I've been using some Mepps spinners this summer. I'm using standard Aglia, and Black Fury models in sizes 3 and 4.                                                    I've been tying my line directly to the spinners- with no swivel of any kind. So far, line twist hasn't been a problem, with dressed or plain spinners.                                   I've heard this is wrong, and that I should be using a ball bearing swivel. My question is, do you always use a swivel with you inline spinners? If so, what type do you like? A ball bearing snap swivel, or the type that ties on your line and is added several inches above the spinners?

I can't remember the last time I used a swivel with an inline spinner.

 

My experience - most of the line twist happens when you try burning the spinner...over-speed on retrieve is 90% of the cause of line twist based on my years of using them.

 

And it doesn't take much - a slow roll with a Weed Runner or Covert would be high speed for an Aglia or Roostertail.

My thoughts are that if It was necessary, Mepps would have added them directly to the lure years ago. 

I go without but have tried them just cause folks say you should, I see no difference, just another thing to pickup weeds to me.

I don't throw them often but when I do its always sans swivel 

1 hour ago, Cbump said:

My thoughts are that if It was necessary, Mepps would have added them directly to the lure years ago. 

 

Mepps are quality spinners made with good hardware.

 

Maybe with a cheaper spinner a swivel would be necessary. As MN Fisher said keep it slow. 

For a long time I tied directly to the spinner, then I tried a swivel to help with line twist.  I didn't notice any change in line twist so I started tying to the spinner again.

Use a size 1 black swivel clip, the extra hardware doesn’t affect the spinners action and good insurance regarding line twist using in-line spinners.

Tom

I always use a swivel with inline spinners.  The swivel does not hinder the lure in any way, and does help with line twist.  The reason Mepps spinners don't come with a swivel is the same reason why jigs don't come with a trailer.  No need to when people can add their own.  I add a barrel swivel to every inline spinner I make.  Spinners may not twist other peoples line, but they sure have twisted, my clients and my line many times.

I usually use a tiny barrel swivel about 12 inches above my spinner. I use the owner hyper micro barrel swivels. Those things are tiny. I figure the smaller the better.

I also use the owner hyperwire snaps at the spinner. It makes it easier to change colors and sizes.

I usually use 1/6 and 1/4 oz roostertails for bass.

When I used to throw them, Rooster Tails, I had to use a swivel.  Even then I would get line twist.  A keel weight helped but wasn’t perfect so I quit using them.

No swivel for me. I tie it straight to the line. I use a slow retrieve. Never had an issue with line twists.

I tie them directly to the line.  Never noticed any line twist.

I always install a swivel. Maybe just a minor insurance policy for me.

It has been a long time since I used an inline spinner. When I did I always used a swivel. I recently found a small Rooster Tail hanging in a tree. When I got it down it looked like it might be 1/16ounce bait. It had 2 snap swivels on it and a bullet weight on the line.

On 7/13/2022 at 10:50 PM, mrpao said:

I use the owner hyper micro barrel swivels. Those things are tiny.

 

I don't use a swivel with bass size spinners but on my smaller panfish/trout spinners I do since the smaller reels with crappier line rollers seem to be more prone to twist. That said, if you want to go swivel, theres no better way than the Owner Hyper Micro Barrel swivels.

Mepps spinners are deadly baits.  I first used them on vacation when trout fishing and they worked great.  They are not often used in Florida.  This is a mistake as they are some of the best schooling bass baits made.    I don't use a swivel.  If your Mepps spinner twists your line, you are fishing it too fast.