. 
7. Insert it from the top of the loop and pull it through.
8. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
9. Hold the mainline and the tag end of the doubled line, then pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot around the swivel.
10. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

You have now tied a mono-to-swivel knot. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before fishing.

Offshore swivel knot

The offshore swivel knot, or the twisted swivel knot or cat’s paw knot, attaches a fishing line to a swivel or a solid ring in offshore fishing applications.

Here’s how to tie Offshore swivel knot:

1. Double the end of your fishing line to create a double line.
2. Pass the doubled line through the eyelet of the swivel or solid ring.
3. Hold the doubled line and the swivel together, creating a loop.
4. Make three to four twists with the loop around the standing line.
5. Pass the end of the doubled line through the loop.
6. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
7. Tighten the knot around the swivel by pulling the standing line and tag end in opposite directions.
8. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied an offshore swivel knot. Before using it for offshore fishing, remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity.

Palomar knot to swivel

To tie a Palomar knot to a swivel, follow these steps:

1. Double the end of your fishing line to create a loop.
2. Pass the loop through the eyelet of the swivel.
3. Tie an overhand knot with the loop, leaving the loop open.
4. Pass the swivel through the open loop.
5. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
6. Hold the swivel and both ends of the loop, then pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
7. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied a Palomar knot to a swivel. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before using it for fishing.

Uni knot to swivel

To tie a Uni knot to a swivel, follow these steps:

1. Double the end of your fishing line to create a loop.
2. Pass the loop through the eyelet of the swivel.
3. Hold the swivel and the loop together.
4. Wrap the doubled line around the standing line and the loop for 5-7 turns.
5. Pass the doubled line’s end through the loop formed above the swivel.
6. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
7. Hold the standing line and the tag end of the doubled line, then pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
8. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied a Uni knot to a swivel. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before using it for fishing.

How to tie a swivel to braid

To tie a swivel to braid, follow these steps:

1. Double about 6 inches of the end of your braided fishing line.
2. Pass the doubled line through the eyelet of the swivel.
3. Hold the swivel and the doubled line together, creating a loop.
4. Make a simple overhand knot with the loop and the standing line, but only tighten it partially.
5. Pass the swivel through the open loop.
6. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
7. Hold the swivel and both ends of the loop, then pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
8. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied a swivel to a braid. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before using it for fishing.

How to tie a swivel leader to a fishing line

To tie a swivel leader to the fishing line, follow these steps:

1. Double the end of your fishing line to create a loop.
2. Pass the loop through the eyelet of the swivel leader.
3. Hold the swivel leader and the loop together.
4. Make an overhand knot with the loop, but do not tighten it completely.
5. Pass the swivel leader through the open loop.
6. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
7. Hold the swivel leader and both ends of the loop, then pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
8. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied a swivel leader to a fishing line. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before using it for fishing.

How to tie a swivel to lead core line

1. Take the end of your lead core line and strip away the outer layer of the line, exposing the lead core.
2. Insert the exposed lead core into the eyelet of the swivel, ensuring that it goes through the center of the swivel.
3. Fold back the lead core line, creating a loop.
4. Use a sturdy knot such as a Uni knot or a Clinch knot to secure the loop tightly around the lead core line.
5. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
6. Pull the knot and the lead core line in opposite directions to tighten it securely.
7. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

It’s important to note that the lead core line is typically used for trolling or deep-water fishing and may require specific techniques and equipment for proper use.

Consider consulting with experienced anglers or referring to instructional resources specific to lead core fishing for more detailed guidance.

Conclusion

Tying a swivel is a crucial skill in fishing that helps prevent line twists and tangles.

You can use various knots depending on the type of fishing line and the specific swivel you’re working with. 

Some common knots include the Trilene knot, Palomar knot, Uni knot, and offshore swivel knot.

Check out the Texas Rigged Worms available on our website.

FAQs

What is the best knot to tie to a swivel?

The Palomar knot is considered one of the best knots to tie to a swivel. It is known for its simplicity, strength, and reliability. 

The Palomar knot retains nearly 100% of the line’s original strength, making it an excellent choice for connecting the fishing line to a swivel. 

It is easy to tie and works well with various fishing lines, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.

How do you tie off a swivel?

You can use a simple and effective knot called the improved clinch knot to tie off a swivel. Here’s how to tie off a swivel:

1. Thread the end of your fishing line through the eyelet of the swivel.
2. Double back the line, creating a loop parallel to the standing line.
3. Wrap the tag end of the line around the standing line and through the loop you created above. Repeat this process 5-7 times.
4. Moisten the knot with water or saliva to reduce friction.
5. Hold the tag end and the standing line, then pull them opposite to tighten the knot.
6. Once the knot is tightened, trim any excess line.

That’s it! You have successfully tied off a swivel using the improved clinch knot. Remember to test the knot’s strength and integrity before fishing.

How do you use swivels?

Swivels are used in fishing to prevent line twists and tangles. Here’s how to use swivels effectively:

1. Attach the swivel to the end of your fishing line using a suitable knot like the Palomar knot or improved clinch knot.
2. Connect the desired fishing tackle, such as hooks, lures, or leaders, to the other end of the swivel using appropriate knots or clips.
3. When casting, the swivel allows the tackle to rotate freely without twisting the mainline, reducing line twists and tangling.
4. Swivels are particularly useful when using lures or techniques that cause the fishing line to spin or rotate, such as spinners or spoons.
5. Swivels also come in handy when fishing with live bait rigs or using multiple lines, as they help keep the lines separate and prevent them from tangling.
6. Regularly check the swivel for any signs of damage or wear and replace it if necessary to ensure optimal performance.

By incorporating swivels into your fishing setup, you can minimize line issues and improve your fishing experience.