Medium Light vs Medium vs Medium Heavy: Which One Should You Fish?
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Product Reviews, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear, Rods
Medium light, medium, or medium heavy?
All are built to perform inshore.
All can handle a wide range of lures and situations.
But there are a few subtle differences that can make one feel a little more “right” depending on how you like to fish.
In these videos, I break down those details… so you can choose the one that fits your style best.
Medium VS Medium Light
Medium Heavy
Featured Gear:
- Rod 1: Slam Stick Medium Light
- Rod 2: Slam Stick Medium
- Rod 3: Slam Stick Medium Heavy
- Reel 1: Otis 2500
- Reel 2: BG MQ 3000
- Lure 1: Polk County Tweaker
- Lure 2: Skinny Lipper XL
- Rigging: 3/0 Hoss Helix 1/8th oz
Key Takeaways:
- All rods are designed specifically for inshore fishing applications
- Medium light shines when throwing smaller, lighter lures with more finesse
- Softer tip on the medium light helps with casting distance and feel on subtle presentations
- Medium offers a bit more power for larger lures and heavier weedless setups
- Medium Heavy offers even more power when targeting upper and overslot fish
- Guide spacing is optimized for smooth line flow and fewer wind knots when paired with the right reel
Final Thoughts
All of these rods are built to handle inshore fishing… and handle it well.
You’re not choosing between “good” and “bad.”
You’re choosing between slightly different styles of fishing.
If you enjoy fishing lighter lures and dialing in more finesse… the medium light will likely feel right in your hands.
If you tend to size up your lures or want a little more power behind your presentations… the medium or medium heavy is a great fit.
Either way… you’re getting a rod that’s designed to perform where it matters most.
Comment below if you have questions on either of these rods.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
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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 ever 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).
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).
Heck…. Just watching the video makes me want to buy a couple 🔥
Thank you Luke !!
If you’re going to use a slam stick for both lake fishing for largemouth bass and as an inshore rod for trout and reds, which way should I go? Medium or medium light? I mainly use finesse plastic worms with only a medium size split shot weight for freshwater bass. Inshore I use the 5 inch bomber paddle tail with usually a 3/8 oz jig.
Medium only because the jig weight. The ML has a surprisingly strong backbone, I’m not sure the tip will hold up well when casting heavier lures a long way. That said, I’ve never broken a ML or a M Slam Stick…..and I’ve been known to snap a rod or two, lol
Luke, I’ve been using a medium and medium light for a long time. I never could figure out a decision point for which one to use for what. I wasn’t too far off, so this was a great help.
Good presentation Luke.
Mel Crissey
San Antonio, TX
Thank You Luke. Both those rods look great.
You seem to like pairing with the Otis reel – how does this compare with the Diawa BG MQ?
The BG MQ is the superior reel between the two given that it has more advanced/expensive components and sealing. The Otis wins in terms of weight, line retrieve, and warranty. Both reels are great options for inshore saltwater fishing with 15lb or less braid. If you’re going to be using 20lb or more braid, then make sure to go with a 3000 sized or bigger reel… the BG MQ line is a great option for stronger lines.
well said. I’m thinking the MH as a Docks and Rocks rod….Jetties and when you need to pull bigger fish from docks/structure.
I have a love affair going on with my Slam Stick rod. Best inshore rod I’ve tried, and unfortunately I’ve tried about a dozen.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Slam Sticks.
Yeah!!!!! Ordering soon,,,,,thanks!!!
We look forward to seeing what you catch with your new slam stick.
I had the slot machine combo in checkout until I seen shipping ,, 30.00 for shipping broke the deal ,,, So I had a local guy custom make me one ….. but talking to my local guy he said the same thing
That he stopped shipping rods because of that reason. Iwas going to but a Finweck pole they had free ship. So I’m going to pair this rod up with a diawa procyon 2500 , 7′ Med Fast pole . It’s not going to float like the slam stick , I really liked that
I’m sorry to see that you missed out on a top tier rod because of shipping (the $30 doesn’t even cover what we have to actually pay, so we loose out on shipping too).
Note: We give members $100 off on this rod to more than made up for shipping (this is better than building shipping into the price of the rod because it allows members who buy multiple rods at a time to get a better overall rate since up to 3 can fit in one tube that has the $30 fee).
I hate the $30 shipping too, but then the tubes have to cost $8-10 and it’s not exactly small. I just include it in the cost when i’m comparing to what else I can get and decide.
Witch reel do you like best and why Otis 2500 or Daiwa Fuego 2500 ?
Those are my two favorites because they are very light and smooth. The Otis 2500 is my overall favorite because it feels more stable when fighting a big fish and it looks cooler.
plus its named after my dog…lol
FYI… I used a Daiwa Fuego this year salt water fishing and ended up having to send it to get serviced from Daiwa. A representative from Daiwa told me that it’s not made for salt water fishing.
All lies. I pretty much fish daily with Fuego, Ballistic and Otis reels. All have their positives and not as positives but not really negatives. Let your budget and needs be your guide. Some of my Fuego’s are 4 years old and are still very smooth with simple care.
I will say that I’ve had failures on two of my 2025 Ballistics and none on the ones before this new “upgrade”. The service center said…… “it’s a known issue on this new model”. Which is sad because it’s as described….Light and tough. until it’s not tough. lol