Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #16466

Dressed in a striking chrome finish with a blue honeycomb scale pattern along the back, this 3" (7.5cm) specimen is a classic example of the Bill Lewis lineup. Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), the lure features the iconic black spot and a vivid red gill slash that marks it as a staple for any serious tackle collection. The internal rattles are a hallmark of the 16466 product code, creating a distinct acoustic signature designed by Bill Lewis to be heard through the water. Looking closely at the hardware, the two original treble hooks are sharp and securely attached, reflecting its 5/5 condition rating. Lipless designs like this one are highly valued for their ability to cast great distances and sink quickly to reach holding fish in deeper structures. The blue-over-chrome aesthetic is particularly effective for mimicking natural forage like shad or shiners across various water conditions. Note the precise placement of the eye and the clean transition between the blue scaling and the reflective silver sides.