Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right gear for your needs.
Rapala
$8
Thomas
$6
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow | Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Countdown Crankbait | Trolling Spoon |
| Length | 0 ft | 0 ft |
| Power | ||
| Action | ||
| Line Rating | 6–14 lb lb | lb |
| Lure Rating | 1/4 oz oz | 1/4 oz oz |
| Material | Balsa | Brass/Chrome |
| Weight | 0.25 oz | 0.25 oz |
| Price | $8 | $6 |
| Rating | 4.6/10 | 4.9/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
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
Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure
Pros
- Paul's #1 confidence lure — the one he throws when nothing else is working
- Wobble action is irresistible to reservoir rainbows and browns
- Gold/silver finishes read well in South Park's clear water
- Floats when stationary — stays out of weeds at slow trolling speeds
- Under $7 each — you can afford to lose one to a big fish
Cons
- Treble hook needs replacing after a season of heavy use
- Chrome finish can spook fish in ultra-clear water on bright days
Our Verdicts
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.
Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure
This is the lure. Gold at Spinney, silver at Eleven Mile, 1.5–2.0mph trolling speed — Paul has caught more trophy trout on this spoon than everything else combined. Buy a handful in different finishes.
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