Barrel swivel

General Fishing Discussion
1

Rookie question but how do you know the size or rating of a barrel swivel? I see the REF NO. and size on the pack but what does that mean? Are they all the same? I would think not but how do you tell their strength?
Thanks

2

Like all tackle, they have a pound rating. Match your components on the set-up with the same pound rating. Remember, the terminal tackle is what can fail and lose fish. Just my 2 cents worth.

GW 232GT Gulfstream
150Yam x 2
“3rd Day”
Gen. Chap.1 Vs.9-13

3
quote:
Originally posted by In Pursuit

Like all tackle, they have a pound rating. Match your components on the set-up with the same pound rating. Remember, the terminal tackle is what can fail and lose fish. Just my 2 cents worth.

GW 232GT Gulfstream
150Yam x 2
“3rd Day”
Gen. Chap.1 Vs.9-13

Agreed, next to reference number and size they normally say #20,#30 or whatever pound test they are rated for. Nothing sucks worse than losing a fish due to equipment failure. I also re-rig my stuff pretty often just to be sure the knots are ok and there are no bad places in the line. Just so in the rare event I actually do catch a fish my gear is up to the task :wink:

4

That makes sense but I have the package in my hands and there is nothing about ratings on them. They are Mustad and they are size 10. Thats all I know. Maybe I just bought some cheap stuff, I don’t know. Thanks for the replies.

5

I like to use as small but as strong terminal tackle I can. I use some VERY small looking barrell swivels that are rated to 80 Lbs when I am trolling off-shore, and those same ones are also what I use inshore if a swivel is needed, becasue they are so small and strong.
i asked my local takle store to point me in the right direction, initially. The packages should be clearly marked w/ ratings to assist you, and there are plenty of styles/sizes/Lb tests to choose from.

Hope that helps some.

6

Bottom line is, don’t buy cheap $^&*. It will fail and usually when the fish is at the boat and you get to see what got away. (ref:Friday during FFM, wire failed BIG fish lost)

GW 232GT Gulfstream
150Yam x 2
“3rd Day”
Gen. Chap.1 Vs.9-13

7
quote:
Originally posted by In Pursuit

Bottom line is, don’t buy cheap $^&*. It will fail and usually when the fish is at the boat and you get to see what got away. (ref:Friday during FFM, wire failed BIG fish lost)

GW 232GT Gulfstream
150Yam x 2
“3rd Day”
Gen. Chap.1 Vs.9-13

Amen!

8

I had the same question. I Googled the individual brands and found that there is appearently no standard for size vs. test strength. Even in the same brand there is a difference in the strength of different lines or styles that that brand makes.

If it’s not on the package, Google exactly what you have to find the strength.

Stinger-144, 50 Yamaha 2 str

9

Thanks guys for the information and help.

10

Size 10 is usually 30#.

Excuses? I’ve heard them all!

11

I finally had a pack of mine handy, I believe it is “SRPO” or something like that…it is listed as a #6, but is VERY small and is 80# test. They do not get much smaller in most stores, just ‘weaker’