when should you use a swivel when useing hard baits?

I never use snap swivels.  It doesnt take much longer to tie a knot then change a swivel imo.

I do use swivels for carolina rig and fishing a fluke.  I will place the swivel about 18" abouve the lure and this will keep out line twist and add a little more weight to the lure.

I don't know when. But I use duolock snaps (no swivels) all the time.

Using a swivel is almost a must if you use spinning gear all the time to prevent the dreaded line twist using crankbaits, topwater baits, jerkbaits and spinner baits.

Chow

The Pa Angler

I never use a swivel with hard baits. If a swivel is going to cause a major improvement in lure action,

the manufacturer will supply a split-ring or swivel (they want their lures to work and to sell).

Whether spinning or casting I always try to avoid the use of extra hardware,

which is an added expense, an extra weed-trap and an eyesore.

           There are times nevertheless, when a plain swivel without a snap is very useful.

In freshwater, I use a Rosco Size-12 Black Barrel-Swivel (20-lb x 3/8).

Though I try to avoid the use of a swivel, 3 cases come to mind when they're very useful:

1. Carolina Rig

2. Live Bait Rig

3. Trolling (Sampo ball-bearing swivel)

Roger

I do not use a swivel and fish with plastic worms and other soft jerk baits a lot and I have been getting a lot of knots in the line. I am using an 8lbs stren original line.

I do not use a swivel and fish with plastic worms and other soft jerk baits a lot and I have been getting a lot of knots in the line. I am using an 8lbs stren original line.

What do you mean by "knots in the line"? If you're talking about tangles, a possible cause is not getting rid of the slack and letting loops form. Try to take out the slack as you retrieve and if you notice any loops on the spool, don't cast until after you pull the line out by hand, past the loop(s) and crank it back in under some tension.

I always called them birds nests. I pay close attention to slack and all and it seems as if the line gets tangled and won't straighten out. The line is brand new

I use snaps, but no swivels, with cranks, topwater plugs, and some minnow baits.

I use snaps, but no swivels, with cranks, topwater plugs, and some minnow baits.

Same for me....no swivels but in C-rig

NEVER.

This can limit the action of the lure.

Inline Spinners like Mepps or Blue Fox are the only thing I use a Snap Swival. A Strait Swival on all Drop Shot to stop twist and cRig.

Garnet

Just use Braid instead of mono and you won't get those "knots" anymore.

It will also improve sensitivity.

I always use a snap on most anything.   I always use  duolock snaps

When i use my spinning gear I always use a barrell swivel on the tag end with a leader I NEVER USE A SNAP SWIVEL at the lure it messes up the action too much.

I use a lot of Power pro for largie fishing. Most of my Smallie fishing is in drink water clear lakes and Power Pro is just to visable for me. I don't think the fish care but it drives me crazy. So I use Vanish (i pay for) instead of Power pro(i don't pay for) and add a swival to keep the twist out.

Garnet