Rapala CDE35 Countdown Elite - Precision Minnow for Long Casts

Our review of the Rapala CDE35 Countdown Elite finds it most useful for anglers who want a compact, precision minnow that casts farther and holds a natural fall. The bottom line: this lure is for fishermen targeting wary trout and bass where subtle presentation and controlled sinking are important. With a running depth of about 0.9m and a tungsten core weight, the Countdown Elite is designed to deliver extra distance and a stable, horizontal drift that makes subtle strikes easier to read.

Key Features

• Running depth: The near 0.9m running depth lets anglers present the minnow in mid-water where many predators feed, improving hookup chances without excessive retrieval speed.
• Compact body: At 1.4 in body length this lure is sized to mimic small baitfish, which is ideal for pressured fisheries and selective feeders.
• Tungsten core weight: The internal tungsten weight increases casting distance by roughly 20% compared to the predecessor and concentrates mass for tighter, more accurate casts.
• Horizontal fall drift: The design supports a controlled, horizontal fall so the lure looks natural while sinking and during pauses in retrieve.
• Stainless steel stamping plate: Reinforcement with a stainless stamping plate adds strength and shifts the center of gravity low, improving stability and hook-up orientation.
• Reliable hooks: Equipped with two VMC treble hooks size 12 for dependable penetration on light strike events.

Who It's For

The CDE35 Countdown Elite is best for freshwater anglers who fish for trout, panfish or bass and need a small, accurate minnow that casts farther and presents in the strike zone with a realistic fall. It suits users who pause and twitch retrieves to tempt follows and short strikes.

Less suitable for anglers targeting large open-water pelagics or those who require deep-diving crankbaits; the shallow running depth and light 0.1 oz weight make it a specialist tool rather than an all-purpose big-water lure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact 1.4 in profile imitates small baitfish and triggers bites from selective predators.
• W tungsten core weight increases casting distance and improves accuracy for tight shots to structure.
• Horizontal fall and low center of gravity produce a natural presentation during pauses.
• Durable stainless steel stamping plate for added strength in the body.

Cons

• The 0.1 oz weight and 0.9m running depth limit use in deep water or strong current situations.
• Very small treble hooks may require care when fishing heavy cover to avoid bending or snag damage.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Rapala CDE35 Countdown Elite is a focused, well-built minnow for anglers who need a realistic, mid-water presentation and extra casting distance in a small package. It delivers good value where subtlety matters, though its light weight and shallow running depth mean it is best reserved for targeted freshwater situations rather than deep or heavy-current fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep does it run?
The lure runs to about 0.9 m, making it suitable for mid-water presentations.

Does it cast well?
Yes, the tungsten core weight increases casting distance by roughly 20% over the previous Countdown design.

What hooks are fitted?
It comes with two VMC treble hooks, model 7554 in size 12 for light-to-medium hooksets.