home-tied spinners

[hawgman]

My teenage son was home from school for a few days last week. Maybe it was just cabin fever, because while he was sitting around he tied about 20 double-hook spinners. He said they're for the Canadian trip we have planned for July. I am thrilled he's looking forward to the trip and for the most part was very pleased with the quality of his work.

However, instead of tying a loop to clip the spinner to the line, he used a swivel. Will this work? My concern is that the the entire spinner (including the crawler) will twirl when pulled through the water...not just the clevis and blade. Isn't the crawler suppose to "swim" through the water? And what about line twist? Will the swivel help or hurt?

He sees this as "an upgrade" from the spinners I make and I don't want to dampen his enthusiasm...especially if he's right.

Thanks

[Colin]

When I tie spinners I also put a swivel on the end. I wrap my rigs around the foam pipe insulation with a slit in it and it makes it easier to keep. I don't think it will effect the operation of the rig.

Enjoy this season
Colin Crawford

[The Great Guide]

Yes! That is the way to do it, sort of. I use what is called an "ANT". An ant is a swivel with loops at either end instead of a clip. These are available at all tackle stores. I would get a packet of ants and have him try them. Then you tie your line right to the ant and you don't need a snap swivel. TGG

[moose]

Not exactly sure which end you are speaking of. If you are refering to the end, way opposite the hooks, which would be near the sinker. Then, either a over hand knot of a loop OR a barrell swivel would work fine. Doesn't matter realy where the swivle is in the line as long as you have one between the hooks and the reel. Otherwise, look out for line twists. The advantage of using an over hand knot and snap lock swivel is ease / speed of changing. Barrell swivel causes a person to re tie.
If you are asking if a barrell swivel would work, instead of a "D" shaped metal clevis that slides through blade, attaching blade to line? I don't think so... But you never know. The barrell swivel may work similar to a black or yellow or red, quick change plastic cleivs.
Sounds like a experimentation project for dad and son!

[MUSIC MAN]

HAWG, I TIE MY OWN SPINNERS WITH A SWIVEL AND HAVE NO TROUBLE WITH THEM . I ALSO RAP THEM AROUND THOSE STYROFOAM SWIMMIES, THE KIDS USE IN THE POOL TO KEEP THEM AFLOAT. AND THE HOOKS GO IN THEM EASY. VERY VERY CHEAP AT THE POOL STORE . STORES THEM IN THE BOAT NICE , JUST CUT THE FOAM ABOUT 12-16 INCHES LONG OR AS LONG AS NEEDED .YOU ARE VERY LUCKY YOUR SON WANTS TO BE WITH YOU . MINE JUST WANT TO BE WITH THE GIRLS ALL THE TIME

[hockeybum66]

Hawg-

I tie my harnesses that way also. When I set my rig, I tie a clip on my main line so I can clip the barrel swivel or "ant" to the clip for easy change of harnesses. I also like the clip because I can switch to a crank bait or spoon without having to re-tie every time.

[GORD]

The ant swivel will work fine. Ask him to make you a few. Run the spinner beside the boat just to be sure. Be sure to tell him you like the idea. If you don't.... he might not share his future new ideas which might be even better. Buy him a few packages of quick change clevises to try also.