Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #7996

Dense black speckles layered over a translucent orange body give this Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap a unique, organic look. Weighing 1/2 oz (14 g), the sinking body is engineered for long-distance casting and high-speed retrieves where depth control is essential. This specific specimen, bearing product code 7996, measures 3" (7.5 cm) and carries the classic lipless profile characterized by a small dorsal fin and a flat head. The hardware consists of two bright silver treble hooks that show no signs of age, supporting the excellent 5/5 condition rating. Because this model houses loud internal rattles, it is a preferred choice for drawing attention in stained water where visibility is low. The lure's construction allows for a tight wobbling action that stays stable at various speeds, and it can even be worked vertically for deep-water jigging in wintering holes. Every detail on this American-made classic, from the dark-rimmed eye to the smooth finish, remains intact and well-preserved.