Best Medium Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Medium fishing rods are versatile and suitable for a wide range of fishing activities. With lengths typically ranging from 6 to 8 feet, these rods are ideal for catching a variety of fish species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They offer a good balance of sensitivity, power and casting distance, making them a popular choice among anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're targeting trout in a stream or casting for bass in a lake, medium fishing rods provide the necessary strength and control to help you reel in your catch.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7' Elite Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7' Elite Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ugly Stik GX2 5'6" Medium Casting Rod Cover #TOP 3
Ugly Stik GX2 5'6" Medium Casting Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Medium Fishing Rods

#TOP 1

Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7' Elite Spinning Rod

USESP702M
Multicolor
7' - Medium - 2pc
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7' Elite Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Elite Spinning Rod, Two Piece Spinning Rod, 6-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Fast Action, 1/4-5/8 oz. Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik Elite Rod is designed with 35% more graphite than its predecessor, offering increased strength and sensitivity for a superior fishing experience. With a line rating of 6-14lb, medium power, and fast action, it is built to handle a variety of fishing conditions. The durable construction combines graphite and fiberglass, ensuring a lightweight yet tough rod. Additionally, the eight stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance, making it reliable even in rough treatment.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Enhanced sensitivity for better catches
Corrosion-resistant guides
Comfortable grip and control

Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod

RNR0012
Smuggler 5
Smuggler 5
Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod Cover
Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod & Case. Compact medium-short length 5.25’ (160cm) rod, with 2 tips, for spin and general fishing. For fish up to 6lbs (3kg)

The Smuggler 5 Fishing Rod is a compact and versatile travel rod designed for anglers who enjoy various fishing styles. With its medium-short length of 5.25 feet and two interchangeable tips, you can easily switch between spinning and general fishing. Its lightweight design and compact carry size of just 14.4 inches make it perfect for travelling, allowing you to take your fishing adventures anywhere. The durable construction ensures reliable performance for fish weighing up to 6lbs, making it an ideal choice for your fishing trips.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Lightweight for easy transport
Two interchangeable tips
Durable construction
Versatile for various fishing styles

Ugly Stik GX2 5'6" Medium Casting Rod

2pcs
Multi-coloured
5'6" - Medium -2pc
Ugly Stik GX2 5'6" Medium Casting Rod Cover
Ugly Stik SHAKESPEARE GX2 Casting Fishing Rod, 5'6" - Medium - 2pc

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod is designed with a unique Ugly Tech construction that blends graphite and fiberglass, offering you a strong yet sensitive fishing experience. This combination ensures a well-balanced rod that feels lighter in your hands, making it easier to handle during long fishing sessions. The rod features Ugly Tuff guides, which are made from one-piece stainless steel to prevent insert pop-outs, allowing you to use any line type, including braid. Additionally, the clear tip design enhances both strength and sensitivity, helping you detect even the slightest nibbles.

What We Like
Strong and sensitive construction
Lightweight and well-balanced
Durable stainless steel guides
Clear tip for better sensitivity

Goture Portable 4-Piece Travel Fishing Rod

YMX1-Goture-A10580-2
Black
Goture Portable 4-Piece Travel Fishing Rod Cover
Goture Sea Fishing Rod, Portable Spinning Fishing Rods - Travel Spinning Rods with Rod Case- Portable 4 Piece Spinning Rod, Lightweight Carbon Fiber Fishing Rods 7ft-Medium - Medium Fast-Black

The Goture Travel Fishing Rod is designed for anglers on the go. Its lightweight and portable 4-piece design comes with a sturdy rod case, making it easy to transport for your fishing trips. Crafted from sensitive carbon fibre, this rod ensures you feel even the smallest bites, which is crucial when targeting elusive fish. The smooth stainless steel guides prevent tangling and allow for long, effortless casts, enhancing your overall fishing experience. With a premium ABS reel seat, you can enjoy stability while battling fish, ensuring you won’t lose your catch.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Sensitive carbon fibre construction
Effortless line movement
Stable ABS reel seat
Versatile for various fishing techniques
#TOP 5

Ugly Stik GX2 6'6" Medium Heavy Casting Rod

USGXCA662MH
Black / Red
Ugly Stik GX2 6'6" Medium Heavy Casting Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 6'6" GX2 Casting Rod, 2 Piece Fishing Rod, 10-25 lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, 1/4-3/4 oz Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod offers excellent balance and enhanced durability, making it perfect for your fishing adventures. Its Clear Tip design provides both strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel every nibble with precision. With a line rating of 10-25 lb and a lure rating of 1/4-3/4 oz, you can confidently tackle a variety of fishing situations. The Ugly Tech construction, made from a blend of graphite and fiberglass, ensures a tough rod that remains lightweight for your convenience.

What We Like
Improved balance and durability
Enhanced sensitivity with Clear Tip
Versatile line and lure ratings
Lightweight construction
#TOP 6

Fox Rage Warrior Medium Spin Fishing Rod

NRD346
Black
240 cm
Fox Rage Warrior Medium Spin Fishing Rod Cover
Fox Rage Warrior Medium Spin 240cm 7.8ft 15g-40g Spinning Rod

The Fox Rage Warrior Rod is a highly capable fishing rod designed specifically for pike and perch spinning. Its lightweight, balanced design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods, ensuring you can enjoy your fishing experience. The striking graphics add a touch of style while you cast medium-sized lures within the 15g to 40g weight range. This versatility allows you to adapt to different fishing situations, making it an excellent choice for anglers looking to enhance their skills.

What We Like
Lightweight and balanced design
Ideal for pike and perch
Versatile casting weight range
Striking graphics
#TOP 7

Fiblink 4 Piece Medium Graphite Fishing Rod

Black
7' M
Fiblink 4 Piece Medium Graphite Fishing Rod Cover
Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Spinning Rod Medium Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod Portable Fishing Rod (7' Medium)

The Fiblink Fishing Rod is designed for avid anglers who seek portability and strength. Its carbon fibre construction makes it lightweight yet incredibly strong, allowing you to fish with ease. The DPS reel seat features corrosion-resistant stainless steel hoods, ensuring durability while providing a secure connection for your reel. With 7+1 guides equipped with stainless steel frames and ceramic inserts, you can expect smooth line flow and reduced friction. Plus, the non-slip cork grip offers comfort and a reliable hold, even in wet conditions, enhancing your overall fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight carbon fibre material
Corrosion-resistant reel seat
Smooth line flow with guides
Comfortable non-slip grip
#TOP 8

Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod

ZF-CK1.8MZB-GREEN
Green- Spinning
6'0"/Medium/Fast
Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rods, Graphite Spinning Rods, Lightweight 2 Pieces Cork Handle Casting Rods-6'-Green Spinning Rod

The Sougayilang BRAVO II Rod is designed for anglers seeking an edge in fishing. Its 36-ton graphite blank construction offers excellent sensitivity for quick hook sets while ensuring durability. The premium cork handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to fish for longer periods without fatigue. Additionally, the lightweight design and perfectly spaced guides enhance distance casting and reduce friction, making your fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Comfortable cork handle
Excellent sensitivity
Compact two-piece design
Friction-free line flow
#TOP 9

Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Medium Spinning Rod

USSP664M
Black
6'6" - Medium - 4pc
Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Medium Spinning Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Spinning Rod, Three Piece Spinning Rod, 6-15lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/8-5/8 oz. Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a reliable spinning rod. With a 6-15lb line rating and medium power, it is well-suited for various fishing conditions. The moderate fast action allows for better sensitivity and control, helping you feel even the slightest nibble. Its durable construction combines graphite and fiberglass, offering a lightweight feel without sacrificing strength, which means you can fish longer without fatigue. Additionally, the rod features Ugly Stik's Clear Tip design, enhancing both strength and responsiveness when casting.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Excellent sensitivity and control
Corrosion-resistant guides
Comfortable, slip-resistant handle
#TOP 10

10ft Hunter Pro Carbon Match Fishing Rod

0702795434380
Carbon Black
10ft Hunter Pro Carbon Match Fishing Rod Cover
10ft Carbon Match Float Coarse Fishing Rod Carbon Black & Bag

The Hunter Pro Match Rod is a 10-foot carbon fishing rod designed for coarse fishing. It features a medium fine action, allowing you to cast with precision and control, enhancing your fishing experience. The brushed aluminium adjustable screw reel seats provide a secure fit for your reel, ensuring you can focus on your catch. The neoprene handle offers comfort and grip, making long fishing sessions more enjoyable. With ceramic line guides, you can expect smooth line movement, reducing the risk of tangles and improving your overall performance on the water.

What We Like
Lightweight at 220g
Comfortable neoprene handle
Adjustable reel seats
Smooth line movement
Anti-reflective finish
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a medium fishing rod used for?

Medium or medium-heavy action rods are often a great choice for lures with treble hooks or for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and bladed jigs that are fished fast and generate “reaction” strikes.

2. What is the difference between medium and medium/heavy fishing rods?

A medium rod is perfect for this kind of hookset, as it has a good bend which ensures the line tightens into a fish's mouth without blowing it out from too much force. A medium heavy can easily be pulled too hard as it has no bend to forgive a hookset that is too strong. That means you've lost a fish.

3. What is a medium moderate action rod good for?

The moderate action allows the hookset to be more gradual and less jarring which is better suited to the light wire treble hooks. But if you wanting an all around rod for bass fishing, your medium heavy fast can do everything adequately. If you do want one, I have one that I don't use much (not much of a bass guy).

Editor's Notes

During our medium fishing rod research, we found 221 medium fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,513 customer reviews through our big data system to write the medium fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose medium fishing rods with an average price of £47.04.

The medium fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of medium fishing rods, including Ugly Stik, RIGGED & READY TRAVEL FISHING, Goture, Fox Rage, Fiblink.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.