Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #17131

Chrome plating with a distinctive purple-to-blue gradient along the spine defines the aesthetic of this vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. Weighing in at 1/2oz (14g), this 3" (7.5cm) lipless bait carries the character of a well-fished lure, showing light wear on the metallic finish from honest use. This American-made specimen, cataloged under product code 17131, features the legendary internal rattle chamber that Bill Lewis pioneered to trigger strikes from neutral fish. The side profile is marked by a yellow eye near the nose and a black target spot mid-body, while a soft red blush accents the bottom front. These visual cues are paired with a sinking design that allows for deep coverage or vertical jigging presentations in colder months when fish are grouped around deep structures. Its construction lacks a traditional diving lip, relying on the flat-head design to create its signature tight wobbling movement during the retrieve. With two original treble hooks attached, this lure sits at a 4/5 condition rating, showing visible surface scuffs that verify its history in the tackle box. The chrome finish remains bright enough to provide plenty of flash in both stained and clear water environments.