Yamamoto Sanshouo Salamander is back! But for how long?
Keith Lusher 12.09.24
If you’re a bass fisherman who’s into big, fat pitching baits, then you probably remember the Yamamoto Sanshouo. The 5-inch plastic resembled a water dog and made a big splash in the bass fishing world back in 2016 when it came to market. The plastic was then discontinued, leaving many fans, including me, searching for an alternative creature bait.
On my latest trip to the tackle shop, I nearly broke my neck after passing a lure bag hanging on the shelf. It was a standard black and light blue Yamamoto package, but on the bar code sticker it read, “5-inch Sanshouo”.
Still in disbelief, I opened the bag and inspected the plastics, and came to the realization that indeed, one of my favorite lures was back on the shelf!
Upon returning home I did a little research to find that the lure was back in production but with a caveat – it’s being labeled as a “limited edition”.
Here is what Crispin Powley, the Senior VP at GSM Fishing said – “This project is really paying homage to the folks that have always thought outside of the box. We’ve had numerous consumer and retail requests to bring back the Sanshouo, so we decided to do a limited edition run with popular colors.”
The new release comes in four Yamamoto colors, and are very versatile. I know because I’ve used it on a chatter bait, swim jig, jig trailer, and even weightless with a worm hook.
Originally conceptualized by Western Pro Bub Tosh, Jr. in 2016, the Sanshouo was never just another run-of-the-mill fishing lure. From its inception, the bait was designed to stand out—literally and figuratively. Its distinct 5-inch profile mimics multiple aquatic creatures, including waterdogs, sculpins, gobies, and bluegills.
But the best thing about the Sanshouo Salamander is the huge tail, which aggressively flips back and forth, moving a ton of water.
Back in 2017, I used a Texas-rigged black Sanshouo to land a 5-pounder in a nearby river so my confidence in the plastic is high.
Needless to say, I bought all four colors and am stocked up for Spring when I’ll use this bait in the shallows for bedding bass!
For more information on Yamamoto Baits, please visit their website HERE, or find them on Facebook.
