Hey BassResource,

 

I was on the lookout for some lighter action casting rods, specifically those around a medium light, for my pond fishing. I was wondering what kind of rods around this action were available for the price of about $100-150 on Tackle Warehouse. I have already found some options like the Castaway Skeleton Nano. I was planning to pair this rod with the Abu Garcia REVO AL-F which has a shallower spool for lighter baits. Was thinking of throwing weightless 4 inch senkos, 1/4 oz rattle traps, and maybe some finesse baits like dropshots or ned rigs on this set up. 

Another option

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-QUANTMRODS.html?from=basres

If you can nudge your upper end a little

There's a closeout on the TFO Tactical 7'3" ML/F for $160

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Temple_Fork_Outfitters_Tactical_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-TFOTAC.html

At $170 is the Quantum Smoke 7'0" ML/F

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Smoke_S3_Casting_Rods/descpage-SCS3.html

I have both a Phenix Feather 7’1” Medium-Light and a Light and they are excellent rods. Another option that is a Medium, but fishes more like an ML is a MajorCraft Don Iovino 6’10” MXF. Also a great rod until it ended up overboard one day ?

Its a few 20s above your budget when there's a decent sale (Memorial Day coming up soon), but the Dobyns Champion XP 702c is pretty awesome for stuff you're thinking about throwing. Its rated medium, but as is standard with Dobyns, fishes under its rating. Great balance when paired with a light reel also.

I've got a Lew's Mach casting rod that I love for light stuff.  It's medium action, medium taper.   I can throw really light stuff on it.  It's rated for 1/8 to 1/2 ounce.  I throw a 2 3/4 1/8 ounce rapala with it.    I've used it quite a bit It's tough too.  I landed a 50+ pound catfish on it I hooked on a crankbait while bass fishing.  

 

https://www.academy.com/p/lews-mach-casting-rod?sku=7-medium-medium-1

Shimano curators 6’10 ML it’s a super fun rod, I recommend it 100%

4 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I have both a Phenix Feather 7’1” Medium-Light and a Light and they are excellent rods. Another option that is a Medium, but fishes more like an ML is a MajorCraft Don Iovino 6’10” MXF. Also a great rod until it ended up overboard one day ?

I'll second this. Those feathers are really nice rods.

https://www.tackledirect.com/falcon-swc-67ml-ultimate-trout-coastal-clear-water-casting-rod.html