Steel Leaders vs Swivels

interesting question. actually I was wondering pretty much the same thing (new to the game). Is using swivels detrimental to say crank baits? Affect the action of the lure? Also, what about spinners, jigs, etc? What should I not use swivels with? thanks guys.

Brandon said:

interesting question. actually I was wondering pretty much the same thing (new to the game). Is using swivels detrimental to say crank baits? Affect the action of the lure? Also, what about spinners, jigs, etc? What should I not use swivels with? thanks guys.

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i dont see that they affect crankbaits. But i would'nt use them with spinners or jigs or even jig heads. Chatterbait im kind of iffy about. Unless you are swim jigging or pike i woulnt use swivels with a jig or a spinner. But yes to a crankbait

Swivels should not be used with crankbaits, because it will adversely affect the action of the lure. With cranks either tie directly or use a small snap. Swivels should only be used with baits that twist or turn though the water such as in-line spinners and some spoons.

As far as leaders go, I only use them when I am specifically fishing for northerns. They don't affect the bait action that much but they are very visible to bass.

I use thin wire leaders (not steel), or titanium leaders with the chatterbaits... You never know what the hell may find itself at the end of your line. (I get Muskies and lots of feisty Pike to go after mine)

Usually the most I'll ever go is up to 40lbs as the thicker tends to kill the action.

Its funny. When I think I may catch some northers I usually get a bass or two on the leader. Then when I think I am bass fishing, I get bit off by a northern. I cant win.
As for Delevan I just use a 6 in wire leader for everything except senkos, creatures, other plastics.

I'm not much into leaders unless I am throwing 1 ounce plus baits for really big fish, but I do use snap swivels for baits like X-raps, rogues, husky jerks, lc pointers, jakes, etc. I change sizes and colors regularly, so I like to be able to change them out fast. I do get bit off some with these baits but the payoffs in big bass is worth it. I also get the occasional bite-off with the chatterbait, but for the most part the real big pike seem to leave the 3/8 model alone.

twoglasseyes said:

Its funny. When I think I may catch some northers I usually get a bass or two on the leader. Then when I think I am bass fishing, I get bit off by a northern. I cant win.
As for Delevan I just use a 6 in wire leader for everything except senkos, creatures, other plastics.

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same here i cant win, i fish for bass and get bit off by a pike, or im pike fishin and get very few bass. That sucks, is there anything i can do.

How about using a small 6inch steel leader

I forgot to mention that I use nothing but 6-incher leaders with these chatterbaits. :mrgreen:

How about using a small 6inch steel leader

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Thats all I use. 20lb, 6". I use the black coated ones when I dont want the fish to see, and I use the shiney silver with the silver beads on each end when I want some flash.