Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon vs Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right gear for your needs.
Acme
$6
Rapala
$8
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon | Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Casting/Trolling Spoon | Countdown Crankbait |
| Length | 0 ft | 0 ft |
| Power | ||
| Action | ||
| Line Rating | lb | 6–14 lb lb |
| Lure Rating | 1/4 oz oz | 1/4 oz oz |
| Material | Brass/Gold | Balsa |
| Weight | 0.25 oz | 0.25 oz |
| Price | $6 | $8 |
| Rating | 4.6/10 | 4.6/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon
Pros
- Works for both trolling and bank casting — versatile
- Brass body casts a mile from shore
- Gold finish is Paul's go-to when trout are keying on perch
- Tight action at slow trolling speeds, erratic at faster speeds
- Proven for 50 years on Colorado trout water
Cons
- Sinks faster than the Thomas Buoyant — needs faster trolling speed
- Split ring can open on big fish — upgrade to a quality ring
Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow
Pros
- Sinks at a predictable rate — 1 foot per second, so you can count to your target depth
- The rainbow trout pattern is Paul's go-to when fish are keying on fry
- Tight wobble at slow speeds mimics a wounded minnow perfectly
- Balsa construction gives the most natural action of any hard bait at this price
- Durable — Paul has trolled the same one for a full season without replacing hooks
Cons
- Balsa can dent on a bad rock strike — not as tough as hard plastic lures
- Need to retune the lip occasionally to keep it running straight
Our Verdicts
Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon
The backup that earns its spot every trip. When the Thomas Spoon isn't getting takes, Paul switches to the gold Kastmaster and often turns a slow morning around. Essential in any Colorado trout box.
Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow
When the spoons aren't producing and fish are sitting tight to structure, Paul reaches for the Countdown. The 1-foot-per-second sink rate lets you dial in any depth without a weight, and the rainbow trout pattern reads convincingly in Spinney's clear water. A legitimate third option in any South Park trolling box.
More Comparisons
Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon vs St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning RodRapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning RodAcme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon vs St. Croix Avid 8ft Medium-Light Spinning RodRapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs St. Croix Avid 8ft Medium-Light Spinning RodAcme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon vs Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout LureRapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout LureAcme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon vs Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10