Some lures come and go with changing techniques, but the Rapala CountDown Magnum has held its ground for decades as one of the most trusted saltwater hardbaits ever built. First designed to target big pelagics, this lure has become equally at home in the Northeast, where it’s become a favorite among striped bass, bluefish, and tuna hunters who demand strength, depth, and consistency.
The secret to the CountDown Magnum’s lasting success lies in its construction. Each lure is built from dense, tropical Abachi wood—a material prized for its buoyancy, balance, and durability. Combined with through-wire construction and a heavy-duty stainless-steel diving lip, the result is a lure that can take a pounding and still run true. Whether it’s a 40-pound striped bass or a toothy bluefish, the CountDown holds its form, maintaining that signature tight wobble that predators can’t resist.
Unlike traditional floating plugs, the CountDown Magnum’s controlled sinking design gives anglers the ability to count the lure down to a specific depth before beginning the retrieve. This precision makes it deadly for marking mid-column fish or probing the edges of deep structure—an advantage that few lures in its class can match. Available in a full range of sizes from 4-3/8 to 9 inches, and capable of reaching depths up to 25 feet, it can be tuned to nearly any situation, from trolling open water to casting into fast-moving current.
The hardware on this lure is all business. Outfitted with saltwater-grade VMC Perma Steel hooks, welded line ties, and reinforced split rings, it’s built for long days of hard use in tough conditions. Each lure is hand-tuned and tank-tested to swim perfectly right out of the box, ensuring consistency across every model.
For anglers who still appreciate the sound, feel, and action of a true wooden plug, the Rapala CountDown Magnum remains the gold standard. It’s rugged, versatile, and timeless—a plug that bridges generations of fishermen who know, that no matter what’s swimming below, this lure gets bit.
