Rapala
Rapala fishing lures and accessories, from the Finnish brand that made the minnow lure famous. Shop the CountDown and CountDown Elite sinking minnows, X-Rap suspending and sinking minnows, CountDown Magnum and X-Rap Magnum trolling lures, Sarda trolling lures, Crush City soft baits, Pro Guide lure packs, Karbon landing nets and Urban bags.
Browse Rapala fishing lures, fishing accessories and tackle storage for trout, kingfish and trolling.
Ask our team which CountDown size suits your river at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Rapala Terminal Tackle
About Rapala
Rapala began in Finland in 1936, when fisherman Lauri Rapala carved a lure from cork and bark, wrapped it in foil and gave it the wounded wobble of an injured baitfish. It caught so many fish that the design became the foundation of a company, and today Rapala is one of the most famous names in lure fishing, with its minnows used by anglers in almost every country in the world.
Rapala still builds many of its lures from balsa wood, and each one is tested and tuned so that it swims properly straight out of the box.
Minnows for trout and more
The CountDown is a sinking minnow, which means you can count it down to the depth you want before you start your retrieve. That makes it a deadly lure for trout in New Zealand rivers and lakes, as you can fish it deep in pools and fast water. The CountDown Elite adds premium finishes and hooks, and the X-Rap range brings a slashing, darting action with suspending and sinking versions.
The Pro Guide lure packs bundle a selection of proven lures, which is a great way to stock a trout box, and Crush City soft baits give you a soft plastic option for kahawai, snapper and other species.
Trolling, nets and Rapala at Land & Sea
For saltwater trolling, the CountDown Magnum and X-Rap Magnum are tough diving minnows built for kingfish, tuna and other pelagic fish, and the Sarda trolling lure is designed for high speed trolling offshore. To land your catch, Rapala's Karbon trout and all round landing nets and folding telescopic nets are light and easy to carry, and the Urban backpack, sling bag and messenger bag keep your tackle organised.
At Land & Sea we stock a big Rapala range, and our team can help you choose the right size, colour and depth for your water. Carry a few sizes and colours, as the right choice often changes with water clarity and light.
Frequently asked questions about Rapala
What does CountDown mean on a Rapala lure?
A Rapala CountDown is a sinking minnow lure. After you cast, you count while it sinks, and because it sinks at a fairly steady rate you can count it down to the same depth each time before you start winding. That lets you fish deep pools, fast runs and lake drop-offs at a controlled depth, which is why the CountDown is such a popular trout lure in New Zealand rivers and lakes.
Which Rapala lure is best for trout in New Zealand?
The Rapala CountDown is one of the most proven trout lures in New Zealand, especially in smaller sizes and natural colours such as brown trout, rainbow trout and gold patterns. In rivers, cast across and slightly upstream and let it swing down through the current. In lakes, the X-Rap suspending minnow is great for twitching along drop-offs. Check local regulations, as some waters are fly fishing only.
Can Rapala lures be used in saltwater?
Yes, many Rapala lures are designed for saltwater. The CountDown Magnum and X-Rap Magnum trolling minnows are built with tough bodies and strong hooks for kingfish, tuna and other pelagic species, and the Sarda trolling lure is made for offshore trolling. Smaller freshwater lures can also catch kahawai. Rinse any lure in fresh water after a saltwater trip to stop the hooks and split rings rusting.
What is the difference between a sinking and suspending lure?
A sinking lure, such as the Rapala CountDown, keeps sinking when you stop winding, so you can fish it at different depths by counting it down. A suspending lure, such as the X-Rap suspending minnow, is designed to stay at the same depth when you pause the retrieve, hanging in front of a fish like an injured baitfish. Suspending lures are excellent for jerk and pause retrieves in clear water.
Do I need a landing net for trout fishing?
A landing net makes it much easier to land a trout quickly and safely, especially in fast water or from a high bank, and it reduces the chance of losing a good fish at your feet. Landing fish faster also means less stress on fish you plan to release. Rapala's Karbon trout and all round landing nets and the folding telescopic net are light and easy to carry along a river or pack into the car.
How do I store fishing lures to stop them rusting?
After fishing, especially in saltwater, rinse your lures in fresh water and let them dry fully before putting them back in the tackle box. Store them in a tray box with separate compartments so hooks do not tangle or chip the paint, and leave the lid open for a while if the box is damp. A small sachet of silica gel in the box helps absorb moisture and slow down rust on hooks and split rings.