Rolling Barrel Swivels are the original and most common type of fishing swivels. They are certainly one of the topics in the fishing world. They can be very important and anglers need to know when and why to use a barrel swivel.

What is a rolling barrel swivel?

The rolling barrel swivel is simply consisted of a pivoting joint with two rings attached to either end. The joint in the middle is usually round, or sometimes a small barrel. It is a small “connector” with line and line or line and lure, ensuring each section can rotate independently of each other.

The purpose of a rolling barrel swivel:

• Connect main line and leader.
• Connect line and lure, also switch lure quickly.
• Prevent line twist.

When to use a rolling barrel swivel?

• When using different type of line.

In most cases, anglers will use two to four-foot section of line to make sure the lure is far enough away and its natural action is not impeded. The barrel swivel allows each section of line to be connected and rotate independently of each other. It also allows anglers to use two different types of line if needed.

For example, when fishing a fluke, many fishermen will use a braided line as the main line, or the line attached to the fishing reel. This allows for longer casts, better accuracy, and no-stretch hooksets. For the leader, or the line from the bottom of the barrel swivel to the lure or hook, anglers will oftentimes use fluorocarbon line. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible to fish but is typically stronger than monofilament. With this approach the angler’s finesse rig gets a strong setup that is invisible to fish. In this case, a barrel swivel is very helpful.

• When using spinning baits like spoons and spinner lures.

We know that some lures spin more than the others. A spoon lure and a spinner lure may twist and turn upon casting or retrieval, which may also weaken your line. Instead of avoiding these lures, using a barrel swivel can keep your line from twisting. So, use a barrel swivel when you are going to use spoons or spinner lures.

• When using fishing baits like senkos and pre-rigged worms.

Barrel swivels are also useful when fishing baits like weightless flukes, senkos, and pre-rigged worms. The constant flipping and twirling motion of these baits tend to cause line twist, bad hook sets and unnecessary breakages.

• When the line twist is a big deal.

1. Depends on your target fish species.
We know that a fish will try to escape while reeling it in. They will struggle and twist the line to try to free itself. The twisting weakens the line and may lead to breakage. For example, catfish spin and turn more than others while retrieving. In such cases, you’d better tie your line and lure with a barrel swivel. It will hold up to more powerful and fish more effectively because of its closed rings.

2. When fishing in deep water.
The barrel swivels are particularly useful when fishing in the ultra-deep water with a drop shot rig and the fishing line has the tendency to twist many times when reeling in. This twisting decreases the overall strength of the line and can cause breakage well below its poundage rating.

3. When the currents are strong.
We all want to keep a steady hand in the currents. Lines tend to twist in the currents when the lure is not connected with a swivel. Using a swivel in the currents will keep your line stable and fixed even if the lure is moving.

Using a swivel all the time is not necessary. Besides the times when you must use it, as mentioned earlier, you can keep those swivels away in other cases. It is best to keep one swivel ready in your fishing toolbox and use it for connecting different section of line, spinning baits, strong line twist, strong current, and active fish.