Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz Chrome Shad fishing lure #19505

Gleaming Chrome Shad finishes the metallic sides of this 1/2 oz (14 g) lipless crankbait, a signature colorway for the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. Listed under product code 19505, this American-made classic features a detailed blue scale pattern along the dorsal surface and a high-visibility orange belly for contrast. A prominent black shad spot sits just behind the head, drawing focus toward the center of the lure where the belly treble is mounted. In a 5/5 condition, the reflective plating and hardware remain in top form, ready for casting across flats or deep-water jigging. The internal rattles are designed to produce a specific low-frequency sound that resonates through the water column, aiding in detection when fishing in stained or murky environments. This specimen retains its original sharp treble hooks and yellow-and-black eyes, making it a functional addition for targeting bass, pike, or striped bass.