Articles & Other Destinations
Beyond East Texas
I have fished in Alaska, Minnesota, Washington, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, Florida, and other places. I can make suggestions to help you plan that special fishing vacation.
I'll periodically post articles about these other places, just click on the title that interests you and be taken to that article.
Article, Clip Swivel vs Knot
Tue Jul 28, 2015
Article, Clip Swivel vs Knot. Some people just don't like to tie knots.
I often talk to fishermen, especially those that fish from the shore, to get fishing information. When I do this, I am constantly surprised by the number of fishermen who use clip swivels to connect their hooks or lures to the line. These are easy to use, and make it very quick to change hooks or lures. There are three problems, however, with using these clips.
The first is that they actually interfere with the fish's bite, particularly when fishing for smaller fish, such as bream or perch, typical shore fishing targets. The extra weight and size of the swivel and clip, being right next to the hook, can keep the fish from getting the hook into its mouth easily.
A related problem, and happens when fishermen with lures use the swivel clips to attach the lure. This can become a big problem when using lipped crank baits, such as Rapala minnows or short square bills. The weight and inflexibility of the swivel will dampen the action of the lure, making it less effective.
The third problem is that the most common, and cheapest, of these swivels are the brass "safety pin" type, which can easily become unsnapped and release the hook, leader, or lure under pressure from a large fish or snag. These clips don't have a little catch to prevent the wire from slipping out of the receiver.
A swivel is important, and does prevent the line from twisting, especially when used with some lures. An alternative to the snap swivel is a barrel swivel, which is just two metal loops with the swivel in between, and then tying the lure or hook directly onto a leader line. This will allow the hook or lure maximum movement, and still provide the untwisting action of the swivel.
A simple, useful, and easy knot to use is variously called the improved clinch, the universal, and the Stren knot, among other names. This knot is tied by passing the leader through the eye of the hook or lure, then bringing the end back and twisting it around itself 5 times. The tag end is then passed through the loop that is made next to the eye , back up through the loop that is made, then tightened. This being one of the most common knots used for mono, illustrations can be easily found, often on fishing line packages. Properly tied, this knot has a strength rating that is around 90 per cent of the line's rating.
Using this combination of barrel swivel and knot should improve the presentation to fish, the hook up rate, and feel to the fisherman.
Jim
Newer Other Destinations
If you're interested, you can see what the conditions on Lake Palestine were like on:
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If you're interested, you can see what the conditions on Lake Palestine were like on:
