Medium vs Medium Light Rod: Which One Should You Fish?
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Product Reviews, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear, Rods
Medium light or medium?
Both are built to perform inshore.
Both 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 this video, I break down those details… so you can choose the one that fits your style best.
Featured Gear:
- Rod 1: Slam Stick Medium Light
- Rod 2: Slam Stick Medium
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Lure: Polk County Tweaker
- Rigging: 3/0 Hoss Helix 1/8th oz
Key Takeaways:
- Both 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
- Both rods are 7’6” for longer casting and better coverage
- Guide spacing is optimized for smooth line flow and fewer wind knots
- A 2500 sized reel pairs perfectly with both for a balanced setup
Final Thoughts
Both 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 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).



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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Will there be baitcasting model
That is our plan, but it won’t be until late this year.