Are you an angler who wants to catch more fish?... DISCOVER The Best Medium Light Casting Rod and what separates it from the junk... and how to use it to make your catch rates soar... in less than 5 minutes!
photo @simmsfishing
Medium-light rods are critical to fishing lighter-weighted or weightless baits on the lake, but this no longer means you’re stuck fishing a flimsy trout rod that nearly bends itself in half (kinda like you are fishing with a rubber band). Old rods only are just waaay too flexible… leaving you struggling to set the hook! Luckily ever-advancing technology now gives anglers rod options made with extremely light materials that still offer a gorilla strong backbone, and insane sensitivity are by far the most popular options that serious anglers go for. Our picks for the best medium-light casting of 2022 below are broken down into three categories:
- Best Overall (For the Ultra Enthusiast. This rod has all the bells and whistles that an angler would ever want)
- Best Budget (For those who want an economic option)
- Editor’s Choice (For the weekend warrior fishing fanatic who goes fishing more than 2x a month)
- Best Of The Rest (Also great for the weekend warriors and serious anglers, however it’s not going to break any budgets either)
For more information, see the comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you prefer to go even lighter and faster, check out our article on the best medium-light casting rod.
In A Hurry?
If you don’t have much time to read the details we totally understand. Simply use the links below to quickly find the best rods for your fishing needs. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
Best Overall – G Loomis GLX Jig & Worm Casting Rod (model: 802C JWR | 12534-01)
Best Budget – Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod (model: USCA701M)
Editor’s Choice – St Croix Mojo Series Bass Casting Rod (model: MJC68MXF)
Medium-Light Casting Rod Comparison Table
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Why would you want or need a medium-lightcasting rod?
Simply put this style of rod is critical for the use of your lighter and light-weight fishing lures. Dainty lures such as your reaction baits such as smaller topwater lures (like poppers or small walking baits), smaller soft plastic swimbaits, swim jigs, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, underspin jigs or chatterbaits.
Similarly, this style of rod is versatile enough to fish slower-moving lures such as a wacky rig Senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, weedless tubes, or even a drop shot rig.
Furthermore, it’s one of the three pillar rod styles that are strongly recommended for bass fishing.
I’ve written a complete on the best rod styles for bass fishing. A hands-on review of the rods you need… (especially if you like catching more than your buddies!)
To check out my complete fishing rod overview report in full detail, read this post: How to Guarantee you have the right bass fishing rod so you can start catching so many fish your friends will think you are cheating. (You will have a rod ready for any situation!) – Click HERE to learn more!
1. G Loomis GLX Jig & Worm Casting Rod (802C JWR | 12534-01)
WINNER! Best All-Around Rod
But, why is the G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm rod the best?
It’s not just any fishing rod. It’s engineered down to the molecular level to provide performance where you need it.
G.Loomis GLX rods are not only designed to target a specific species of fish, they are specialized for individual fishing techniques.
The GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod is now produced with proprietary graphite blank combinations that provide a 20% lighter rod with enhanced balance and ergonomics.
G.Loomis GLX graphite blanks are well known for their strength and sensitivity, two important factors that we’ve already discussed.
GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod flat out catches you fish!
“It’s good for just about everything...You don’t want a rod that’s too stiff with that light line, this has to have enough backbone to set the hook”.
With lengths ranging from 6’8”-7’5”, it’s no trouble at all to find a rod that will fit your height.
The tip actions for this series rod are also extra-fast to provide accurate casts and amazing sensitivity for feeling everything on the end of your line, but the rod powers are on the medium to heavy end of the spectrum providing plenty of horsepower for fish of any size.
Topped off with Fuji K-Frame SiC guides to reduce line friction and a proprietary reel seat give you a superior feel over most any other jig fishing rod on the market.
Finally, G.Loomis’ lifetime warranty on rod blanks is one of the best guarantees in the industry and their customer service is widely known as going above and beyond.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 6’8”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Extra Fast
- Line Weight - 10-14-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/8-3/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - 802C JWR | 12534-01
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
2. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod (USCA701M)
WINNER! Best Budget
About The Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod...
We had tested the 6’6″-foot medium-light rod along with the 6’6″ – medium, and the 6’8″ – medium-heavy before writing this article.
We concluded GX2 series rods run a little stiff and the 6’10” medium-light rod felt more like a medium action rod with the best action tip. However, the 7’0″ is also an option.
This rod is a great rod for the price, it offered decent sensitivity.
When you use this rod it’s much stronger than it looks like it would be.
The rod itself is very tip heavy and feels slightly unbalanced, but overall the handles make it comfortable for all-day use.
The GX2 series rod backbone can handle any weighted Texas rig while taking on the biggest bass.
This Ugly Stick rod would excel for someone who is on a budget and loves bank-beating excursions, kayaking, and boat fishing.
Furthermore, we think this rod would be a great multipurpose rod and could also function as a dependable rod.
In summary, best budget rod for the price.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’0”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 8-20-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - USCA701M
- Warranty - 7-years
3. St Croix Mojo Series Bass Casting Rod (MJC68MXF)
WINNER! Editor's Choice
About The St Croix Mojo Series Bass Casting Rod...
Mojo Bass – This is an outstanding product that mixes phenomenal quality at a price that is not going to break anyone’s budget. This product is perfect for the savvy angler who takes fishing seriously and demands quality and value.
There’s good reason these are the best selling rod line St. Croix offers. After a comprehensive overhaul in 2016, these technique-specific bass rods now feature sophisticated SCIII graphite and IPC® tooling technology for remarkable performance at an unbeatable price.
The Mojo bass rod is the rod you want to use if you don’t care about some of the bells and whistles that Avid X would include.
The rod also is made from a hand-rolled SCIII high-modulus, high-strain graphite fiber blank gives the rid its sensitivity, strength and durability.
The rod is covered by a solid 5-year warranty.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 6’8”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Extra Fast
- Line Weight - 8-14-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - MJC68MXF
- Warranty - 5-years
4. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod FR 703C
Best Of The Rest!
About Dobyns Rods Fury Casting Rods...
Simply stated, anglers cannot say enough good things about this rod. It’s incredibly lightweight and sensitive for the price.
This rod so much lighter than you would expect for a rod with this price tag. You can feel it has enough backbone for setting hooks on a monster bass deep in floating mat.
Dobyns Rods utilizes Kevlar wrapping and Portuguese AA Cork handles to make the rod crazy light, incredibly strong, very well balanced and comfortable for all day use.
Furthermore, Dobyns strategically scaled back on cosmetics and other non-performance areas to keep the price of the Sierra Series down, while not affecting performance.
“Hands down this rod could easily be sold for over $350. But getting rid of some other frilly cosmetics allows me to afford this beauty. Thanks Dobyns”
Without a doubt, the Fury Series casting rod is very light, and can also be used for fishing jigs, flukes, Texas rigs, and spinnerbaits.
The Alconite guides will not chip, even if you’re using a blood knot for leaders.
The last thing I want to say is more about Dobyns rod company as a whole than the rod… My friend who also owns several of these rods had the unfortunate experience of breaking one of them. He called Dobyns and explained what happened. He said the rep was very polite and actually could tell that person was American and could speak fluent English. And within a couple of weeks, another rod was delivered. No questions asked.
Dobyns is an amazing rod manufacturer and Grade A business operation!
If you can shell out a little more, the Dobyns Fury casting rod is a great gift for yourself, Christmas, or Father’s Day!
- High Modulus Graphite Blanks: Utilizes advanced graphite material for lightweight yet powerful rod blanks, enhancing sensitivity and responsiveness.
- Performance Balanced: Rods designed for optimal balance between power, sensitivity, and casting performance, ensuring an enjoyable fishing experience.
- Fuji Reel Seats: Features high-quality Fuji reel seats for secure reel attachment and improved overall durability.
- Kevlar Wrapping: Utilizes Kevlar wrapping for added strength and protection, enhancing the rod's durability and longevity.
- AA-Grade Hi-Density Cork Grips and Hi-Density EVA Butt: Equipped with premium cork grips for superior comfort and sensitivity, along with a high-density EVA butt for added durability and grip.
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Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’1”
- Power - Medium-Heavy
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 10-17-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-3/4-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - 733C
- Warranty - limited lifetime warranty and no hassle replacement policy
Check Out These Amazon Best Sellers...
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Accessories You’ll Need
Fishing Rod
Rod –The popularity of fishing is growing and people are becoming much more conscious of different rods that can help them.
Fishermen want the best technique-specific rod for the money.
Luckily, the report I wrote provides you with detailed information in order for you to make buy the rod for the money, and more importantly which rods to avoid at all costs.
>> What Rods To Use For Bass Fishing? 10 Awesome General Purpose Rods Reviewed
Fishing Reel
Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important. A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. There are several great reels on the market, but I recommend the a quality Shimano baitcasting reel. It’s a great reel packed with great features. So much so that it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range.
>>How To Choose A Great Bass Fishing Reel For The Money [and which to avoid at all costs]
Fishing Line
Fishing Line – Having a good line is just as important as having a good rod. I recommend fishing with a good fluorocarbon line. Furthermore, it’s super sensitive because it has little to no stretch, and underwater it’s invisible to the bass! If pride or money is on the line I would use Sunline Sniper FC.
>>21 Tips To Choose The Best Fishing Line
Fishing Lures & Baits
Fishing Lures – It’s pretty hard and darn near impossible trying to catch a fish without using some sort of lure or bait. More importantly these baits you should never forget at home or it could lead to a horrible day on the water
>>5 Bass Fishing Lures You Never Want to Leave At Home
Fish Finder
Finding lunker bass has never been easier when using a fish finding sonar unit. Packed with additional features to make your day on the water even easier. Maps that can plan your day or help you find your way back even in the darkest of nights. Bright bold numbers and letters to make reading the maps easy even in the brightest of days, and colors that pop and make it quick and easy to identify fish.
If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or float tube, you need a fish finder.
Here’s our choice for the best fish finder between $299-$800:
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI
It has all the features for any serious fisherman whether you’re an avid weekend warrior, or a tournament angler. This has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for.
>> Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI now
Here’s our choice for the best economic fish finder:
Garmin Stryker
While others look for bites, your fishfinder and GPS plotter help you reach your daily limit. You can mark preferred docks, ramps, and hotspots to easily return to them later and even share waypoints.
Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Garmin Stryker now!
Life Vest
According to Statista, “In the United States, 658 people died as a result of boating accidents and 2,641 people were injured in 2021.”
And it gets even worse… The National Safe Boating Council reported, “Where cause of death was known, 81% of fatal boating accident victims drowned.”
And if that’s not enough the incidence of deaths has climbed dramatically in recent years.
So if you’re on the water you NEED to wear your life vest. Protect you, your friends, and your families lives by wearing a life vest every time you’re on the water.
I recommend the ONYX PFD. It’s comfortable for all day use and there is lots of room for the air to move around so you won’t get sweaty.
>>Click HERE to read all the reviews actual customers!
Sunglasses
Sunglasses – Do you find yourself fishing in variable light and water conditions? Fishing in open water? Fishing in the bright hot sun? Then, only to leave the lake with eye strain and a splitting headache?
If so, I strongly recommend investing in a pair of Costa Sun Glasses. Thousands of anglers, charter guides, and tournament professionals put their trust into Costa, and so should you. Here’s why…
Costa’s co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is robust and durable, as well as extremely comfortable to wear for all-day use. TR-90 nylon is an excellent material for sports and performance frames since it is heat and cold-resistant.
Costa builds their glasses with class-leading technology. Their 580G glass lens sets them apart from the competition. These lenses are ideal for long days on the lake or sea since you won’t have to worry about scratches on the lens when you wipe the saltwater off. Needless to say they’re Costa’s most durable lenses.
Anyone who spends time outside, especially on the lake, needs polarized lenses. However, not all polarized sunglasses are the same. Costa is 99.9% polarized, giving it the most effective possible in blocking reflecting glare, and minimizing eye strain and headaches.
>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On These Costa Sunglasses Right Now!
Drift Sock
Simply speaking, a drift sock (also known as a drift anchor) is like a parachute for the water. It gives you the ability to silently troll without spooking the fish!
Anyone who fishes out of a boat, canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board, or any other type of floating vessel should have a drift sock ready to use.
In addition to helping you catch more fish, recreational boaters also like to have 1-2 drift socks handy, just in case their motor goes out on them the drift sock will help slow their drift. This could be instrumental to allow rescuers to find that boat quickly and easily.
I strongly recommend the Drift Master Drift Sock by Mythik Outdoors.
The construction is solid. Holding this in your hands gives you the peace of mind this feels durable and dependable.
I love that it’s made from the gorilla-strong “RipStop” high density material, and I like that it’s even paired with the high-density nylon strapping.
It’s 30% stronger than other competitors who use a cheaper version of the RipStop material, so you never have to worry about his ripping.
Looking closely I can see they even triple stitched the high-tension points which is a good feature.
But best part… the Drift Master comes in a complete kit!
So get yours today and don’t leave yourself adrift.
The last thing to note is the Mythik Outdoors Drift Master drift sock kits sell out fast, so make sure you get yours before they’re gone!
>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On This Drift Sock Today!
Landing Net
Landing Net – As you are reeling in that monster fish, you don’t want to injure yourself or knock the fish off the hook by trying to grab it.
The PLUSINNO floating landing net is designed with foam padding on the hoop and provides buoyancy for fishermen. Now, If the net is dropped or blown overboard, the floating design makes it simple to retrieve – so you won’t have to be concerned about losing it! The rubberized net cannot be snagged. It keeps the fish safe for catch-and-release, and the non-absorbent covering avoids waterlogging and odor absorption in the net. It’s collapsing design allows for easy storage.
That’s why I recommend a dependable telescopic landing net.
>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On This Floating Landing Net Today!
Fishing Weight Scale & Culler
Fishing Weight Scale – Whether you’re going to keep your catch or just take a photo of it and brag to your friends it’s important to have an accurate scale. The Rapala Tournament Model Touch Screen Scale makes weighing and logging your catch easier and more convenient. The large digital scale has a lot of functions and is easy to use. simply keep track of your current catch and its place in your overall weight. To see the weight, just suspend the catch from the heavy-duty composite clamp or the accompanying stainless steel hook. Adding the important details to your catch couldn’t be easier – simply input your catch’s weight and tap on one of the eight storage places. The culling process makes it simple to identify fish that should be released for the greatest overall weight.
I recommend a Rapala Tournament Scale that has a large LED display like this one fishing scale here.
>>Click HERE to Read The Reviews on This Tournament-Grade Fishing Scale & Culling System now!
George Servinson
My name is George and I'm been fishing my entire life and love all things outdoors. My passion is helping anyone catch more fish. The newest things I've been doing lately is learning how to break down and clean all my reels, teaching my boy how to kayak fish, and bushcraft wilderness survival.