How to Tie a Swivel to Your Fishing Line

Download Article

Use these quick knots to attach a fishing swivel

Co-authored by Michael Reynolds and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: November 6, 2024 References

Download Article

Simple Knot

|

Offshore Swivel Knot

|

Improved Clinch Knot

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Things You'll Need

If you need to attach a swivel to fishing line, you can do so using your choice of a few different knots. You can tie a simple knot, an offshore swivel knot, or an improved clinch knot. Choose whichever you find the easiest, as all 3 should keep your line firmly attached to the swivel.

Things You Should Know

Make a loop at the end of the line that's about 4 inches (10 cm) long, then feed the loop through 1 hook of the swivel.
Wrap the loop back, around, and through itself to make a simple knot, but don't tighten it just yet.
Feed the swivel through the end of the loop, then pull it taught to tighten the knot.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Simple Knot

Download Article

Fold the fishing line back over on itself about 4 inches (10 cm) from the end of the line to make a loop. Then, thread the loop through the swivel.^{[1]
X
Research source}
Wrap the loop around the line and tuck it through the hole that is created, as if you were going to tie a basic knot. Before you pull it tight, push the swivel through the original loop you made.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
After pushing the swivel through the loop, hold the swivel in 1 hand and the line in the other. Pull both ends firmly to tighten the knot.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Use scissors or a knife to trim the extra fishing line off. Be careful not to cut yourself!^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using an Offshore Swivel Knot

Download Article

Thread 1 end of the fishing line through the swivel, then thread that same end back through the swivel to create a loop. Twist the loop once right above the swivel.^{[5]
X
Research source}
Take the loop above the swivel and fold it back over the swivel so it overlaps the line. Put the fingers of 1 hand where the loop meets the line to hold it in place.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Rotate or spin the swivel through the opening of the loop and line 3 to 6 times. Ensure the swivel makes a full rotation each time to create coils in the line.^{[7]
X
Research source}
Hold the swivel in 1 hand and use the other hand to pull the line tight. This will cinch up the knot and secure the swivel to the line. There won’t be any excess that needs to be trimmed off.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Tying the Improved Clinch Knot

Download Article

Thread 1 end of the line through the eye of the swivel. Pull about 6 inches (15 cm) of line through the swivel then double it back against itself so it’s folded over the swivel.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Leave about 1 in (2.5 cm) of space between the swivel and the twists to create a loop. Twist the line 5 to 7 times, then bring the short end of the line through the loop just below the swivel.^{[10]
X
Research source}
It can be helpful to moisten the short line so you can grip it easily. Pull both the short end and the main line to tighten the knot against the swivel, but be careful that the coils don’t overlap. Trim off any excess line.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What's the best kind of knot to use to tie a swivel?

Michael Reynolds
Professional Fishing Instructor
Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

Michael Reynolds

Professional Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

The fastest, easiest, strongest knot is the Palomar knot, but you can also use the uni knot, the improved clinch knot, and the San Diego jam knot.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12