Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, 1/2oz fishing lure #9578

Weighing in at 1/2 oz (14 g), this Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap (product code 9578) showcases a striking blue back marked with crisp black stripes reminiscent of a small mackerel. Measuring 3" (7.5 cm) in length, the lure features a brilliant chrome-to-gold transition on the lower body, highlighted by a distinct splash of pink under the chin. These flat-sided lipless crankbaits are defined by their internal rattles, which were engineered by Bill Lewis in the USA to be loud enough to transmit through the water and even a boat's hull. The hardware consists of two dark-finished treble hooks mounted to the belly and tail. This specific item is in 5/5 condition, maintaining its vibrant metallic finish and clear yellow-and-black eye detail. Its streamlined profile allows for long-distance casting and a rapid sink rate, making it suitable for deep-water retrieves or vertical jigging near wintering holes. The top-mounted line tie is positioned to maintain the classic nose-down posture as it moves through the water column.