The landscape of fishing has evolved dramatically in recent years with the introduction of forward-facing sonar (FFS) technology, enabling anglers to see and target fish with unprecedented precision. Amid this revolutionary shift, Ever Green has unveiled the Last Ace 128, a bait aimed specifically at harnessing the full potential of these advanced techniques.
"The Last Ace 128 offers a slightly larger profile than most FFS minnow-style baits on the market," explained Chris Martin, DAIWA’s Field Marketing Manager. The emphasis on size is an intentional strategy: to attract the most aggressive fish in the pod. As Martin noted, this bait is designed to root out those alpha bass that typically lie hidden among their peers.
"The Last Ace 128 offers a slightly larger profile than most FFS minnow-style baits on the market,"
This new bait stands at five inches and incorporates a distinct up-curved tail, which is crucial for achieving a tantalizing rolling motion that is specifically sought after by anglers using forward-facing sonar technology. "The unique shape and angle of the tail makes it effortless for anglers to achieve that tantalizing rolling action so popular with FFS," Martin added.
"The unique shape and angle of the tail makes it effortless for anglers to achieve that tantalizing rolling action so popular with FFS,"
In addition to its physical design, the Last Ace 128's action is heightened thanks to a specialized salt constitution. "The salt composition is evenly dispersed through only the belly half of the Last Ace 128," said Martin, pointing out how this helps create a sinking action that mimics an injured baitfish. He explained, "Rigged weightless and power strolled, it causes the bait to sink horizontally and produce a shimmy akin to an injured baitfish. Its offset weighting is the key."
"The salt composition is evenly dispersed through only the belly half of the Last Ace 128,"
The effectiveness of the Last Ace 128 is fortified further by being infused with baitfish scent throughout. According to Martin, this feature, combined with the bait's exceptional flexibility and durability—due to its designed denser top—ensures a higher rate of success in striking fish. It seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, as the raised, 3D “real eyes” and dotted lateral line serve to enhance its realism underwater.
When it comes to rigging, anglers will find the Last Ace 128 accommodating and versatile. It can be rigged weightless with a swimbait hook, allowing for stealthy presentations across varied environments. "Downward into the nose, back up through the body, and then slide the hookpoint into the molded notch on the bait’s back" is Martin's suggested rigging method, enabling a weedless operation through dense vegetation.
"Downward into the nose, back up through the body, and then slide the hookpoint into the molded notch on the bait’s back"
Moreover, it can easily be paired with a jig, allowing for adjustments based on the fishing conditions. "Go lighter for working the middle of the water column and heavier if you want to operate near or on the bottom,” said Martin, highlighting the Last Ace 128’s adaptability to different fishing needs.
For an even simpler method, a kahle-style hook can be used by impaling the middle of the bait to create a natural, twitching action that mimics a struggling fish. This method also allows for a straightforward retrieval process while still providing an authentic presentation.
The Last Ace 128 is available in six proven colors: Baby Gill, Super Wakasagi, Natural Shad, Neon Moroko, Armando Gold, and White Clear. This range caters to various water conditions and fish species, allowing anglers to select the option best suited for their outing.
With a retail price of $11.99 for a pack of four, the Last Ace 128 promises to be an essential addition to the tackle boxes of forward-facing sonar enthusiasts everywhere. As Daiwa Corporation continues to innovate in the fishing space, products like the Last Ace 128 signify how modern technology is merging with traditional fishing methods.
Current Season
As anglers prepare for the 2024 fishing season, techniques like power mid-strolling coupled with new durable bait options are sure to redefine success rates on the water. The Last Ace 128 encapsulates the forward-thinking approach needed to enhance fishing strategies in today's tech-savvy environment.
