Best Moderate Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Moderate fishing rods are essential for anglers who want to achieve a balance between sensitivity and power when casting and reeling in fish. These rods are designed to provide the right amount of flexibility and strength to handle different fish species and fishing techniques. They are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and can be used in various environments including lakes, rivers, and oceans. With their high-quality construction and advanced features, moderate fishing rods are a great investment for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Medium Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Medium Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 2
Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 3
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Moderate Fishing Rods

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

Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod

BERKLEY
1531537
2.4m | 7-28g
Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod Cover
Berkley Cherrywood Spinning Rod, Lightweight with Cork Handle - Saltwater and Freshwater Spin Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Predator Fishing, Unisex, Red, 2.4m | 7-28g

The Berkley Cherrywood Rod features a lightweight and well-balanced rod blank, making it easy for you to handle while fishing. Its moderate-fast action allows for versatile use, whether you're targeting saltwater or freshwater species. With lightweight stainless steel guides, you can expect smooth line movement and improved casting distance. The cork handle grips provide comfort during long fishing sessions, ensuring you have a firm hold as you reel in your catch.

What We Like
Lightweight for easy handling
Versatile for saltwater and freshwater
Comfortable cork handle grips
Durable stainless steel guides
#TOP 3

Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod

1632635
2.74m | 30-70g
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod Cover
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod, Lightweight Fishing Rod with 24T Carbon Blank, Cork Handle, Compact Design for Traveling Anglers, Freshwater & Saltwater Predator Fish, 2.74m 30-70g

The Tormentor2 Travel Rod combines durability and lightweight construction with a 24T carbon blank, ensuring excellent sensitivity and performance for your fishing adventures. Its compact design, featuring a 3- or 4-piece construction, makes it easy to transport, allowing you to carry it effortlessly on trips. With optimized casting performance and a slim blank that offers precise casting and quick hooksets, you can enjoy various fishing techniques with ease. High-quality components like stainless steel guides enhance line management, making your fishing experience smoother and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Compact for easy transport
Optimized casting performance
High-quality components

Mitchell Epic MX2 Adjustable Fishing Rods

Mitchell
1561496
Black / Gold
3.5m | 2-12g
Mitchell Epic MX2 Adjustable Fishing Rods Cover
Mitchell Epic MX2 Telescopic Adjustable Rods, Designed for Float Fishing on River or Stream, Progressive Action to Reduce Lost Fish, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Unisex, Black/Gold, 3.5m | 2-12g

The Mitchell Epic MX2 Rods are perfect for float fishing enthusiasts. Their adjustable telescopic design makes them convenient for travel, allowing you to take your fishing gear anywhere. The high-quality M24 carbon blanks provide a progressive action, which is ideal for casting and controlling your float on moving water. Sensitive tips enhance your control, ensuring you feel every nibble. Additionally, the beautiful curve of the rod when a fish is hooked helps to reduce the number of lost catches, making your fishing experience more rewarding.

What We Like
Adjustable telescopic design
High-quality carbon blanks
Sensitive tips for better control
Reduces lost fish
#TOP 5

DAM Tele Shadow Mini Spin Fishing Rod

DAM
SVS70794
Black
8' / 2.40M
DAM Tele Shadow Mini Spin Fishing Rod Cover
DAM Tele Shadow Mini Spin 2.40 M 7- 30 G - Cheap Fishing Poles, Fishing Rod Shop, Fishing Rod Sale, Fishing Rod, Fishing Rod

The DAM Tele Shadow Mini Spin is designed for anglers seeking a reliable rod that combines strength and sensitivity. Its slim and lightweight 24TC carbon blanks provide excellent power without adding unnecessary weight, making it easier for you to cast and fight fish. The moderate-fast action enhances your ability to feel bites and react quickly, improving your catch rate. Additionally, the black anodised metal parts not only add durability but also give the rod a sleek appearance. With light-weight single-leg wrapped guides, you can enjoy smoother line flow, which is essential for effective casting.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Strong carbon construction
Sleek and durable design
Enhanced sensitivity for better catch
#TOP 6

DAM Shadow Tele Spinning Rod for Versatile Fishing

DAM
70355
Black
3m | 5-25g
DAM Shadow Tele Spinning Rod for Versatile Fishing Cover
DAM Shadow Tele Spinning Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Allround Fishing, Premium Telescopic Fishing Rod for anglers Seeking Versatility and Power, Unisex, Black, 3m | 5-25g

The DAM Shadow Rod is designed with a moderate-fast action, providing you with optimal performance in various fishing scenarios. The sleek black anodised metal components not only enhance durability but also add aesthetic appeal. You will appreciate the high-grade full cork handle, which ensures a comfortable and secure grip during those long fishing sessions. Additionally, the camo-EVA fore grip offers added control and stability, making casting and reeling in fish much easier for you.

What We Like
Durable materials for long-lasting use
Comfortable grip for extended fishing
Enhanced control during casting
Lightweight design for easy handling
#TOP 7

PENN Rampage 7’6” Heavy Duty Fishing Rod

RAMBW3080C76
Black
7'6" - Heavy - 1pcs
PENN Rampage 7’6” Heavy Duty Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Rampage 7’6” Nearshore/Offshore Boat Conventional Rod; 1-Piece Fishing Rod, 30-80lb Line Rating, Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, Tubular Glass Blank for Extra Strength

The PENN Rampage Rod is a robust 7’6” fishing rod designed for nearshore and offshore adventures. With a line rating of 30-80lb and heavy power, you can rely on its moderate fast action for both responsiveness and strength during challenging fights. The tubular fiberglass blank enhances durability, making it ideal for tackling tough catches. Additionally, the Pac Bay rollers with aluminium oxide turbo guides ensure your braided and monofilament lines remain controlled, giving you confidence as you reel in your prize catch.

What We Like
Durable and heavy-duty design
Responsive moderate fast action
Strong tubular fiberglass blank
Effective line control with guides

Burning Shark 6' Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod

Burning Shark
BR-CG-LJJINS
Golden
Burning Shark 6' Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod Cover
Burning Shark Jigging Rod Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod 2 Pieces Conventional Boat Fishing Rod with Roller Guides- Gloden 6'

The Burning Shark Trolling Rod is expertly crafted from solid fiberglass, making it perfect for big game fishing, such as tuna and amberjack. Its heavy power rating of 50-80lb allows you to handle substantial weights and pressures, ensuring you are well-equipped for tackling hefty fish. With a moderate fast action, you can detect strikes more easily while enjoying improved casting distance. The high-performance guides feature a special anti-friction coating, enhancing your fishing experience and reducing wear on the line.

What We Like
Ideal for big game fishing
High power for heavy weights
Improved strike detection
Comfortable EVA foam grip
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a moderate fishing rod?

Moderate Action Rod These are versatile rods that provide reasonable casting distance and good hook-setting power. You can use a moderate action rod for a wide variety of lures – either single hook lures such as topwater frogs and spinnerbaits, to a range of lures with treble hooks.

2. What are moderate fast rods good for?

Medium and medium-fast rods will usually provide a little more casting distance and still provide adequate hooksetting power. These actions are often used for applications that involve treble hooks, such as crankbaits and topwater lures or other reaction baits such as spinnerbaits.

3. What are medium rods good for?

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.

4. What are the 3 types of fishing rods?

Types of Fishing Rods Explained. Spin Fishing Rod.Spincast / Casting Rod.Telescoping Fishing Rod.Fly Fishing Rod.Ultralight Fishing Rod.Surf Fishing Rod.Trolling Fishing Rod.

Editor's Notes

During our moderate fishing rod research, we found 44 moderate fishing rod products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,254 customer reviews through our big data system to write the moderate fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose moderate fishing rods with an average price of £48.21.

The moderate fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of moderate fishing rods, including Ugly Stik, BERKLEY, ABU GARCIA, Mitchell, DAM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 28,165 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

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.