I have two 6.8ft medium casting rods, one with an extra fast action and one with a moderate fast action. I got the former for weighted wacky rigs, shaky heads, and tubes, and I got the latter for jerkbaits and topwater. But I’ve read where the extra fast is actually good for jerkbaits and topwater poppers. Any suggestions on the best uses of these two rods?

Line type can play a big part in the equation.

Mono on the extra fast, braid on the moderate fast 

I use Major Craft Don Inovino Splash’It rod Medium power fast action casting rod for several applications. Top water, medium divers and jerk baits from 1/4 to 1/2 oz. Also use this rod for finesse T-rig w/ 1/8 & 3/16 oz bullet weight 6” worms and unweighted 5” Senko’s.

Current reel is Shimano SLX MGL 70 with 11 lb Diefer Armillo Nylon line.

Tom

I think you are fine the way you are but try mixing the lures up and see if you like it. 

That sound like two very versatile set ups to me. Could go either way, depends on your preference. That's the fun part of trying new things.

The moderate one would probably be great for square bills.

I'll take a new rod, or reel, down the the lake at the park with a bag of different baits and start making casts to see how each bait feels on it.  There has been a few times when I buy a rod for one bait and end up using it for something else.

Great advice from all of you, I appreciate it 

I love mod fast rods. But, at least for me, they don’t work too well with jerkbaits and topwaters. I’d go with the fastest rods I have for these two techniques. 

Interesting line choices...

The stretch of mono will make the extra fast feel a little less fast, while the lack of stretch from the braid will make the moderate fast feel a little faster. Try switching the reels and see if the rods feel different. 

 

Either way, I would use the extra fast for bottom contact and the moderate fast for moving baits (excluding jerkbaits and walking/popping topwater, those probably work better on the extra fast).