Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #16249

Black scales intricately cross the dorsal section of this 1/2 oz (14 g) lipless crankbait, transitioning into shimmering silver sides and an orange-tinged belly. Bearing product code 16249, this 3" (7.5 cm) Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap remains a staple for its signature tight wobbling action and internal rattles that generate significant sound underwater. A prominent black spot sits just behind the amber-toned eye, providing a high-contrast target for predators. The hardware consists of two original-style treble hooks, showing the care taken in its preservation, resulting in a condition rating of 5/5. This USA-made specimen is weighted to allow for long casts and a rapid sink rate, making it a reliable tool for covering large areas of water or vertical jigging near deep structure. Its design is intended to trigger strikes from neutral fish by utilizing sound that can be heard through the hull of a boat.