Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5cm 14g Gilded Gold Ayu

Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5cm 14g – Gilded Gold Ayu – Controlled Sink, Maximum Attraction

The Countdown Elite in Gilded Gold Ayu brings Rapala's legendary balsa craftsmanship into the modern era, combining a seductive slow-sink flutter with a metallic HD finish that catches every shaft of light beneath the surface.

Handcrafted Balsa Action That Fish Can't Resist

Built from natural balsa wood, the Countdown Elite (CDE) delivers the lifelike wobbling action Rapala has refined over decades. As it sinks at a controlled, predictable rate, it flutters temptingly – giving perch and trout ample time to strike. The Gilded Gold Ayu finish layers metallic sheen over a realistic baitfish pattern, making it especially effective in clear to lightly coloured water.

Modern Construction for Distance and Durability

Despite its classic balsa core, the Countdown Elite is built for today's demands: a through-wire construction and heavy-duty split rings ensure the lure holds together under the pressure of hard-fighting fish, while an aerodynamic body shape delivers casting distances and accuracy that older countdown designs couldn't match. Two 2X strong Black Nickel treble hooks by VMC provide reliable, sharp hook-ups on every bite.

Choose the Right Variant

All variants share the same 9.5cm, 14g sinking balsa body and VMC 2X strong Black Nickel treble hooks. Colour is the key differentiator – match your choice to water clarity, light conditions, and target species:

• Gilded Gold Ayu – warm golden tones with a subtle translucent baitfish pattern; excellent in clear water for perch and trout, particularly on bright days

• Gilded Firetiger – high-contrast green/orange chartreuse; strong choice in coloured or turbid water

• Gilded Chartreuse Yamame – chartreuse base with a trout-like pattern; versatile in low-light conditions

• Gilded Yamame – natural trout imitation; ideal for trout fishing in rivers and clear lakes

• Gilded Pearl Orange – pearlescent body with orange accents; effective at dawn and dusk

• Gilded Live Roach – realistic roach imitation; a great all-rounder for predatory perch and trout

• Gilded Glass Ghost – translucent finish; excels in crystal-clear, high-pressure water

• Gilded Clown – bold red/white pattern; a classic attractor colour in murky conditions

• Gilded Silver Shad – silver shad imitation; dependable in open water and reservoirs

• Gilded Maiwashi – Japanese sardine pattern; bright and effective in saltwater-adjacent or brackish conditions

• Gilded Inakko – subtle natural baitfish; good all-purpose option in moderate clarity

• Gilded Rainbow Trout – vivid trout pattern; effective as a searching colour for larger perch

• Gilded Pearl Orange – pearlescent warm tones; suited to low-light and overcast conditions

• Gilded Gold Orange – gold/orange blend; productive when fish are feeding near bottom in cooler water

• Gilded Gold Shad – shad imitation with a gold tint; reliable in open-water spinning

• Gilded Oikawa – slender natural baitfish pattern; subtle choice for cautious fish

• Gilded Red Belly – white body with red belly flash; triggers reaction strikes in clear water

• Gilded Wakasagi – Japanese smelt imitation; thin profile, good in rivers and streams

• Gilded Gold Red – gold body with red highlights; a classic attractor in stained water

• Gilded Chartreuse Orange Belly – chartreuse back with warm belly; strong in low-light spinning

• Gilded Red Head – white body with red head; proven high-contrast attractor pattern

• Gilded Minnow – clean minnow imitation; a dependable natural choice year-round

• Gilded Iwana – Japanese char pattern; refined natural finish for selective trout

Facts

• Body material: Balsa wood

• Lure length: 9.5cm (95mm)

• Lure weight: 14g

• Swimming action: Sinking

• Hook configuration: 2X strong Black Nickel treble hooks by VMC

• Target species: Perch, trout

• Technique: Spinning / cast-and-countdown retrieve

• Delivery: 1 lure in selected colour