Bib Angle and Size: How Lure Design Shapes Your Fishing Success

When it comes to choosing the right lure, many anglers focus on colour or size, but one often overlooked factor can make a huge difference: the bib. The angle and size of a lure’s bib play a critical role in determining how it performs in the water, from diving depth to action style. Understanding these subtle design differences can help you select the perfect lure for your target species and fishing environment.

At Strike Force Lures, we design our lures with precision, taking into account how each bib’s shape, size, and angle impact performance. Here’s what every angler needs to know about bib design and how it affects your fishing success.

What is the Bib?

The bib (or lip) is the angled plate at the front of a lure, usually made from plastic or metal. It serves two main purposes:

1. Diving Depth: Determines how deep the lure goes.

2. Action Style: Influences the wobble, roll, or darting motion of the lure.

The size, shape, and angle of the bib dictate how the lure interacts with the water as it’s retrieved, creating lifelike movements that attract fish.

Bib Angle: Shallow vs. Deep Diving Lures

The angle of the bib is one of the most important factors in determining a lure’s diving depth.

• Shallow Diving Lures: These have steeper bib angles (closer to vertical) or shorter bibs.

  • Action: Often tight and quick, producing a rapid wobble or slight shimmy.

  • Use Case: Ideal for surface and near-surface fishing, especially in rivers, estuaries, and shallow lakes. Perfect for targeting species that feed close to the top, like bass or barramundi in shallow waters.

• Deep Diving Lures: These feature longer bibs with a shallow angle (closer to horizontal).

  • Action: A wide, exaggerated wobble that’s slower and more noticeable.

  • Use Case: Best for reaching fish hiding in deep holes, ledges, or structure. Great for targeting Murray Cod or other species that tend to lurk in the depths.

    
    

Bib Size: Subtle Movements vs. Wide Sweeps

Bib size impacts the lure’s drag, which in turn affects its action.

• Smaller Bibs: Create a subtler, tighter wobble.

  • Advantages: Mimic small baitfish or insect movements, ideal for clear water and skittish fish.

  • Drawback: Less noticeable in murky water or at greater depths.

• Larger Bibs: Generate more drag, creating a wide, sweeping wobble.

  • Advantages: Perfect for murky water, where visibility is low. The larger movement helps fish locate the lure using their lateral line.

  • Drawback: Increased resistance can make them harder to retrieve for extended periods.

    
    

Action: What Anglers Should Look For

When choosing between a deep diver with a wide wobble and a shallow diver with a tight shimmy, consider these factors:

1. Fishing Depth

• For shallow water, opt for a lure with a steep-angled or short bib. These lures won’t dive too deep and are great for working near-surface structures like weed beds or snags.

• In deeper waters, choose a lure with a long bib and shallow angle to ensure you’re reaching the strike zone where fish are hiding.

2. Target Species

Different species respond to different types of action:

• Wide Wobble: Works well for aggressive fish that rely on vibration and noise to track prey. Perfect for large species like Murray Cod and Barramundi.

• Tight Action: Better suited for smaller or more cautious fish that feed on subtle prey movements, like trout or bream.

3. Water Clarity

• In clear water, a natural-looking lure with a tight action and smaller bib works best.

• In murky water, a large-bibbed lure with a wide action and strong vibration is more effective.

  
  

Why Bib Design Matters in Strike Force Lures

At Strike Force Lures, we’ve perfected the art of tailoring bib designs to suit Australian freshwater fishing conditions. Every lure is tested and fine-tuned to ensure it delivers the desired action, whether it’s for shallow or deep waters. Our lures are designed to:

• Dive to the right depth based on target species and water conditions.

• Create a unique action that mimics natural prey movements.

• Be durable enough to handle Australia’s tough fishing conditions.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Bib for the Job

While colour and size often grab the spotlight, understanding how bib design influences a lure’s performance can give you an edge. Whether you’re after a shallow diver with a subtle shimmy or a deep diver with a bold wobble, taking the time to match your lure to the conditions will pay off in more bites and bigger fish.

Next time you’re browsing lures, take a closer look at the bib — because sometimes, success is all about the details.