A couple of months ago, In'Fisherman ran an article on using Countdown Rapalas for walleye. With all the high, muddy, cool water around us right now, I figured I'd give them a fling, just for the heck of it. I clipped on a #5 gold model. I wasn't targeting crappie by the way, just want to get a bit familiar with this presentation.

I cast it out, counted it down to 8 or 9 (over 15' of water near a dam), then started a slow lift & drop retrieve. You can really feel the vibes when you lift! Guess the crappie liked it too. Got 7 good size crappie near the dam in no time! What I especially liked about this presentation is that, unlike blade baits (i.e.: Silver Buddys) which produce similar vibes, you can keep these in the strike zone longer and maintain a slow retrieve. Has anyone ever tried these things for crappie, walleye or bass? If not, it may be worth your time.

I've used Countdowns on and off for as long as I've been fishing. They're an underutilized, underrated and little-talked-about lure that will catch anything that swims that's willing to hit an artificial lure.

Rapala countdowns are a phenomenal bait. They are my secret fall lures when the bass are keyed in on shad. It's an awesome bait and very simple to use.

Been fishing with them for many years. Don't use them a lot now, but they are a go to when the usuals aren't working.

Was the very first lure I ever bought and used for bass fishing over 25 years ago and still carry them in my tackle box to this day. Have caught many, many nice bass on them over the years. Watch out though for them toothy critters love them to. I have lost many to the lure thief Pikes.