New Medium Heavy Slam Stick Overview (Power Without The Weight)
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear, Rods
Finding the right inshore rod for bigger fish usually means making a tradeoff.
You either get a rod with enough backbone… but it feels heavy after a long day of casting.
Or you get something lightweight… but without the power needed for bigger fish around structure.
That’s exactly why the new Medium Heavy Slam Stick was built.
In this video, I’ll break down what makes this rod different, who it’s designed for, and why it’s a great option for anglers targeting bigger inshore fish around docks, passes, inlets, and heavy structure.
Watch the full breakdown below.
Featured Gear
- Rod: Medium Heavy Slam Stick
- Reel: Daiwa BG MQ 3000
- Lure: Skinny Lipper XL
What Makes The Medium Heavy Slam Stick Different?
The biggest difference with this rod is the balance between power and weight.
Most medium heavy rods start feeling bulky after hours of casting heavier lures around structure.
But this Slam Stick was designed to stay lightweight while still having the backbone needed to stop strong fish quickly.
Rod Specs:
- Length: 7’6” length
- Weight: Only 5.6 ounces
- Line Rating: 15 lbs – 25 lbs
- Lure Rating: 0.5 oz – 1.25 oz
- Action: Fast
That combination makes it ideal for anglers who need extra lifting power without sacrificing comfort or casting performance.
What Fish Is The Medium Heavy Slam Stick Designed For?
This rod was specifically built for:
- Overslot snook
- Big redfish
- Medium-sized tarpon
It’s also designed for:
- Dock fishing
- Pass fishing
- Inlet fishing
- Heavier jig fishing
- Larger plugs like the Skinny Lipper XL
The fast action tip helps with casting accuracy, lure control and feeling strikes. While the sturdy backbone gives the power needed to handle big redfish and snook in high current or structure zones.
Why Does The Medium Heavy Slam Stick Cast So Well?
One major detail is the guide placement.
The guides are positioned so the line naturally shoots straight through the rod during a cast, helping improve casting distance and efficiency.
Combined with the lightweight build, it gives the rod a very responsive feel while still maintaining plenty of power.
The end result feels much closer to a premium custom rod setup than most anglers expect.
What Reels Pair Best With The Medium Heavy Slam Stick?
This rod was designed for 3000-size spinning reels, and it pairs nicely with 4000-size reels too.
Our Favorite Pairings:
- Great: Daiwa BG MQ 3000/4000
- Premium: Saltist MQ 3000/4000
That setup gives anglers a balanced combination of:
- Lightweight feel
- Casting distance
- Power around structure
- Versatility for bigger inshore species
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a rod that can handle bigger fish around structure without feeling heavy and oversized all day… this new Medium Heavy Slam Stick fills that role extremely well.
It keeps the lightweight feel the Slam Stick series is known for while adding the extra power needed for larger fish, heavier lures, and stronger current situations.
And for Insider Club members, there’s additional savings available when logged into Fish Strong!
Related categories:
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Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
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- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I’ll be getting a few
The medium slam stick is my favorite rod. Can’t wait to try a medium heavy!
What line weight are you using on it if you don’t mind me asking.
I am most often using 20 lb braid with this rod. But I’ll be bumping up to 30 for an upcoming trip where I may bump into some nice sized tarpon.
Great addition!
Thanks Larry!
Thanks Luke! Always exciting when something new comes out! A couple of questions; could you give some additional details about the guides, such as make, model, and type of ceramic insert used, and also some additional details about the blank like type and modulus of carbon used? And also, does it have a locking reel seat? Keep up the great work!
Great questions Matt. The guides are marine grade stainless from Seaguide. The ceramic inserts are made from Zirconia which are known for the following: High hardness, smooth finish, and heat resistance for braided lines.
The blank is made from high modulus carbon allowing this rod to have a very good strength to weight ratio. Similar to the other Slam Stick rods, this one does not have a locking reel seat.