Museum Archive: Vintage Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap Floater, 1/3oz fishing lure #9989

Stamped clearly with the word "FLOATER" on its chrome-plated side, this particular Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap offers a different approach than its sinking counterparts. Weighing 1/3oz (9.5g) and measuring 3" (7.5cm) in length, it carries the classic lipless profile that collectors and anglers immediately recognize. The color scheme features a brilliant chrome body reflecting light under a deep blue back, accented with a black side spot and a subtle red splash beneath the nose. A set of yellow eyes provides a nice focal point on the head. This specimen, carrying product code 9989, is in excellent condition, rated 5/5. The hardware consists of two sharp treble hooks and a sturdy split ring on the top-mounted line tie. Because this is the floater model, it excels when worked over shallow vegetation or structure where a tight wobbling action is needed without the risk of snagging on the bottom. The loud internal rattles are a hallmark of the Bill Lewis brand, designed to provoke strikes through sound as much as visual flash.