Rod Review: Daiwa Presso Ultralight Travel Rod (Is it the best light-duty multi-species rod?)

Here is the link on where to find the 6'6" Daiwa Presso on Amazon* amzn.to/353KFFA
Here is the Presso review from i_fish: • Daiwa PRESSO | The Bes...
I've been in search of the best multi-purpose, multi-species rod for lifelist fishing (the attempt to catch as many different species of fish as possible over the course of one's life). So far the Diawa Presso ultralight trave rod is one of the best rods I've found for this task when targeting fish under 10 lbs. The rod packs down to under 2 ft which makes it great for travel, camping, backpacking or saving space in an apartment. The rod is sensitive enough to detect small bites but has enough backbone to catch the occasional bigger fish. It could throw up to about 1/8 size lures for cast and retrieve, and 3/8 size if you fishing on the bottom, but can also be used for true ultralight fishing. I fished 2 lb line on the rod for trout with no problem and they were plenty fun to catch, and also landed a 6 lb catfish on 4 lb line with no problem at all. The rod is also well made and very beautiful.
The only drawback to the rod is it is fairly fragile . You have to be pretty careful with it. I broke the tip off of my first one. I was able to get a replacement from Daiwa for $25, though.
In the end, I highly recommend this rod for anyone as long as it isn't their first rod or their only rod. One should have backup rod in case this one breaks. I prefer the Ugly Stik GX2 light 6' size as one's first multispecies rod, or as a back-up. It's pretty indestructible. But once someone has one of those the Presso would be the next multi-species rod I would buy for smaller fishing under 10 lbs.
*Link is Amazon Associate link
If you would like to watch my review of the Fenwick Eagle you can find that video here: • Spinning Rod Review: F...

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

If anyone would like a good rod that is cheaper than the Presso, they might want to check out my review of Fenwick Eagle kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqSskoCvaayEndU which is a pretty good rod as well at a good price.

[@jatseng0000]

This is one of the most helpful reviews on the Presso. Thank you!

[@ifishcatfish]

a lot of people bought the travel rod after watching my review and everyone reported happiness : ). This rod is extremely light because the blank is extremely thin. The ridges on the blank are there because they didn't paint the rod so not to add weight. A lot of very expensive rods have this surface because u can't put paint if u want ultralight rod. U have to avoid sharp angles in the tip, or it will break again - your rod was not defective, it is just made of super thin carbon, which is not as flexible as fiberglass, as you pointed out. Nice review and good luck for the new rod! : )

[@ifishcatfish]

BTW for a rod this short, i would change my recommendation about the Legalis LT and say go for the 1000 size. The 2500 would just look too big on such short rod, even if its light.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Thanks for the comments. For sure the rod was not defective, the breaking was my fault. I think what I've decided to do is get both a Legalis and an Excellor, one in the 1000 and the other in the 2500 and compare the differences between the two. I know you like the lower gear ratio because of the start-up inertia, but I think I'm going to try higher gear ratio one on the 2500. The reason for this is one of my favorite techniques (especially in the spring) is to fish a worm under a bobber. But typically what this involves from shore is making a long cast using a rocket bobber into the wind (because the windward banks tend to fish the best for me), then I let that bobber drift back in slowly getting into shallower and shallower water until it finds fish. The hardest part about this technique, other than casting into the wind, is you constantly have to take up slack (but you can't take up too much or you start pulling the bait in) and since sometimes I fish this rig up to 6 ft deep, there is a lot of slack line in the water. Probably the biggest drawback of that smaller reel is the line retrieve is very slow and I'm often always trying to catch up to the fish. Those 6.2 Daiwa's pick up line very fast, about 9 inches faster than the 1000 and 5 inches faster per spin than the 5.3s. I think between the faster line retrieve, the wider spool, and the low weight (actually lighter than the 1000 Penn) and better line lay, I might end up liking the 2500 better, at least on the 6'6". It probably is too big for the 6'. Also, now that I have used the 6' rod for a while, I can say that I like the 6'6" better. While 7' would be too cumbersome to get through the weeds and forest and tight spaces, the 6'6" wasn't any more cumbersome than the 6' rods I usually use. But, the 6'6" rod cast quite a bit better than the 6', and it has a little more backbone for setting hooks into bass, but being an ultra light it still had the right amount of bend. So, I'm going to test out some more 6'6" rods next year, too.

[@ifishcatfish]

Yes, that's why i mention 6'6 in my review as starting point. If u look at the ratings chart on daiwa's website u will see the ratings are the same until 6'0, then they change at 6'6 and are the same again. But there is a bit stronger blank starting at 6'6. I have a few high gear reels also, for special occasions, but i haven't used them in years. Still don't want to sell them because i know there are applications for them too

[@user-vo5sg6hh5z]

I bought the 7 foot travel rod because of victor and its very good for me in israel.a😊😊

[@luismanuelramirezoropeza3424]

Thanks for the review I just bought the 7' UL travel for catching bait fish, trout and perch :)

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Awesome. I think you'll really like it. It's a fun rod to catch smaller fish on.

[@victorgonzalez4791]

I just picked this one up today. I love it

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

It's definitely one of my favorite rods.

[@robertjohnson2586]

I know this video is three years old but mines on its way can’t wait!

[@chrisschultz9929]

Just ordered one today. And a fluger president. Thanks for the details.

[@technicallycorrect838]

Thanks for the review! I recently got the 7' Presso to replace my Daiwa Spinmatic (4 pieces) that I snapped reeling in a turtle. In retrospect I should have went for the 6'6" version even it was like 15$ more expensive. I almost had an unfortunate event myself; being so lightweight I barely noticed while walking that my rod tip touched the ground and my rod had this extreme angle at the tip. Glad I did not snap it on my first trip :)

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Thanks for commenting Mr. Newt. I think the 6'6" is just about the perfect length for shore fishing. Pretty good casting distance but not too cumbersome casting around brush and trees. Easy to get in and out of house doors and a little shorter to avoid car doors, too :)

[@frankmangieri2077]

Nice, hey did you like the 6' presso over the 6' 6" or what were your findings ? Thanks.

[@minhchu15]

Thanks for the review. I'm planning in getting a 7 or 8 foot Presso for casting distance. I usually fish with light spoons and looking to get into mini jigs that are 1/32 oz. Lastly, I want a rod that's light enough so that my arm doesn't fatigue. I'm looking to pair this up with a Shimano Sienna 500 and 2lb izorline. Total weight for this combo should be a little over half a pound in weight.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

That sounds like a great combination.

[@Thee-_-Outlier]

I also saw the review by i_fish and it was great but it didn't apply to me because I'm after the travel version for backpacking and wild camping trips. I'm so glad you made your review with the differences between the travel version and the 1/2 versions. The action is supposed to be stiffer in the travel version so I wanted to hear someone's take on it. I'd like to use it for small mouth, shad and the like on the Delaware up near water gap, but I'd like it to be light enough still to do some trout fishing in streams and tributaries in the area as well. An all around backpacking rod basically. One rod to rule them all lol. What length would you recommend as the most versatile? I think the 6'6" and 7' are the only ones that can take the 8lb test and 3/8 weight at the high end and may be needed on the main Delaware river plus the extra length to cast in the main river would be nice, I just don't wanna lose the ability to use it in a stream to

[@xubin5690]

I use 1/32 mini jig for trout most of time, is this rod able to cast the mini jig far enough? Sounds like this rod has stiff tip

[@johnleahy4604]

looking for an update on the 6 foot travel rod and what line you are using?

[@danielwow12]

Great review! How do you keep the reel from unspooling when the rod is disassembled?

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

There is a line keeper on the the reels I use so they don't unspool. The handles I usually unscrew only partially so the handles bend in and the I tighten slightly have the handles are down so they don't come unscrewed.

[@500pieces5]

I just bought a 7 foot Presso and I'm going to stick a Pflueger Pres 25 on it! Daiwa should sponsor you lol.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Awesome! I wish they would :) I've really come to like most their products I try.

[@Mr_Marcus_H]

What reel are you recommending for this rod?

[@juanm_23]

It seems like Daiwa only offers these in a 2 or 4 piece for the 6’6” and 7’ rods. No one piece in those lengths. Is there an ultralight rod you’d recommend that is comparable to the presso ultralight rods, but in a single piece in those lengths, within the same price range?

[@JamesWilliams-ss3cp]

Hey mate how would these rods go throwing maybe 16 gram lures cheers

[@noelsuministrado]

Hello Corey, check the Daiwa Ardito Travel rod. It is the three piece ML, 7'6 rod model; really beautiful. :)

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I have one, except it's the MH :) I haven't reviewed it yet though, because I haven't caught many fish with it, yet. I'm planning on using it for bigger catfish next open water season. I love the rod so far, but I've been having trouble adjusting my casting style to the stiffer rod compared to the ugly stiks I've been using. But you can expect a review next year on the Ardito once I've caught some more fish with it.

[@teamlary]

Wanting to throw 3g spoons for trout at a local lake. The trout range from half a pound to 6 pounds.i was thinking about using a 1000 reel with either 2 or 4# test. Do you think this rod would pair well with that set up? And insight would be helpful.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I think it would work great for that application. Here is a video of me using it trout fishing with 2lb line kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuanamerNWYo9E And here is one of me catching a 6lb catfish with 4lb line which sounds like the upper end of your size range kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3ummJKpnsyogKM if you want to see it in action.

[@Sk8ter-Dad]

Tryying to decide between the Presso in a 6'6'' version or the fenwick eagle in the same size. Do you think the fenwick is more durable, is it stiffer or softer? Also i have a shimano sienna 2000 reel, will this reel still be good for 4lb line?? Thankyou

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I like the Presso more than the Eagle personally. I don't think one is more durable than the other. And a Sienna 2000 should be fine with 4lb line. As for the stiffness, it might depend on whether you get the travel rod version of the Presso or the normal version. The normal version isn't as stiff as the travel version, and I think the Eagle probably falls in between the two Presso versions. I only have the travel Presso and it is stiffer than the Eagle, but I know people who have the normal Presso and it has a lot more bend.

[@eljamofishing]

What line # will you recommend to pair with ? Im thinking 10 lbs braid! That okay ?

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

My personal preference is to not use braid under 20lbs because it has no stretch and tends to snap pretty easily in the thinner sizes. So, for me, for all-purpose fishing, I like 4-6 lb mono or 20 lb braid (which is about the same diameter as 8 lb mono). If it's mostly fish under 5 lbs and you aren't fishing a lot of cover, 4lb Stren is my go-to. If I'm in a situation where I'm fishing for bigger fish like bigger bass or catfish over 5 lbs, or there is lots of vegetation, then I go 20 lb Spiderwire EZ braid. (I actually have two spare spools and I switch them out when needed. My other spool is 2 lb mono for trout, panfish, or microfish.)

[@MichaelRomero]

Since you made this video how has the new 6ft rod worked out for you?

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

It has worked out great, but I have found that I like the 6'6" a little bit better because of the casting distance. The 6'6" is quite a bit stiffer than the 6' and is more like a medium light power than ultra light, though, so if you are only targeting smaller fish and really like to get a bend in the rod while fighting them, then the 6' is better. Otherwise, I tend to use the 6'6" more.

[@saltwaterron1984]

would this rod be good for sheepshead fishing?

[@robertmartin5539]

Link to catfish catch on the rod ?

[@RTanna89]

Found this video looking to upgrade from a 7ft ultra light ugly stick. Don't know Why I'm even bothering with reviews, I was sold at seeing the 8ft option. Good info on not breaking it, have 3 weights of ugly stick so grown very used to abusing my rods.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Thanks for the comment, RT. I actually have an ultra light ugly stik elite 6'6" on my list for rods to try out. I just got a medium 6' elite and I really like the changes they've made vs the the GX2's, but the medium is a little stiff for 6' rod.

[@RTanna89]

@@teamcramerfishing8441 I've only seen them at Wal-Mart but recommend checking out the ugly stick lite pro rods.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I've had one for about 3 years and really like it. Just posted a review a few weeks ago. I have the 7' medium.

[@MO-xv1cz]

Have you had a chance to fish 6 ft? If so how does it compare to the 6.6?

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I have fished both, now. The 6'6 is stiffer and is probably more of a medium power than an ultra-light. I actually like the 6'6 a little bit better in terms of casting accuracy, sensitivity, and as an all-purpose rod. But, for a panfish/trout rod, the 6' is more fun and nimble, and it can handle bigger fish if you do get one on.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Not sure what ugly stick does but my 6.6 press is longer then my 7 gx2. I think fewer press is 6.6 from the top of the handle.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Hmm. I have a 7ft GX2 and it's about 4 inches longer than the presso 6'6" travel rod. I have another 6.6 and it is about the same as the presso, so maybe the GX2 is a little short....not sure.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

The Presso has the screwup reel set. Guess on it you don't care. The main disadvantage is you just got to check the screw mechanism. I find its lure weight rating is off. I make my own spinners and find it doesn't cast that far. Also started using the small size Rappela, about 2 inches, and a good cast is 30 to 40 ft. Maybe I the wrong expectations.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

It does have a screw up seat, but for some reason it still feels pretty good in my hand. I think it's because the part that screws up is a little wider and shaped differently. I think you're right about the casting distance. It doesn't cast as far as the St. Croix Premier or the Fenwick HMX, but probably is about the same as the light ugly stik GX2, or Fenwick Eagle of similar size and length. I probably didn't notice the casting distance as much because this year I moved from 6lb line down to 4lb and 2lb, and the 4lb casts farther than the 6lb. The other rods I was usually using 6lb line. It's kind of interesting all the different techniques one can use and how each rod performs using a particular technique. I probably need to make a list and become more systematic when using the rods. I didn't throw hardly any crankbaits this year, for example.

[@dennisnicholson952]

Thanks for the review and, by the way, your cat is eating your plant.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Hehe! I didn't even know what she was doing back there until I watched the video :)

[@joelburchett5476]

Have you ever tried the field and stream tec lite it is 50 dollars at dicks sporting goods and it is a durable rod and lightweight

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I haven't tried it yet. Probably because we don't have a Dick's nearby that I'm aware of. We have Bass Pro, Sportman's Warehouse, Fleet Farm, Sheel's, and Jax Outdoor. If there is a Dick's I haven't seen it. It looks like they have lots of good deals there from what I've seen on Realistic Fishing's channel, though.

[@joelburchett5476]

Team Cramer Fishing you can also order it but I recommend it look on dicks website and look at it

[@Henry-cn3tu]

Your cat is so fat and cute. It should be punished by fierce petting.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

HA! Believe it or not, that's my 'skinny' one. Her brother weighs in at almost 19 lbs.

[@christopherrichardson1892]

To avoid a "broken rod"; just gladly take her home guys. I bet "Vivian" thinks it was instant Karma. Hahaha That was a looong explanation that's definitely not going to help anyone from breaking their rod and keep a relationship. This sounded like an explanation to the police while being charged for a domestic dispute. Lol😆✌🏾

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Hehehe.

[@jeromegagnon3787]

how much does the rod weight ?

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I don't have a small enough scale to measure exactly, but it is extremely light. My estimate is 2 ounces or less. It's the lightest rod of this length I have ever felt.

[@jeromegagnon3787]

@@teamcramerfishing8441 thanks, think ill get one this winter for trout duties, love ultra light stuff.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I think you'll love it. If you haven't watched this video of me catching trout with this set up, check it out. I'm using 2 lb line. You get a good feeling for the bend of the rod when using light line. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKuanamerNWYo9E and here is one of me catching a bigger fish using the rod with 4 lb linekzbin.info/www/bejne/q3ummJKpnsyogKM. I think between those two videos you get a pretty feeling for what the rod can do on both the big and small end. I like the 6'6" length better than the 6' for this rod.

[@Zachary9x_]

Better Dan ugly stick ?

[@4bvenom733]

Shimano shinsilite compare to this Daiwa. What do you think.

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

I haven't tried the sensilite, but Victor over on the channel i_fish has reviewed both.

[@jhero22]

The rod is great the reel seat is terrible it will break in 10 minutes after putting a reel in it tighten the reel and the reel seat breaks

[@user-rs8cq7to6e]

Почему не потрусил ? Так не понятно какой строй удилища

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

It's a travel spinning rod.

[@YouTubeSafetyTroll]

Please pet the cat more. Get your priorities straight. Thanks for the informative review.

[@stevenszymanski714]

you must not fish much because in 7 foot rod should not be a problem on a creek choked up with brush

[@teamcramerfishing8441]

Overhanging trees are an issue as well. I mean, a person can get by with what they have, but the 6' to 6'6 seems to work best for me.