Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #8859

Radiant purple tones transition smoothly into a vibrant pink before fading into a pearlescent belly on this classic 1/2 oz (14 g) specimen. This Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, carrying product code 8859, features the iconic cross-hatched scale texture that helped define the standard for modern lipless crankbaits. Measuring 3 in (7.5 cm), the lure is equipped with two sharp, silver-finish treble hooks and a sturdy top-mounted line tie positioned on its characteristic flat forehead. The dark iris of the eye remains crisp against the purple-to-pink gradient, which provides high visibility in various water clarities. Known for the internal rattles that give the model its name, this sinking lure is a staple for casting across expansive flats or jigging vertically over deep wintering holes. The hardware shows no signs of use, and the finish is impeccably preserved. This specimen is unused and is rated 6 for condition.