The Winston TMF is a medium action rod according to Winston’s definition, which is much slower than Sage’s definition of medium action. As an example, Winston’s fast action BiiX would be classified by Sage as a medium or maybe a medium-fast action rod. Now, for the TMF rod.
First, the TMF is a two piece rod (if that matters).
Second, the TMF is not designed for long distance casting and it will max out at about 35 – 40 feet irrespective of size fly (it is a true rated rod meaning 30 feet of 4 weight line results in optimum loading). While the TMF is designed for delicate presentation it can handle non-weighted bucktail type streamers and lightly weighted nymphs but you’re not going to chuck out a heavily weighted woolly bugger.
Third, if you have a fast casting stroke and are prone to muscling out the fly, this isn’t the rod for you.
Fourth, it will not overline.
Overall, if you are looking for a rod with a classic medium action that will outperform any other rod at close ranges when using smaller flies, especially dries, this is the rod for you unless you want to drop $1300+ for a Tom Morgan Rodsmiths rod. If you are looking for a traditional action rod with more versatility, the sweet rod in the Winston WT line is the 8.5 foot #5 weight rod. This has a medium-fast action and is really a nice rod. Also, as Tennjed stated, the BiiX rods are not broomstick fast action rods despite the fast action label. They are a true fast action designs with a soft tip that progressively gets stiffer as you approach the mid section. Also, the BiiT, while labeled medium action, actually has a lot more power than one would expect and is a farily traditional action rod.
If you are looking for a very versatile #4 weight the Winston BiiT 8.5 foot rod has been labeled, “The Staff Of Mosses,” by many on the Winston forum. I have cast it and it is a nice rod.
I have an 8 foot 3 and 4 weight WT rod and a 9 foot 5 weight WT rod. The 3 weight (medium action) actually has the best feel of them all but it simply cannot handle much wind. The 4 weight is a medium-fast action rod, can handle wind, has nice feel and is extremely versatile but my 9 foot 5 weight (medium action) simply does everything it does plus more. Just remember, the Winston WT series is not meant for slinging heavily weighted flies to distant targets. With my 5 weight and good timing I can deliver a pretty heavy payload with a good degree of accuracy to about 25 – 30 feet. With normal flies the 9 foot 5 weight will reach out to 50 – 55 feet with ease. But probably 100% of my fishing is done within 25 feet so these rods suit me perfectly.
My advice with this and any other rod is try it first.