I normally like to leave a swivel and clip on the end of my line and then it's really easy to switch tackle. But I also don't seem to catch many fish - I'm new and still trying to learn.
A minute ago I was switching from a spinning rod to an ice rod and wondered if I should leave the swivel and clip on there. I'm planning on trying ice flies tipped with a meal worm. What do you guys think? Are there any 'rule of thumb's on the subject.
P.S. I really appreciate all the advice on this site. Thanks.
Loren Sackett
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I wouldn't want a swivel on a ice fly or anything ice fishing . Jigs , you want to tie the line directly to the jig .
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I agree with HA69. Not to swivel, especially if the swivel (and snap, too?) is larger than the actual lure you are using. I may tie (without swivel) a Swedish Pimple, Kastmaster or the like to my line and drop about another foot of "leader" to my lure. Once again, it's the knot you tie that makes the biggest difference.
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I personally use a swivel, but only to attach my tackle. I rig up a bunch of set-ups with a loop knot on about 18" of leader. Then I just wrap them all around a tackle buddy, it makes for changing setups quick and easy. However if I needed to tie something on that wasn't on one of my rigs, I'd tie directly to the line.
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K.I.S. keep it simple no swivel
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It has been my experience that a tube jig or similar is far more effective if it hangs horizontal. If you use a swivel or a clip on these type of lures while vertical jigging (which ice fishing is) the jig will hang vertical rather than horizontal. Use a good tight knot that will allow you to give a horizontal presentation.
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It depends on what I'm fishing for but in general, I always use a swivel. The other day at causey I had a swivel tied to
a kastmaster then two different lengths of line going to different jigs. We had no problem catching fish.
At Bear lake on the other hand I tie directly to the jig because I don't use an attractor. Whatever works for you though, try it both ways and see what works best. WH2
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Only in one case. When fishing a spinner, you want a good ball bearing swivel to prevent line twist.
Other than that, no swivels for this boy.
When ice fishing, the best thing you can have is a fish finder. It allows you to see the fish that swim under you, and you can put your lure right in thier face. If they dont like your offering, then worry about swivels, changing lures, colors, ect.
But most importantly, if you find yourself not catching many fish, make sure there are fish there. Swivel or not, if you are fishing dead water, its kind of hard to catch them.
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I have to agree with Kent. Often times, while watching the fish through the ice, you can see them get finicky over things, like a jig not hanging horizontal. I would say, use a swivel if you are going to stick a flashy thing between your rod and the jig (but still tie directly to the jig), otherwise, get rid of the swivel and just tie your bug of choice onto your line. A good tight knot will help you present your jig well, like Kent said. Of course, there are probably plenty of folks out there that just hook things up on a swivel snap and do fine too, so my vote is for line only, but you make the call.
Fisch R. Mann
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99.9 % of the time I use a swivel while tube jigging on Bear Lake. Only because I am lazy and don't want to tie one on especially if it is real cold. I don't know if it has any effect on my not catching fish or not. Some days I am the only one catching fish, sometimes not so much. I seldom go home without catching at least one fish. While trolling I use a swivel to prevent line twist. I guess one just has to try different things and do what works best for them.
I also always use a swivel while vertical jigging for macks at Bear Lake. I use fireline and then tie on a swivel, and then Fluorocarbon leader with the jig tied directly to the leader. (I have watched a jig through my AquaVu and they have all turned -- always the same direction -- whenever they are jigged.) I also always use a swivel when trolling with any type of lure. Whenever I have tried trolling without a swivel I have always gotten line twist. While trolling I tie on a swivel to my line and then a leader. I will either tie on the lure or use a snap. I also like the more expensive barrel swivels and not the ones that contain a snap.
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I never ever, ever, ever, etc... use a swivel. Then again I have grooves in my front teeth from cutting my line countless times over the last twenty years. [
] I also try to go weightless when I am using a small ice fly. It takes patience but I often get hits as the fly drifts to the bottom.
Good Luck
Wind River
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Remember that after battling a large fish or tugging on a snag or after catching several fish you should retie your rig anyway, so I only use snapswivels when line twist is a threat. If you do use a swivel while jigging use leader also.
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