Knot vs. swivel question

[Fishin-N-Wishin]

I looked for a while for another thread that addressed this question. So I hope 1) this isn't too stupid a question and 2) I don't double post. The question is, what are the real differences between using knots between leader and main line vs. tieing to a barrell swivel or snap swivel etc. line to leader? I typically bottom fish but do occassionally troll for the "We need a bigger boat" type fish. Help this recreational government dictated fisherman understand.
Thanks

[DropinBack]

One of the main reasons is to prevent line twists...
Another reason is to have a heavier leader then main line...

[rarhomes]

Use swivels for bottom fishing and use (good) ball bearing snap swivels for trolling.

NO swivels for lure (casting) or live bait fishing. Tie leader direct to Bimini via "no name knot", double surgeons loop or back to back uni knot.

[DropinBack]

rarhomes... what about if im casting a spoon haha?

[Fishin-N-Wishin]

Thanks, but I use BB swivels and other swivels just for ease of use, I guess. To clarify, I'm curious, do the swivels "compromise" the line as opposed to tieing line to leader? And, rarhomes if one uses a long enough leader, say 6', is the swivel really seen by the fish in reference to your "live bait" offering. Curious...

[rarhomes]

rarhomes... what about if I'm casting a spoon haha?

Tie a 2' mono leader direct to your double line, NO PROBLEMS, don't use a swivel if you don't have to. Others fish will bite the swivel and cut you off.

If you are fishing for toothy critters use a small swivel and a short piece of #5 or #6 wire.

If I had to use wire I would prefer to use - a wire leader tied with an allbrite knot to a mono shock leader (about 2') tied to my double line ( with the knots mentioned earlier).

[rarhomes]

Thanks, but I use BB swivels and other swivels just for ease of use, I guess. To clarify, I'm curious, do the swivels "compromise" the line as opposed to tieing line to leader? And, rarhomes if one uses a long enough leader, say 6', is the swivel really seen by the fish in reference to your "live bait" offering. Curious...

I believe a 6' to 8" leader is OK for trolling but a longer leader is needed for live bait (say 12' to 15') and without a swivel.

To say a swivel compromises the line strength, the answer is "no" it doesn't as long as you start with a double line (via Bimini twist) and you tie your knots correctly.

[Fish-N-Fool]

Wind-on using swivels...
Spro and Billfisher both manufacture small stainless barrel swivels capable of passing easily through the rod eyes. There are two ways to rig with swivels. First method is to construct a typical leader with lure/hook but crimp an 80 or 130lb swivel to the end of the leader in place of an offshore loop. The swivel is simply tied to the main fishing line with your favorite knot.

A second method is to use 25' of leader material. Crimp a swivel to one end with a snap swivel on the other. This leader is tied to the main line and becomes a permanent wind-on leader. Construct each of your rigs/lures with a five foot piece of fluorocarbon leader material. Finish them off with a small offshore loop or attach a barrel swivel for connection to the snap swivel. The short leaders have the advantage of not tangling or becoming an unruly mess. Some anglers argue the snap swivel connection is too close for leader leery fish. In this case the leader length can be adjusted. Reducing the wind-on leader to 22' allows an 8' lure leader, etc. When using a swivel wind-on it is important to remember that after the swivel is wound onto the reel it is necessary to point the rod towards the fish if it makes a run to prevent the swivel from hanging up on rod guides under tension. This may sound worrisome, but becomes second nature in short time.

Conventional Wind-on...
Wind-on leaders can be purchased for about 10 bucks in mono and 20 for fluorocarbon. If you have an evening of time to spare, leaders can be constructed. Conventional wind-ons creates a solid main line/leader connection that passes effortlessly through the rod guides. The wind-on is normally 25 feet in length with a snap swivel on one end, to which a five foot lure/bait leader is attached. As mentioned before, these lengths can be adjusted to your preference. The main component used constructing the system is a 48" piece of braided Dacron which is used as a sleeve for the leader. Dacron is manufactured in the form of a hollow tube. The leader material is inserted into the Dacron which acts as a Chinese handcuff. The harder the leader is pulled the tighter the Dacron tightens its grip on the leader. The whole system is based on friction. Mono or fluorocarbon leaders can be constructed to any poundage desired, just match the leader and Dacron poundage.

You should find ample information on this website of how to construct wind-on leaders. If you cannot find a method you are comfortable with, send me a PM and I will send you photos and step by step instruction of my method.

[Fishin-N-Wishin]

Fish-N-Fool,
I've read quite a bit of material on this and other forums about wind-on leaders and the use of HC spectra and the chinese cuff. Problem is, it's been a while since I've read the material and secondly never had the opportunity to apply it. I've always used swivels to attach my bait/leader line to include wire. With the knots I tie, I've knot had one fail yet (knock on wood.) I would really be interested to have and will take your offer of an illustrated version of the knots, wind-ons and bait leaders. Caution: I've never had to tie a bimini twist or spider knot. I've never had reason in my mind. What little I have in it! The more info I can get, the better. And, finally apply it!