| A fishing swivel consists of two rings or clips | | | | them most appropriate for big game situations. |
| attached in the middle by a ball, barrel or some | | | | They are, however the most expensive. |
| other similar device that allows each end to rotate | | | | Each of these types of swivel is available with |
| independently of the other. One end is attached | | | | snaps on one end which make for faster |
| to the fishing line and the other to the leader or | | | | changeover than with knots. Snaps may be |
| directly to the tackle or bait, with the purpose of | | | | rounded or angular, the latter providing the more |
| preventing line, particularly monofilament from | | | | reliable grip. It may be best to use black, rather |
| becoming entangled with itself or surrounding | | | | than shiny swivels as they will not reflect sunlight |
| vegetation. The swivel also serves to prevent | | | | and attract fish higher up in the line that may |
| sinkers from sliding down the line. | | | | chew through it. |
| Swivels are less well-suited to commercial or | | | | While swivels certainly have their place in the |
| other very large-tackle operations, as they | | | | tackle box, they are not without limitations. Some |
| provide a slightly weaker link in an otherwise | | | | fishermen recommend against using a swivel at |
| heavy-duty line. They are, however, useful in | | | | the bait end as it may change the appearance of |
| trolling situations or when using spinner bait. | | | | the lure enough to keep away the fish. However, |
| The three main types of swivel are barrel, crane, | | | | they can be purchased in different colors intended |
| and ball-bearing. The barrel swivel looks like two | | | | to attract fish rather than drive them away. |
| rings attached to a small cylinder in which each | | | | While the swivel's rotation helps to prevent a |
| moves independently. It is generally the most | | | | monofilament from getting tangled when reeling it |
| economical, but not the most practical as it does | | | | in, the swivel itself can get caught on the line, |
| not rotate as freely as other types and therefore | | | | particularly with snaps. Angular snaps protect |
| is best suited to situations where swivel is not | | | | better against clips spontaneously opening than do |
| priority number one. The crane swivel looks like | | | | rounded ones. |
| the barrel, but its inner mechanism allows for | | | | Swivels can be very useful tools for angling, but |
| smoother swivel, and the ball-bearing swivel has | | | | care must be taken to attach and use them |
| bearings inside the barrel to allow for much freer | | | | properly. |
| movement with the greatest strength, making | | | | |