hello all.

could anyone tell me if there is a huge difference between a Light action spinning rod and a Medium Light Action spinning rod?

is there a huge difference that you'd feel while fishing?

debating on which rod action to go with for light weight tackle for wading. i do not want Ultralight rods.

any help would be appreciated 

It will be noticeable. What size weights will you be throwing?

Also I believe you'r referring to the "power" of the rod.

There is little need if any for a light action rod in bass fishing. Most brands ML is as light as you will need.

I'm not sure it's a "huge" difference...but there certainly is a noticeable difference.

I have an "L" and an "ML" spinning rod but they are not directly comparable. The light power is a 5.5' rod, the medium-light power rod is a 7'. Given that big length difference, they "fish" quite a bit differently. The L 5.5' rod has a lure rating of 1/16 to 1/4 - the ML 7' has a rating of 1/16 to 3/8.

You can get L and ML rods in the same length, but they will have different line and lure ratings. As to which one to get, I guess it depends on the weight of the baits that you expect to use, and the type of water you fish.

I'll say this, in open water, I caught a 33" (18-20lb or so) catfish on that 5.5' light-power rod with 6lb test line and it was a blast! ;D ;D

The photo below shows the difference in the diameter of the blank just above the grip - the L is on top, the ML on the bottom - quite a difference...

Yep, with most manufacturers, there's a noticeable difference.

Some manufacturers have a slightly different take on "action". For example, St. Croix rods run a little heavy in action. My 6'6" LTB MLF is very similar in action to my sons 6'6" MF Shimano Crucial. My 7' LE MF is really like a light/medium heavy.

hmmm, ok here are my fishing specifics that id like to do with the new rod (whichever it may be).

my lures will be 1/4oz or less. majority of them range from 3/16-1/4. a lot of cranks, tubes, pan fish jigs and things of that sort. all fished via wading and nothing more. the waters are roughly 4' deep, MAX. i would say the average is closer to 2' deep. i normally pull in a bunch of small mouth and a few large mouth bass but none of them ever get more than a pound or two in weight. catch a lot of panfish, as well as rock bass.

im looking at a 6', 1 piece rod, st. croix. just not sure which power i should lean toward.

i dont want to spend more than $100 on the rod.......the rod would be placed on my AG Cardinal 100ui reel. NOW, i would not be against purchasing a combo to replace this if you could recommend any....

i know im all over the place with my questions but just trying to upgrade my wading rod/reel but was going to start with the rod unless there is an awesome deal for a new combo.

(i need to shop at BPS store since i received a gift card)

ML Will be best IMO.