Best Moderate Fishing Rods of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Moderate fishing rods are an excellent option for anglers who want to strike a balance between sensitivity and power. These rods have a medium-fast action, which means they have some flexibility in the tip but still offer plenty of backbone for reeling in bigger fish. They are versatile enough to be used in a variety of fishing situations, from casting for trout in a stream to trolling for walleye in a lake. With their durable construction and comfortable grips, moderate fishing rods are a great investment for any angler looking to up their game on the water.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 1
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod, 4'6" - Ultra Light - 1pc Cover #TOP 3
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod, 4'6" - Ultra Light - 1pc
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Moderate Fishing Rods

Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod

1121420
Multi
8 feet
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Berkley 8’ Big Game Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating

The Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod is an 8', medium-heavy 2-piece rod with an X-veil high modulus blank that provides strength and sensitivity for catching big game fish. The rod also features a Fenwick custom ergonomic reel seat, titanium guides with slim profile zirconium inserts, and an EVA and TAC split grip handle for comfort during long fishing trips. With a limited lifetime warranty, this rod is perfect for serious anglers who want a reliable and durable tool for their fishing adventures.

What We Like
High modulus blank for strength and sensitivity
Ergonomic reel seat for comfortable handling
Titanium guides with zirconium inserts for smooth line flow
#TOP 2

KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod

PG II-49
black
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod Cover
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods, Spinning Rod 6ft - Ultra Light - Moderate Fast - Two Pieces One Tip Rod

The KastKing Perigee II Rod is designed for anglers seeking quality and performance. Its carbon fiber construction ensures strength and accuracy, making it suitable for various fishing types, from bass to saltwater species. You will appreciate the premium components, including Fuji line guides and ergonomic grips, which enhance comfort during long fishing sessions. The innovative Power Transition System allows for seamless power transfer, making the rod feel like a single piece. With this rod, you can upgrade your fishing experience and enjoy a lightweight design that minimizes fatigue while maximizing your catch.

What We Like
High-quality carbon fiber
Comfortable ergonomic design
Smooth power transition
Versatile fishing applications
#TOP 3

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod, 4'6" - Ultra Light - 1pc

1264722
Multi
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod, 4'6" - Ultra Light - 1pc Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 4’6” GX2 Spinning Rod, Three Piece Spinning Rod, 2-6lb Line Rating, Ultra Light Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/32-1/4 oz. Lure Rating

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is a reliable and durable spinning fishing rod that is perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. Its strong and balanced construction, made of graphite and fiberglass, can withstand the toughest fishing conditions. The Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide maximum durability, and the Clear Tip design adds sensitivity and strength to the rod. The EVA grips are lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to fish for longer periods without fatigue. With a 7-year warranty, you can trust that this fishing rod is built to last. Get ready to catch more fish with the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2.

What We Like
Strong and balanced construction
Durable Ugly Tuff guides
Clear Tip design adds sensitivity
#TOP 4

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

USSP662M
Multi
6'6" - Medium - 2pc
Ugly Stik GX2 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 Spinning Rod is a 6'6" medium power 2-piece fishing rod that offers excellent performance and durability. The rod features one-piece stainless steel guides that eliminate insert pop-outs, making it more convenient to use. Its clear tip design provides added sensitivity and extra strength, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. The EVA handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to hold for longer periods. With a test range of 6-15 lb. and a lure weight of 1/8-5/8 oz., this spinning rod is perfect for catching a wide range of fish species. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the Ugly Stik Spinning Rod is an excellent choice that will help you catch more fish.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel guides
Clear tip design for added sensitivity
Comfortable EVA handle
#TOP 5

Ugly Stik 5'6” Carbon Spinning Rod

USCBSP562L
Red/Black
5'6" - Light - 2pc
Ugly Stik 5'6” Carbon Spinning Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 5’6” Carbon Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod, 4-8lb Line Rating, Light Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/16-1/4 oz. Lure Rating, Red/Black

The Ugly Stik Spinning Rod is the lightest rod ever made by Ugly Stik, making it easy to handle and maneuver while fishing. Its solid graphite tip enhances sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites, which is crucial for a successful catch. The rod is constructed with 100% 24-ton graphite, ensuring a lightweight and well-balanced design for comfortable use over long periods. Additionally, the one-piece stainless steel guides are built for durability, preventing insert pop-outs and accommodating all line types, including braid. This combination of features helps you fish more effectively and enjoyably.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Enhanced sensitivity
Durable stainless steel guides
Comfortable grip
#TOP 6

Berkley Lightning 6’6” Spinning Rod

BSLR662M
Brown
6'6" - Medium - 2pc
Berkley Lightning 6’6” Spinning Rod Cover
Berkley 6’6” Lightning Rod Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod, 8-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/4-5/8 oz. Lure Rating,Brown

The Berkley Lightning Spinning Rod combines sensitivity and strength in a lightweight design. With a line rating of 8-14 lbs and a lure rating of 1/4-5/8 oz, this rod is perfect for various fishing conditions, providing you with enhanced responsiveness when reeling in your catch. The rubberized cork handle ensures a comfortable, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. Additionally, the rod features eight durable guides with aluminum oxide inserts that facilitate smoother casts and add strength during use. This means you can enjoy a more controlled fishing experience, making it easier to land that big fish.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Comfortable non-slip grip
Smooth casting performance
Durable construction
#TOP 7

KastKing Compass Telescopic Rod

KRDCP-2
Black
Spin - 6'0"
KastKing Compass Telescopic Rod Cover
KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods, Spinning Rod,6ft - Medium - Moderate Fast

The KastKing Telescopic Rod is designed for anglers who are always on the go. Its telescopic feature allows it to collapse to just 17 inches, making it easy to pack and travel with. Crafted from a lightweight and sensitive graphite composite, this rod enhances your fishing experience by improving bite sensitivity and performance. With options available in both spinning and casting models, you can choose the perfect length and action for your fishing needs. Plus, high-quality components ensure that your reel stays secure, giving you peace of mind while you fish.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Lightweight graphite construction
Available in multiple models
High-quality components
#TOP 8

KastKing Assegai Bass Casting Rod

White
KastKing Assegai Bass Casting Rod Cover
KastKing Assegai Bass Casting Rod, I'm Cranky One Piece Fishing Rod, IM9 Graphite Blanks,7'0", Medium, Moderate

KastKing Assegai Rod is a high-performance fishing rod designed for bass fishing. It features elite carbon blanks with nano resin technology, which deliver exceptional power, strength, and sensitivity. The carbon blanks are 5% lighter, 30% more twist-resistant, and 10% stronger than other high-end fishing rod blanks. With 15 technique-specific actions and lengths, this one-piece rod is perfect for various bass fishing techniques. The Fuji guides and reel seats ensure smooth casting and durability, while the comfortable AAA cork handles with custom EVA inserts provide exceptional feel and durability. The carbon fiber fighting butt and foregrip improve balance and reduce rod weight. The Assegai Rod is a true tournament performance rod that not only looks good but performs exceptionally well, giving you the confidence in its durability.

What We Like
Elite Carbon Blanks
15 Technique Specific Actions
Fuji Guides & Reel Seats
#TOP 9

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

5-5016T-376-4
Classic Trout
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod Cover
Redington Classic Trout Freshwater Fly Fishing Rod - Moderate Action 4-Piece Fly Rod - Case Included - ‎3WT 7'6" (376-4)

The Redington Trout Fly Rod is designed for versatility on the water. Its moderate action allows you to handle delicate casts for technical spring creeks while also providing the strength needed for larger rivers. You’ll appreciate the lightweight design, which minimizes fatigue, letting you fish comfortably all day. The classic aesthetics, featuring a dark clay brown finish and rosewood reel seat, add style to your gear. Plus, with its four-piece construction and included transport tube, setting up and carrying your rod has never been easier.

What We Like
Versatile for various fishing conditions
Lightweight for reduced fatigue
Stylish classic design
Easy to transport and set up
#TOP 10

Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod

Shakespeare
SRODSEL8056
8' - 5/6wt - 3pc
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod Cover
Shakespeare 8' Cedar Canyon Select Fly Fishing Rod, 5/6 wt Line Rating, Moderate Action for Easy Casting, 3-Piece Fiberglass Construction, Durable EVA Handle

The Shakespeare Fly Rod is designed with beginners in mind, offering a user-friendly moderate action that makes learning to cast easier. Its durable fiberglass construction ensures flexibility and a good feel, which helps you master your casting technique. The rod is rated for 5/6 weight lines, making it versatile enough to target various fish species, from trout to bass. Plus, its 3-piece design allows for easy travel and storage, perfect for those hiking to remote fishing spots.

What We Like
User-friendly for beginners
Durable fiberglass construction
Versatile line rating
Portable 3-piece design
Comfortable EVA handle
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a moderate rod good for?

In addition to providing good casting distance, a moderate action rod does a great job absorbing and softening the often-violent shock a fish imparts on the line and rod when it hits a moving bait.

2. What is a moderate action fishing rod?

Medium Action: A medium or moderate action rods will bend in the top half of their length, allowing an angler to fish both for small and large species with good control and hook setting allowances. These rods will allow a fisherman to fish in a wide range of situation and for a varied list of species.

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 is a 7 foot medium rod good for?

7-foot, medium-action spinning rod You can use this rod for any type of weightless soft plastic, shaky heads, Ned rigs, lightweight Texas rigs and any other finesse technique you may favor. Having this rod, or one very similar, can pay off in a big way—especially if you're fishing rural ponds or rivers.

Editor's Notes

During our moderate fishing rod research, we found 24 moderate fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,168 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 $65.91.

The moderate fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of moderate fishing rods, including Berkley, KastKing, Ugly Stik, Redington, Shakespeare. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.