Snap Swivels

Snap Swivels Buying Guide

Snap swivels help reduce line twist while making it quicker to change lures, traces, sinkers and rigs. They are useful for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in New Zealand, especially when using spinning lures, spoon lures, strayline rigs, ledger rigs or surfcasting setups.

Choosing the Right Snap Swivel Size

The best option depends on the fish you are targeting, the gear you are using and how much strain the swivel may take during casting or fighting a fish.

• 8kg to 9kg snap swivels: Best suited to light fishing, trout lures, small soft baits, small kahawai, baitfish rigs and light harbour fishing.
• 18kg snap swivels: A good general option for kahawai, trevally, smaller snapper, light boat fishing and everyday saltwater rigs.
• 22kg to 30kg snap swivels: Better for stronger surfcasting setups, snapper fishing, heavier sinkers and mixed inshore species.
• 43kg to 60kg snap swivels: Suited to heavy surfcasting, larger sinkers, stronger traces and bigger saltwater species where extra strength is needed.

When to Use Smaller Snap Swivels

Smaller snap swivels are a good choice when presentation matters. Trout, wary kahawai and smaller inshore fish may respond better to lighter terminal tackle. A smaller swivel also adds less weight near the lure, which can help keep the lure action more natural.

When to Use Larger Snap Swivels

Larger snap swivels suit heavier fishing where casting force, sinker weight and fish size create more pressure. They are a better match for surfcasting rigs, larger bait presentations and stronger traces used around beaches, rocks and harbour channels.

Pack Size Guide

Smaller pack sizes are handy for heavy-duty swivels that are used less often. Larger 50 packs are useful for everyday tackle boxes, especially when fishing regularly or making multiple rigs at home before a trip.

Fishing Tip

Match the snap swivel to the line, rod and target fish. A swivel that is too light can become a weak point. However, an oversized swivel can look bulky and may affect lure action, especially when fishing clear water or targeting trout.