Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 3/4oz Smokey Joe (RT05) fishing lure #20524

A substantial weight of 3/4oz (21g) gives this Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap the heft needed for long-distance casts and reaching deeper water columns quickly. Dressed in the classic Smokey Joe (RT05) pattern, the 3 1/2" (9cm) body displays a subtle silver-gold gradient transition, punctuated by a bold black head patch and vibrant red accents on the nose and tail. This vintage find, cataloged under product code 20524, features the iconic black lateral spot and a yellow eye that has guided many successful retrieves. The condition is a solid 4/5, showing light evidence of its history on the original metal treble hooks while maintaining the integrity of the USA-made finish. Its internal rattle chamber is engineered for maximum auditory impact, a technical feature designed to draw fish from a distance. The flat-sided profile and small dorsal fin help this lure maintain its orientation while sinking toward structure or being worked through stained water. Heavy-duty split rings secure the hardware, ensuring it stands up to the strike of a bass or lake trout.