Early morning. Flat calm water. Four-pound test. If you know Al Lindner, you already know what’s about to go down, and it’s not bass this time. It’s big, full-bodied bluegills, pulled from rocky structure using one of the most effective finesse hardbaits on the market: the Rapala Countdown Elite.
In today’s panfishing world, light-line techniques, conservation-focused harvest, and high-performance artificials have come together to reshape how anglers chase fish like crappie and bluegill. And if you ask Al, it’s never been more fun, or more effective, to ditch the live bait and go full finesse.
The Rapala Countdown Elite: A Finesse Powerhouse
Rapala’s original Countdown series has been a staple for decades, but the Countdown Elite brings that tradition into the modern finesse era. With a tighter, more consistent shimmy on the fall, a faster sink rate, and through-wire construction for durability, this lure is built to perform, especially when panfish are suspended or hugging structure. 
“You throw it out… when you stop it, the bait shimmies,” Al explains, gesturing the fluttering motion. “It has a unique action that only comes in a countdown… when it does this shimmy and goes right through that school of fish, they can’t resist it.”
What sets the Elite apart is its ability to mimic a vulnerable baitfish in motion, exactly what pressured bluegills and crappies react to when conditions get tough or the bite turns finesse.
Key features:
- Sinks at approximately 1.5 feet per second
- Realistic, highly detailed finishes
- Casts long and true
- Perfect for rock-to-weed transitions or suspended fish
From panfish to trout and even bonus smallmouths, the Countdown Elite earns its place in any ultralight tackle box.
Why Rocks Hold the Biggest Bluegills
If there’s one takeaway from Al’s years of experience, it’s this: big bluegills love rocks.
“In our part of the world, bluegill in particular like rocks. Especially big bluegill. They’re drawn to rocks.”
Al focuses his efforts on working shorelines and offshore rock piles. As the season progresses, those same fish will slide deeper, staying close to rocky outcroppings. These areas act as magnets, not only for panfish, but also for the forage they feed on.
Whether you’re fishing shallow in the spring or deeper in summer and fall, rocks provide predictable, year-round holding structure for quality gills.
Ultralight Gear: Why 4-Pound Test is the Sweet Spot
If you’re overpowering your presentation, you’re doing it wrong!
Finesse panfishing requires discipline and trust. Lighter line provides the action and sensitivity needed to bring baits like the Countdown Elite to life. Pair that with a sensitive rod, smooth drag, and you’ve got the perfect setup for landing chunky gills without spooking the school.
Benefits of ultralight tackle:
- Increased bites from pressured fish
- More natural action on the fall
- Better casting with small-profile lures
- Easier for youth and new anglers to handle
Artificial vs Live Bait
One of the most interesting takeaways from Al’s perspective is the stance on live bait… or more specifically, how you often don’t need it at all.
“You really don’t need the bait. I’m telling you — the majority of the time, you can take an artificial and catch bluegills like this all season.”
This flies in the face of traditional panfishing wisdom. For decades, worms, waxies, and minnows were the go-to for gill chasers. But modern hard baits like the Countdown Elite offer unmatched versatility, precision, and the ability to cover water, which is a huge advantage when locating schools of roaming fish.
When artificials outperform live bait:
- Clear water conditions
- Suspended or scattered fish
- When fish are keyed in on small baitfish
- When you want to fish faster and trigger reaction bites
And as Gord Ellis (Canadian pro and Rapala contributor) adds:
“The Countdown Elite has a faster fall than the regular Countdown… and when you’re fishing in big current, this thing really gets down. It looks like a real live minnow — it’s a fantastic lure for catching big brookies.”
So whether you’re targeting panfish, trout, or something in between, artificial finesse baits like the Countdown Elite are more than up for the task.
The Joy of Getting Bit
At the end of the day, this isn’t about records or tournaments. It’s about getting bit, staying connected to the outdoors, and having fun, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a 10-year-old kid.
The Rapala Countdown Elite makes that experience more accessible, more efficient, and more enjoyable. It’s a proven performer for bluegills, crappies, trout, and more. When matched with light line and a good attitude, it delivers non-stop action.
So tie one on, head to the rocks, and rediscover just how fun panfishing can be.
