Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5cm 14g Gilded Inakko

Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5 cm 14 g – Precision Sinking Wobbler for Perch & Trout

The Countdown Elite (CDE) is Rapala's modern evolution of their legendary balsa countdown lure — combining old-world hand-crafted construction with updated engineering for longer casts, better durability, and striking new finishes. The Gilded Inakko colourway pairs a metallic gilded base with HD-printed detail for maximum flash and realism at depth.

Controlled Sink Rate That Triggers Strikes

Built from hand-selected balsa wood, the Countdown Elite sinks at a steady, predictable rate while producing an irresistible fluttering action on the way down. This lets you count it to the exact depth where fish are holding — a deadly technique when perch are suspended or trout are sitting tight to structure.

Modern Build, Proven Foundation

Heavy-duty split rings and a through-wire construction keep the lure intact under the strain of hard-fighting fish, while 2X strong black nickel treble hooks by VMC ensure a secure hook-up. The updated profile delivers improved casting distance and accuracy compared to classic countdown designs, without sacrificing the natural balsa wobble that makes these lures so effective.

Choose the Right Variant

Every variant shares the same 9.5 cm / 14 g sinking body and VMC hook set-up. Colour choice is mainly about water clarity, light conditions, and target species:

• Gilded Inakko — subtle, natural baitfish tones with a gilded sheen; effective in clear to lightly coloured water for perch and trout

• Gilded Wakasagi — pale, translucent finish; suited to clear water and pressured fish

• Gilded Minnow — classic minnow pattern; versatile all-round choice

• Gilded Ayu / Gilded Gold Ayu — warm gold baitfish tones; works well in low-light conditions

• Gilded Oikawa / Gilded Yamame / Gilded Chartreuse Yamame — naturalistic stream-fish colours; strong for trout in clear rivers

• Gilded Glass Ghost — near-transparent with flash; ideal for clear, pressured water

• Gilded Red Head — high-contrast attractor pattern; low visibility or stained water

• Gilded Firetiger / Gilded Chartreuse Orange Belly — high-visibility chartreuse; murky water or overcast conditions

• Gilded Silver Shad / Gilded Gold Shad — silver and gold shad imitations; open water and larger predators

• Gilded Pearl Orange / Gilded Gold Orange / Gilded Gold Red — warm, bright accents; coloured or tannin water

• Gilded Red Belly — strong belly flash; perch and pike in low-light periods

• Gilded Live Roach — roach-pattern; rivers and stillwaters where roach is a key prey species

• Gilded Rainbow Trout — trout-finish; effective on larger perch and predatory trout

• Gilded Iwana / Gilded Maiwashi / Gilded Clown — distinctive attractor finishes; experimentation in varied conditions

Facts

• Lure length: 9.5 cm (95 mm)

• Lure weight: 14 g

• Swimming action: Sinking

• Body material: Balsa wood

• Hooks: 2X strong black nickel treble hooks by VMC

• Hardware: Heavy-duty split rings, through-wire construction

• Target species: Perch, trout

• Colour: Gilded Inakko

• Supplied as: 1 lure