A swivel is a small item of terminal tackle which essentially consists of two rings connected to a barrel-shaped pivoting point.
The main purpose of a swivel, once incorporated into a rig, is to enable line to untwist and prevent tangles. Over the years, however, there have been various types of swivels designed which serve a host of different purposes. These are the main types that carp anglers will need in their armoury...
TRY OUT THE BEST RIGS FOR YOUR CARP FISHING TO HELP YOU LAND MORE FISH ON YOUR NEXT SESSION.
1. Spinner swivel
These relatively new additions to the market have been designed specifically for use with spinner/Ronnie rig arrangements. Whereas anglers originally used quick-change clips, the wider clip on this version enables the hook to be quickly changed without the need to open or close the wire.
2. Micro rig swivel
Handy little swivels that are primarily used for hookbait attachment as opposed to a standard hair rig. They can be used sliding directly on the shank of the hook in conjunction with a small rubber stop to prevent them from sliding past a certain position, or on a D-rig arrangement.
3. PVA bag swivel
A quick and easy way to attach a mesh PVA bag. Pass the knot through the pear-shaped ring and slide it into the narrow section to secure it in place – a great way of using larger bags without putting additional stress on your hooklink during the cast when attaching a bag to your hook.
4. Drop-off quick-change
Designed specifically for use with drop-off inline lead systems, these swivels have a standard ring at one end which fixes into the lead, and then a large ring which your leader, which runs over the outside of the lead, can be spliced on to. Your hooklink can then be attached to the second ring.
5. Ring swivel
A ring swivel has a larger ring attached to one of the rings exiting the central body. A size 8 can be used inside lead clips and inline leads, the larger ring acting as a hinge between lead system and hooklink. Size 11 versions are forhelicopter set-ups, the large ring rotating around the mainline or leader.
6. Rolling swivel
These are the standard type of swivels you’ll find on the shelves of every tackle shop in the land, and have equal sized rings at either end. The main purpose of this traditional pattern of swivel is to join your mainline or leader to the hooklink while eradicating line twist.
7. Big eye swivel
These are very similar to a standard swivel but, as the name suggests, one of the rings is bigger than the other. They’re excellent for use with running rigs, as the larger eye enables the line to pass through with minimal resistance. These can also be used for helicopter set-ups.
8. Quick-change swivel
Quick-change swivels have a ring at one end and a crook-shaped clip at the other. This arrangement enables you to easily attach a hooklink by means of a loop tied in the end, and it makes switching between hooklengths a doddle – so no excuse for not trying a new bait if one fails to produce!
THE BEST CARP RODS WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR RIGS OUT TO THE CARP WIH PINPOINT ACCURACY.
