The lineup of SNFU appearing on If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish formed in June 1985 for touring in support the band's debut album, ...And No One Else Wanted to Play.

It was during this period that material from If You Swear, You'll Catch No Fish was first performed live, including early songs like "The Ceiling" and "Mind Like a Door".

[5] As with their debut, many songs featured music primarily written by guitarist Marc Belke and lyrics by vocalist Ken Chinn.

Card was replaced by Winnipeg drummer Ted Simm for the supporting tours, which would be largest upon which the band had embarked at that time.

Its cover features a sculpture by Edmonton artist Blake Senini and graphics by longtime SNFU associate Ken Hansen.