What categories of baits do you like using swivels for as opposed to just tying a knot. Obviously swivels prevent line twist and I know some people just use them all the time but which types (jerkbaits, jigs, plastics, spinner, topwater, ect) really warrant the swivel and why?

Are you referring to a snap-swivel or just a snap?  I occasionally use snaps when I'm fishing crankbaits and often changing them but I think a swivel will inhibit the action of your lure if you are regularly using them.

Any lure that severely causes line twist, that would be inline spinners. Light weight clips, no swivel,  are often used for diving crank baits.  Otherwise tie direct and re tie often.

Tom

I think you're referring to snap swivels.  They aren't the best thing to use for connecting your bait.  If you need to, use just a snap, like a Duo-Loc snap.  I mostly use #2 and #3 size snaps.  If you want to eliminate line twist from certain baits, attach a swivel (not a snap swivel) with a split ring, and tie to the swivel.  If you're super lazy (like me) you can attach a snap to you're line, and the snap to the swivel, creating a durable snap swivel set up.  Snap swivels are meant to thread up the main line and attach a bell sinker weight for a trolling rig.  They rarely hold up to the impact of hooksets in bass fishing.

 

I usually connect my braid to flouro leader with either a knot or a swivel, it's this connection point I was talking about thanks 

Your title is misleading, bait type when you mean leader.

Spro micro swivels are used for this however 2 knots to connect the leader and another knot for the lure. FC knot failure is common and 2 FC knots is asking for trouble imo.

If the swivel runs through the rod tip under the force of fighting a bass the guide rind can be damaged or knocked out of the frame.

Too many down sides.

Tom

Yeah, it's super misleading.  The ONLY time I would a swivel like that would be for something like a pre-rigged worm that spins on the retrieve.  I don't fish Carolina Rigs, but that necessitates a swivel.  A donkey rig with two flukes is another that requires two swivels to rig.  I can't think of any other rigs.  As far as connecting braid to leader, I try to avoid leaders when I can, and use straight braid or straight fluoro.  If I must add a leader to braid, I use an Alberto knot.