Sawamura One Up Shad 4″ (8.4cm) – The Lure That “Speaks” Fish | Gerry’s Fishing

In the world of soft plastics, there are lures that look good to anglers, and then there’s the Sawamura One Up Shad, which seems to have a direct line to a predator’s brain. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen this lure become a modern classic. Whether you’re chasing Zander (Pike-Perch) in a canal or Bass in a rocky cove, the 4-inch One Up Shad is often the “breaker of blanks.”

What sets it apart isn’t just the shape; it’s the combination of a high-frequency tail beat, a unique jointed body, and the legendary “Trump” attractant—a scent so potent it can turn a “follow” into a violent strike.

Technical Specifications

The 4-inch model is the “Goldilocks” size—large enough to be a substantial meal but small enough to be inhaled by almost any predator.

The “One Up” Design: Why It Outfishes the Rest

1. The Power of the Joint

Most shad-style lures are a solid block of plastic. The One Up features a distinct narrow joint in the middle of the body. This allows the tail to move independently of the head, creating a “secondary” vibration and a subtle rolling action that mimics a panicked baitfish. Even at the slowest possible retrieve, that tail is alive.

2. The “Trump” Attractant

Sawamura didn’t just spray on a scent; they infused the plastic with their proprietary “Trump” attractant. This salt-heavy, oily compound mimics the pheromones of prey fish. When a fish bites, the scent encourages them to hold on longer, giving you that vital extra second to set the hook.

3. Versatile Rigging (The Belly Slit)

The lure features a pre-molded slit on the belly and back. This makes it perfect for Texas Rigging with an offset hook. You can pull this lure through heavy weed, sunken timber, or kelp without snagging, knowing that the soft plastic will easily collapse when a fish strikes.

Tactical Rigging & Recovery

• The Jig Head (Classic): A 7g to 14g jig head is the standard. This lure is incredibly stable; no matter how fast you burn it back or how slow you “crawl” it along the bottom, it won’t flip or spin.

• The Texas Rig (Weedless): Use a 2/0 or 3/0 offset hook for fishing in snaggy areas. The 7g weight of the lure itself allows for decent casting even with a light bullet weight.

• Vertical Jigging: For Zander anglers on boats or pier walls, the One Up Shad is a top-tier vertical bait. The slight water movement is enough to keep the jointed tail flickering enticingly.

Gerry’s “Big Bite” Pro Tips

• Don’t Overwork It: One of the biggest mistakes with the One Up is “over-jigging.” The lure has so much built-in action that a simple “straight retrieve” (linear) is often more effective than aggressive hopping. Let the tail do the work.

• The “Stop and Drop”: If you see a fish following on your sonar or in clear water, stop the retrieve. The One Up Shad has a beautiful “nose-down” flutter on the drop that often triggers the strike.

• Color Matching: In clear water or bright sun, go for natural translucent colors (Gudgeon or Ayu patterns). In murky water or at dawn/dusk, high-contrast colors like “Solid White” or “Chartreuse” are absolute bankers.

• Salt Care: Because these lures are heavily salted, try to keep them in their original tray. This prevents them from “bleeding” colors onto other lures and keeps the attractant fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4-inch size too big for Perch?

Not at all. While a 2-inch or 3-inch is standard for “wasp” perch, a decent 1lb+ Perch will move a long way to hit a 4-inch One Up Shad. It’s a great “big fish” filter.

Can I use these in Saltwater?

Yes. The One Up Shad is a massive favorite for Shore and Boat Bass anglers. The “Trump” scent is just as effective in the sea as it is in freshwater.

How many lures come in a pack?

The 4-inch (84mm) packs typically contain 7 lures, each held in a protective plastic tray to maintain the tail shape and scent levels.

In the Box:

• 1 x Pack of Sawamura One Up Shad 4″ (7 Lures per pack)

• Integrated scent-lock tray.

• Note: Jig heads and hooks sold separately.