I have a Berkley lightning rod medium action i have been using it in the lily pads but i recently had two 4lb fish get off two or three feet from the boat is medium too light if so how do I get the same casting distance with a heavier action thanks

You mean medium power instead of med action don't you , there is a differance in the two.

You probably need a med-hvy or hvy powered rod for that application.

Yeah I agree with Bass-Brat.  You will need at least  MH powered rod to yank those fish out of the pads.

SmokinShad, here is a thread I saved from a while back.  It's not specific to your question, but it should help you understand rod design and application better.  Good reading.  Good luck!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

You didn't say how those fish got off. I've used medium in pads for years. Yes, it's too underpowered if line gets wrapped around pads and stems, but that stuff is so tough I doubt moving up one notch in rod power would make the difference.

Medium power varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.  I use a kistler medium light for saltwater that is every bit as stout as a mossyback medium.  I use a 7ft MH Powell for the pads and it does great.  I use a curado e7 spooled with braid (typically 30 or 40lb).