Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5cm 14g Gilded Minnow

Rapala Countdown Elite 9.5 cm 14 g – Precision Sinking Action in Gilded Minnow

The Rapala Countdown Elite (CDE) brings Rapala's legendary balsa craftsmanship into the modern era, combining a perfectly controlled sink rate with outstanding casting performance and a dazzling Gilded Minnow finish.

Controlled Sink, Irresistible Flutter

Handcrafted from balsa wood, the Countdown Elite sinks at a measurable, predictable rate — letting you count it down to the exact depth where perch or trout are holding. As it descends, the lure produces a seductive flutter that triggers reaction strikes even from inactive fish. This depth precision is the core strength of the Countdown concept and sets it apart from standard hard baits.

Modern Construction Meets Classic Feel

A reinforced through-wire frame and heavy-duty split rings ensure the lure holds together under pressure from hard-fighting fish, while the 2x strong black nickel VMC treble hooks deliver reliable hooksets. The Gilded Minnow colour combines metallic effects and HD printing in a finish that reflects light naturally — highly visible in clear to lightly coloured water and particularly effective when targeting perch and trout.

Choose the Right Variant

All variants share the same 9.5 cm / 14 g sinking wobbler format on balsa with 2x strong black nickel VMC trebles. Colour is the key differentiator — select by water clarity, light conditions, and target species:

• Gilded Minnow — natural baitfish imitation with metallic shimmer; clear water, perch and trout in good light

• Gilded Ayu — subtle, translucent ayu pattern; clear rivers, trout and chub

• Gilded Gold Ayu — warmer gold tones; low-light or slightly coloured water, trout

• Gilded Wakasagi — slim silver-blue smelt imitation; open water, perch and trout

• Gilded Yamame — soft brown-gold trout fry pattern; rivers, trout

• Gilded Oikawa — pale blue-silver finish; clear still or slow water, perch and chub

• Gilded Inakko — muted natural baitfish; versatile all-round choice

• Gilded Red Head — classic red-and-white; murky water, perch and pike-perch

• Gilded Red Belly — natural flank with red accent; transitional light, perch

• Gilded Firetiger — high-contrast green/orange/black; stained water, perch and pike

• Gilded Chartreuse Yamame — bright chartreuse variant; coloured or turbid water, perch

• Gilded Chartreuse Orange Belly — hot chartreuse/orange; very low visibility or cold water

• Gilded Glass Ghost — translucent ghost pattern; bright conditions, pressured fish, trout

• Gilded Pearl Orange — pearlescent orange; overcast days, perch

• Gilded Gold Shad — shad-style gold flank; reservoirs and lakes, perch and pike-perch

• Gilded Silver Shad — silver-toned shad finish; open water, perch and trout

• Gilded Live Roach — realistic roach imitation; rivers and lakes, perch and pike-perch

• Gilded Clown — bold multi-colour; dirty water or bright sun, perch

• Gilded Rainbow Trout — lifelike trout fry; rivers and mountain lakes, trout and perch

• Gilded Iwana — char-inspired pattern; clear mountain streams, trout

• Gilded Maiwashi — sardine-style; versatile, perch and trout

• Gilded Gold Orange — warm orange-gold; low-light conditions, perch

• Gilded Gold Red — gold with red accents; cold or murky conditions, perch and pike-perch

Facts

• Length: 95 mm (9.5 cm)

• Weight: 14 g

• Swimming action: sinking

• Body material: balsa wood

• Hooks: 2x strong black nickel treble hooks (VMC)

• Target species: perch, trout

• Includes: 1 wobbler in selected colour