How do you properly count down a lure??

[The Rooster]

Got some Rapala Countdown minnows for Christmas, size 9, and dad got the size 7.  I was wondering with two different sizes and weights, do you still count them down at "one foot per second"??  Won't one sink faster than the other being different weights and sizes?? :-?

[islandbass]

It is my understanding, regardless of size, that all countdowns are supposed to sink at a rate of about 1 ft/sec.

To your second question, that is not necessarily so. For example, there are 1/2 oz poppers on the market that will float, but yet a tiny size 5 countdown minnow will sink.  I think we can rest assured that rapala did the math to ensure that.  It shouldn't be too difficult to calculate if you have "x" volume of balsa for the body, then you will need "y" amount of lead to get the lure to sink at 1 ft/sec. 8-)

[Sam]

One-foot per second and hope for the best.  ;D   ;D   ;D

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I like to test new lures in a real clear pond or better yet, a swimming pool to see the action and play around with varying retrieves. Short of that, I don't think you can go too far wrong with the ft/sec rule of thumb.

[fishingstevent]

Line wt, casting distance, lure weight all have an impact on falling speed. Example: 3/4 oz jig, twin tail trailer, 14lb fluro falls 2' per second. Only way to know for sure is cast it out, let it fall, then troll over while taking up line and check the depth on your graph.

[Fishes in trees]

Good question.  I have a problem counting down baits.  I'm sure I don't count at the same speed every time.  I've gotten distracted and forgotten the count.  And it is not just baits like the countdown Rapala.   Any bait that you've got to wait on.  1/4 oz Brewer heads in 15ft+ water, weightless whacky rigged Senkos, list goes on.

I don't know what bugs me more, that I'm not very good at it or that I don't have a good solution or plan on how to get better at it.  Just try your best every time isn't a good answer.  One definition of stupid is doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results.

I don't have a good answer to this question.  Maybe someone else does.

[Chris]

One mississippi, two mississippi, etc.

After you reel it in about 10 ft count it back down one because the bait will tend to rise some. The closer to the boat the more it wants to loose depth so you need to count it back. The shad style weighted Rapala flutters on the fall and is a great winter bait.

[Crestliner2008]

Use your sonar to find a 10' flat somewhere. Cast and count down. As soon as your line goes slack, you'll know right off how to count it down quite accurately.