2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

[koolerb]

#1<br />I just spooled my first bait caster with Power Pro a few months back. Also first time using braided line. Do all of you use a mono leader with the braided? Does anyone tie off directly to the lure? I currently have a 14 lb mono leader on 20 lb Power Pro.<br /><br />#2<br />Crankbaits, Spoons, or Spinner baits, I've always used snap swivels to attach lure to line. Just about every lure manufacturer says to tie lures directly to line. I'm attempting to bump my fishing up a notch this year. Should I throw away my snap swivels? What do you guys do?

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

It all depends. When I am fishing clear water with a bait like a jig or rubber worm I'll use a fluro carbon leader. If the water is stained I'll just tie directly to the bait. When crankin, or spinner bait fishin I'll tie directly to the lure. Get good at tyeing a decent knot, you'll need it with the braid. I use the UNI knot. The polymer knot is also a good one. When attaching a leader I'll use a UNI to UNI. My snap swivels are collecting dust but I aint throwing them out.<br /><br />Go get yourself a good pair of nippers at the electrical supply store, you'll need em to cut the stuff easily. Also make sure you have a few beers in fridge for when you come home with your first big time backlash and you have to literally cut the line off the spool in a sawing fashion with a sharp blade.

 

[koolerb]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

Let me get this straight.<br /><br />Depends,<br />Uni Knot,<br />Palomar Knot,<br />Nippers,<br />Beer in the Fridge.<br /><br />Works for me! <br /><br />Thanks Flahthead

 

[JB]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

Depends. For toothy fish you need a steel or titanium leader. Walleye, pike and musky can all cut Power Pro. For finicky fish you might use a flourocarbon leader.<br /><br />For baits and lures that may spin and twist the line you need a Sampo ball bearing swivel with a coastlock snap. Any other snap swivel will leave you disappointed at least once.<br /><br />I use uni-knots for everything. Never had one fail.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

A snap swivel might not effects the spoon action at all but definetely adversely effects your crankbait and spinner bait. If you want to catch more fish, don't be lazy about tying knot. Unless you're fishing ultra clear water, you don't needs a fluoro leader. A 20lbs Powerbraid is so small in diameter anyway.

 

[Gone]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

This will be the first year that I'll not be using a swivel. I've become unhappy with the quality of the swivels, for one. For two, I'd like to improve my game. We'll see how it goes.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

Most people who complain about snap swivels often tried to use them too big and too cheap. Yes, a 50lb snap swivel will change the action of a 3/8oz. crankbait, but not even that much hardware can change a spinnerbait or spoon action. A twisted line will screw up any lure.<br /><br />When you use them, or a titanium leader, they must be small and light, ball bearing and cross lock or coast lock. I use titanium 20lb leaders with 20lb titanium ball bearing coast lock snaps when fishing for fish with teeth. My lures will usually be 3/4oz to 4oz. For Muskys and big pike I also use a shock leader of about 6' of 50lb Power Pro.<br /><br />Fishing for bucketmouths in murky water neither is of any use unless you change lures regularly (like I do).<br /><br />Fishing for trout, smallies or panfish in crystal clear waters a flourocarbon leader often helps, and a tiny "S" snap (no swivel) eases changing flies or lures.<br /><br />I lost too many (BIG!!) fish learning about quality terminal tackle. Avoid cheap stuff unless you don't care if you lose it, along with the fish of your life.

 

[koolerb]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

I use short steel leaders for pike. Have been using swivels for just about everything else, #1 out of laziness, #2 to try and reduce line twist. I fished a lot of spinners and spoons last year and they were tough on my line. I don’t think the swivels helped at all. I tried about three or four different brands ranging from cheap to ridiculous (expensive). I got the crank bait/jerk bait bug this winter and stocked up, so line twist shouldn’t be as much of a problem fishing those.<br /><br />Thanks for all the input.

 

[AJ168]

Re: 2 Questions - Power Pro / Swivels

Another thing about the braid- never, ever wrap it around your hand and pull. You'll be cut down to the bone. (trust me I know) Carry a stick or something to wrap the line around if you must yank on it by hand.