Rapala Countdown Elite Crankbaits 5.5cm 5g 0.9m Gilded Brown Trout

Rapala Countdown Elite — Precision Slow-Sinking Balsa Crankbait for Trout & Perch

The Countdown Elite (CDE) carries over 80 years of Rapala lure-making expertise into a thoroughly modern balsa crankbait — combining legendary slow-sinking action with upgraded hardware and striking finishes. The 5.5 cm / 5 g model in Gilded Brown Trout is a standout choice wherever trout and perch share the water.

Legendary Controlled Sink, Now with Flutter

The defining feature of the CountDown® series is its controlled slow-sinking method — letting you count the lure down to any depth in the water column before beginning your retrieve. The Elite takes this further with a seductive flutter on the drop, triggering reaction bites from fish that won't chase. At a running depth of 0.9 m, it tracks right through the strike zone in shallow runs, pools, and clear stillwaters.

Built Tougher, Cast Farther

The premium balsa body is reinforced by a wire-through construction that transfers the full force of a fighting fish directly to the line — not just the hook hangers. Heavy-duty split rings connect two VMC 7554 Black Nickel treble hooks (size #12), delivering reliable, sharp hooksets. The modern body profile maximises casting distance and accuracy, while the HD-printed Gilded Brown Trout colour layers metallic plating over a photo-realistic finish that holds up session after session.

Choose the Right Variant

The Countdown Elite is available in three body sizes and a wide range of colours. Match the size and colour to your target species, water clarity, and conditions:

4.5 cm / 3.5 g — Running depth 0.9 m | Hooks: 2× #12: Ideal for ultra-finesse presentations; best for smaller trout and perch in clear, shallow streams and ponds. Available in Gilded Brown Trout, Gilded Gold Orange, Gilded Ayu, Gilded Chartreuse Yamame, Gilded Yamame, Gilded Gold Shad, Gilded Red Belly, Gilded Wakasagi, Gilded Iwana, and more.
5.5 cm / 5 g — Running depth 0.9 m | Hooks: 2× #12 — e.g. Gilded Brown Trout (current):*** The versatile all-round size for trout and perch across a range of waters. Other colours include Gilded Gold Orange, Gilded Red Belly, Gilded Chartreuse Yamame, Gilded Yamame, Gilded Gold Shad, Gilded Ayu, Gilded Wakasagi, Gilded Pink Yamame, Gilded Silver Shad, Gilded Minnow, Gilded Vairon, Gilded Iwana, and more.
7.5 cm / 10 g — Running depth 1.2 m | Hooks: 2× #10: Steps up for larger perch, sea trout, and mixed predator fishing. Reaches deeper strike zones on lakes and larger rivers. Available in Gilded Brown Trout, Gilded Ayu, Gilded Red Belly, Gilded Yamame, Gilded Gold Shad, Gilded Wakasagi, Gilded Minnow, Gilded Silver Shad, Gilded Gold Orange, Gilded Vairon, and more.