Rapala Countdown Elite 55 – 5.5cm 5g

Rapala CountDown Elite 55: A Modern Masterpiece in Balsa

The legend, refined. At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that the CountDown® has been a staple in tackle boxes for decades. The Rapala CountDown Elite 55 takes that 80-year heritage and injects it with modern engineering. This 5.5cm, 5g balsa lure retains the legendary controlled slow-sinking method of the original but adds a level of performance that has to be seen to be believed.

Built for the light-lure specialist, the Elite 55 is aerodynamically weighted for maximum casting distance and accuracy, even in windy conditions. Unlike the original, the Elite version features a distinct flutter on the drop, shimmying as it sinks to trigger strikes before you’ve even started your retrieve. With its high-definition printing and metallic plating, it doesn’t just swim like a real minnow—it looks like one too.

Constructed with a rugged wire-through frame, this small-but-mighty lure is ready to handle hard-fighting Trout and specimen Perch without breaking a sweat.

Key Features at a Glance

• Premium Balsa Body: Delivers a responsive, lifelike action that plastic lures can’t replicate.

• Controlled Sink Rate: Sinks at approximately one foot per second, allowing you to “count down” to the exact depth of the fish.

   

• The “Elite Shimmy”: A fluttering action on the fall that mimics a wounded baitfish.

• HD Finishes: Combines metallic plating and high-definition printing for ultimate realism.

   

• Heavy-Duty Build: Full wire-through construction and high-quality VMC® 7554 hooks.

   

Technical Specifications

Pro Tip from Gerry’s Fishing

The “Countdown & Flutter”: The Elite’s greatest secret is its flutter on the drop. When fishing river pools for Trout, don’t just start reeling. Cast across the current, count to three, and let the lure drift and shimmy as it sinks. Once it reaches the desired depth, use short, sharp “micro-twitches.” The combination of the balsa’s vibration and the HD flash is often too much for a wary Trout to resist.

Examples of Where to Use

• Fast-Flowing Streams: Its 5g weight and streamlined profile allow it to hold its action in heavy currents without “blowing out.”

   

• Deep Canal Walls: Perfect for targeting big Perch that sit tight against piling; count it down until you’re right in their eyeline.

• Stillwater Margins: Use its accuracy to cast tight to overhanging trees or structure where Chub often lurk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between the Original CountDown and the Elite?

The Elite is designed to cast further and more accurately. It also features a “flutter” or “shimmy” on the fall, whereas the original sinks with a more stable, level action. The finishes on the Elite are also significantly more detailed and durable.

How deep will the CountDown Elite 55 go?

It sinks at a rate of roughly one foot per second. This allows you to fish it effectively in anything from 1 foot of water to 10+ feet, provided you have the patience to count it down!

What tackle should I use?

This lure is a dream on a Light (L) or Ultra-Light (UL) spinning setup. We recommend using a light braid (4–8lb) with a 4lb or 6lb fluorocarbon leader to ensure the sensitive balsa action isn’t dampened.

Are the hooks strong enough for big fish?

Yes. The VMC® 7554 Black Nickel hooks are incredibly sharp and have plenty of “spring” to prevent them from straightening out on a big brown trout or a heavy perch