The Sawamura One Up Shad is a soft lure that we've been using for almost five years now. It's fair to say that since then, it's never left our lure boxes. This Japanese soft lure has become an essential reference for many anglers, both in freshwater and at sea. Let's take a look at why the Sawamura One Up Shad has conquered the hearts of lure fishing enthusiasts and how to use it on predators.
Our article in brief
The Sawamura one up shad is an essential soft lure for anglers looking for efficiency.
- Sa characteristic "wobb-roll" stroke and its enzyme-based TRUMP attractant make it the reference lure for the pike perch fishing in France.
- Available in 5 sizes (from 2 to 6 inches) and more than 60 colours, the Sawamura One Up Shad adapts to all fishing situations.
- The remarkable versatility This soft lure can be mounted in a number of effective ways: lead head, Texan, drop shotTexas rig or Carolina.
- Despite costing between €15 and €17, its durability and proven effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Features of the Sawamura One Up Shad
The Sawamura one up shad is a soft lure that became a best-seller on the Japanese market before conquering French anglers. Its reputation is well established, particularly when it comes to pike-perch fishing where it is considered to be the most effective lure. the benchmark lure in France. During our night-time sessions on the major Alpine lakes, we were able to observe its formidable effectiveness.
What sets this lure apart is its characteristic "wobb-roll" (or rocking-rolling) action. This particular swimming action creates fine vibrations that irresistibly attract predators, even in the most difficult conditions. The special enzyme-based TRUMP attractant impregnated into the lure literally drives fish "crazy", encouraging them to engage the lure as if it were a natural bait.
The one up shad comes in a range of sizes to suit all fishing situations:
- 2 inches (5 cm) - ideal for pole and the trout
- 3 inches (7.6 cm) - versatile for perch, pike-perch and bass
- 4 inches (10 cm) - standard format for the pike perch and the pike
- 5 inches (12.7 cm) - special for large predators
- 6 inches - for trophies
The 4-inch (84mm) model, weighing around 7g, is particularly popular with pike-perch anglers. These lures are sold in packs of 5 to 7, depending on the model. This allows you to cope with the inevitable losses when hooked.
In terms of colours, the range is impressive, with over 60 references available. Our favourites include natural colours such as Perch and Blue Gill for clear water. Bright colours such as Pink Chart or Yellow Chart also excel in turbid water.
Mounts and techniques to maximise One Up fishing
The versatility of the Sawamura one up shad is one of its greatest strengths. We use it in freshwater as well as in the sea, with consistent effectiveness whatever the retrieve speed. This adaptability makes it an essential lure in the arsenal of any soft lure angler.
There are many possible mountings, so you can adapt to any fishing situation:
- Lead head - the classic and versatile assembly
- Texan hook (offset) - ideal for congested areas
- Texas rig - for prospecting seagrass beds
- Carolina rig - effective on hard bottoms
- Drop shot - for a fine vertical presentation
The one up shad can also be used as a trailer for spinnerbaits or unleaded for an ultra-natural presentation. We've tested it in almost every possible configuration, and it's a real winner. its stroke remains attractive whatever the technique used.
For pike-perch fishing, a technique that we use extensively on the large Alpine lakes, a 10 to 18g lead-head rig, depending on the depth, gives excellent results. A slow retrieve with regular breaks allows you to take full advantage of the specific action of the one up shad and to trigger hits.
| Size | Target species | Recommended mountings |
|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | Perch, pike-perch, sea bass | Lead head, drop shot, Texan |
| 4 inches | Pike-perch, pike, black-bass | Leaded head, Texas rig, Carolina |
Feedback from anglers on the one up shad
If the Sawamura one up shad has established itself as a benchmark, it's also thanks to the feedback from anglers who have adopted it. During our meetings at the water's edge or at specialist shows, the positive testimonials are almost unanimous.
We've collected a large number of opinions on the lure, which all agree on a number of points: its exceptional effectiveness on pike-perch, the durability of the lure despite its flexibility, and the attractiveness of its characteristic swimming action. Many anglers also report that predators tend to keep the lure in their mouths longerfor easy shoeing.
A professional fishing guide recently told us that he systematically recommends the one up shad to his beginner clients because of its ease of use and effectiveness. "Even with an approximate animation, this lure triggers hits", he explained.
Our own experience confirms these observations. On a memorable day on Lac du Bourget last autumn, we caught an exceptional session of 12 pike perch in just a few hours, using only a 4-inch one-up shad mounted on a 14g lead head. That day will always be remembered as a perfect demonstration of the effectiveness of this lure in the right conditions.
The price, which varies between 15 and 17 euros depending on the model, may seem high for soft lures, but the quality of Japanese manufacture and formidable effectiveness more than justify the investment. The lures are durable enough to withstand repeated attacks from predators, even if the attractant wears off after several catches.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, the Sawamura one up shad deserves a place in your arsenal. Its versatility, proven performance and availability in a range of sizes and colours make it an ideal companion for all your fishing adventures, whether in freshwater or at sea.
