Rapala Floater Elite 85 – 9cm 7g

Rapala Floater Elite 85: The Legend, Elevated

The world’s most famous lure has gone Elite. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen plenty of lures come and go, but the Original Floater is the foundation of modern predator fishing. The Rapala Floater Elite 85 takes that iconic “Wounded Minnow Action” and wraps it in a heavy-duty, long-casting package designed for the modern specialist.

Crafted from premium balsa wood, this 9cm lure retains the ultra-responsive buoyancy that only natural materials can provide. Whether you’re trolling at a crawl or cranking at high speeds, the action starts the second you move the handle. What makes the “Elite” truly stand out is the flat-sided head design, which creates a distinct, intense flash that cuts through the water, signaling a vulnerable meal to any nearby Pike, Zander, or specimen Trout.

Despite its lightweight balsa core, the Floater Elite is a “tough-as-nails” contender, featuring full wire-through construction and high-end gilded finishes that look just as good to the fish as they do in your tackle box.

Key Features at a Glance

• The Balsa Advantage: Unmatched responsiveness and natural buoyancy.

• Elite Flash: Flat-sided head geometry for increased light reflection.

   

• Built to Last: Wire-through construction ensures it won’t pull apart on the fish of a lifetime.

• Precision Casting: Weighted and balanced for improved distance over the original models.

• Premium Hardware: Fitted with razor-sharp VMC® 7554 hooks.

   

• Eco-Friendly: 100% Lead-free construction.

Technical Specifications

Pro Tip from Gerry’s Fishing

The “Surface Ripple” Technique: Because the Floater Elite is so buoyant and responsive, it is an incredible “wake bait.” Cast it out and let the ripples settle. Instead of a standard retrieve, just “vibrate” your rod tip without reeling in line. The balsa body will dance and flash on the surface almost in one spot. This is deadly for summer Perch and Chub that are looking for insects or small fry struggling on the surface.

Examples of Where to Use

• Shallow River Runs: Perfect for working over gravel runs and around boulders for large Trout and Chub.

• Stillwater Margins: Use its floating nature to twitch it around lily pads or overhanging trees for ambush-hunting Pike.

• Evening Trolling: Its intense flash and steady action make it a top-tier choice for trolling along the “shelf” of a reservoir as the sun goes down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Balsa body durable enough for Pike?

Absolutely. While balsa is naturally soft, the Floater Elite features a hard-coat finish and a full wire-through frame. This means even if the wood gets “toothed,” the structural integrity of the lure remains 100% intact.

How does it cast compared to the Original Floater?

The Elite has been refined for better aerodynamics and internal weighting. While still a light lure at 7g, you’ll find it tumbles less in the air and achieves a much more consistent distance than the classic versions.

What is the best line for this lure?

For maximum action, we recommend a light braid (8-12lb) with a fluorocarbon leader. If you are specifically targeting Pike, a very fine wire or heavy fluro trace is essential, but keep it as light as possible to avoid dampening that sensitive balsa vibration.

Can I use this for Zander?

Yes! The 9cm profile is a “match the hatch” size for most UK and European waterways. Zander particularly love the slow-speed responsiveness when fished near bottom structures at dusk