swivel or direct tie ?

I picked up a handfull of little cleos for a trip to Lake Michigans tributaries this weekend and my question is this,should I tie directly to the spoon or use a swivel (there are no split rings)?

Im not sure what little Cleos are but I would go with either a snap swivel or just a snap. Not sure how much action or twisting action they have but if there is a good amount I would go with the snap swivel.

Just my .02

They are a spoon that wobbles,and line twist may be a problem,I hadn’t even considered that.My concern was tying direct looks like it might make it easy to cut the line,but I don’t want to negativly effect the action of the spoon.
Thanx for bringing up line twist.

What Eric said but a small ball bearing swivel

I like it..but I know from past encounters nothing “small” will hold em.I will pick up some bearing swivels,and thanx for the reply.

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I like it..but I know from past encounters nothing “small” will hold em.I will pick up some bearing swivels,and thanx for the reply.

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Make sure you have fresh line and lots of it! Those chinooks can strip you blind…..good luck and have fun!

yes sir! break rods,scrap reels and drag systems,and SCORCH line off.I’m also takin a 9 weight,that will stop em

I’ve used them on superior and michigan and I would say get some split rings, why they did not have them is odd, and some good sampo swivel snaps. By the way I’ve used a 9-10 weight fly rod with ten pound test with an open face and when a fresh king decides to leave there is no stopping them! Except if you use 17lb maxima chamelian, the stuff is like cable, your pole will snap first.

I don’t know why there were no split rings either,I didn’t notice it till I got home.
I hear ya on the junked equipment,my wife and I have made this trip for six or seven years now,and it was a learning process.First busted rods,then junked drags,then junked reels.When I finally got the eqipment right it was bent treble hooks,did you know there are “salmon grade” trebles? I didn’t.Then you’ll see a kid land one with a zebco combo and plain hook….

Little Cleo’s have great action, you dont need a split ring.. Yes, you do need a good swivel. Stiffer lines also work better to reduce or eliminate line twist. Many lines out there are so limp they will twist before the swivel.

If your shore fishing.. as Dean said, make sure you have a high capacity reel and a ton of line, its not uncommon for them to run 100 yards. Once you get them turned, be sure to get them all the way in or they will do it again.

If your casting with spinning equipment, be sure you have a good quality reel. I recommend the Okuma Epixor’s and they will hold up to the abuse. My #1 in problem in the past has been cooked drags, and grooved line rollers which has happened many times(line burns into it). Get a good reel and you wont have those problems.

Quantity of line is very important… your not going to stop them from running with any line. They will snap you off, or rip the hooks out 1st.

Dont overlook crank baits. I dont even use spoons anymore.
Cranks have taken all my kings the last two trips. In main lake and in rivers. Just take a look at what you already have. Find things with orange, chrome, yellow, BRIGHT. The only limitation is real small trebles.

Little cleo’s will catch almost every species of fish there is. Greats spoons but a swivel is a must.

As a teenager fishing Lake Michigan for salmon and trout all I used were Little Cleo’s and Kastmaster spoons. I always figured it was the naked lady on the back that attracted the fish. Yes use a good snap swivel.

These are great lures….
I’ve used them on the big pond a bunch and they work great on the river here also..anything from northerns to bass,
I like to tie on with a loop knot and then attach the leader to a good swivel….seems to help the action.