If you’re looking for a single three piece baitcasting rod to cover everything from largemouths to pike to peacock bass – as well as light saltwater – you’d be smart to check out the offerings from Daiwa’s Ardito-TR series. They offer three different models: 7-foot medium and medium-heavies, as well as a 7’6” medium-heavy.
They were involved in one of our first experiences that showed how good premium travel rods can be. We borrowed several from our friend Ray Kawabata before we went to Africa, and they withstood not only the travel, but subdued some big and toothy tigerfish. Check out the latest versions, which are still quite reasonable. Below is a video with Chris Martin from Daiwa explaining some of the rods’ features:
There is also a spinning rod option.
Discover five bass fishing lures that earned a spot in my boat in 2026, from a Berkley glide bait to a popping frog. Shop these proven baits at Tackle Warehouse.