9 Best Surf Fishing Rods Reviewed
Good morning, fellow angler. There’s a decent possibility you’re browsing for the most influential surf fishing rods right here.
During the past five nights, I compared each surf rod I came across and found online depending on length, quality, strength, and toughness.
The Penn Prevail & Prevail II Surf model captured me the best. It offers the most recent technological advances, superior quality, and the best price; it provides you with the most extended range you require. It’s the most reliable surf fishing rod on the market.
However, I understand that only some are on a budget, while others may be willing to splurge. As a result, I have offered options to every person.
Each of these surf rods is a different brand and has been used by people worldwide in tournaments.
How do you hook fish in the ocean (and attract those hens) with the right rod? Now let’s begin.
The 9 Greatest Surf Fishing Rods
We’ve made sure you have options if you’re in a price range, looking for the best, or want to splurge. There are even spinning rods as well as casting rods included!
1. Penn Prevail & Prevail II Surf Conventional
No products found.
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Blank Material: Composite (Graphite and Fiberglass)
- Rod Length:10-12 ft
- Warranty Period:1 Year
- Handle Material: Rubber Shrink Tubing
This is a moderately priced, high-quality Penn Prevail & Prevail II Surf Conventional surf fishing rod.
Each element of this surf fishing rod is constructed from the most innovative products of the best durability.
In the first place, composite blanks offer the best of both worlds. Glass fiber keeps the rod solid and durable, whereas graphite helps keep the rod responsive and lightweight.
Whenever fish strikes, you’ll be able to recognize it instantly, and you shouldn’t have any difficulty catching those massive fish you headed to the shore to catch.
The thinness of the plastic also helps make it possible to make models all day long while not working up the heat.
Following that, the company’s reels and rigging have developed a renowned name for excellence in the industry.
With its strength and smooth finish, Alconite makes a great fishing line.
Your guides will never have to be worried that your ropes are snapping. The sturdy reel holders will comfortably hold the heavy reels you require to make powerful throws.
In addition, rubber shrink tube handles provide the firmest grip for fishing rods, even when wet.
Rubber shrink hose is the most effective in terms of substances employed to make grips.
The only item that can cause you to slip your grasp is a wet catch. Moreover, your fingers will benefit from the softness of this grip following a tiring day of angling.
Combining the strengths of every rod element, the Penn Prevail & Prevail II is a work of art. Using only the best features, it is capable of delivering long casts.
It’s no surprise that this is the situation. Penn is renowned for producing quality products and tournament-tested rods.
About 1,400 hold IGFA world rankings for their outstanding performances in different saltwater game fishing tournaments.
Its only faults included that it should be more minor and unable to catch tiny fish.
It is necessary to give up some flexibility and sensibility when working with fiberglass sheets to maximize the durability and power fiberglass offers to the bench.
As you’ll be fishing for large fish, so the II Penn Battalion’s limitations can be forgiven.
Lastly, you’ll appreciate the affordability. You won’t blow the budget since the II Penn Battalion is highly pocket-friendly.
Those who value quality need to look no further. The price is considerably less than those of other top-of-the-line surf casting rods.
If you struggle to match your reels to your rods, you’ll love our next suggestion.
Pros
- An ultralight and durable surf rod
- Priced affordably
- An outstanding guide for beginners and experts alike
Cons
- It doesn’t stand out from Penn Prevail II in terms of features.
2. Penn Battle III LE Rod And Reel Combo
No products found.
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Rod Length: 5-10 ft
- Assurance Period: One Year
- Handle Material: Winn Grip
- Blank Type: Composite
Here is Penn’s solution to the problem of pairing reels with rods. I introduce the Battle III Rod Penn”s And Reel Combination to my audience.
While offering up just a little distance to the Penn Prevail & Prevail II in its high-quality steel rod, the LE Penn Battle III has most of the similar attributes as the MS Penn Battle II.
It is a composite blank that is used in both rods. Stainless steel guides and winner handle grips may be marginally less stable than synthetic shrink tubes and significantly less comfortable.
The contrasts among the pair are so subtle that you wouldn’t notice them until someone pointed them out.
The incorrect reel and rod will keep you from launching out of the rolling surf. The ugliest possibility is when you’ll damage your rod.
It helps you with time by reducing the requirement for unneeded research. With its smooth drag and perfect fit, the reel will provide you with a silky-smooth fishing setup.
Combos like the Penn Battle Three can effectively contend with the Second Penn Battalion.
Surf anglers who want to invest time looking for the perfect reel for the rod can remain with Prevail & Prevail II by Penn.
In the category of surfing rods and reels, there’s no more significant than the Battle III LE combo.
Pros
- Exceptional size range
- Excellent build. Built to last. The product will last many seasons under hard use.
- Drag with a smooth crank and powerful force
- Capacity for excellent spooling
Cons
- Sealing would benefit it a lot
- There is not much to distinguish it from other models.
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Fiblink Surf Spinning Rods.
No products found.
- Guides: Stainless Steel and Ceramic
- Handle Material: Polyurethane Shrink Tubing
- Blank Material: Carbon Fiber
- Rod Length:9-15 ft
- Warranty Period: 1 Year
With its comparatively recent establishment, Fiblink is building a sterling name for excellent offerings and affordable costs.
Here is our suggestion for the Surf Fiblink Spinning Rod. Although it’s far from the quality you’ll experience with the other 2 rods, it’s excellent for fishermen in a price range.
Its bare composition represents the most significant point of distinction. Even though it costs half as much as the Penn Prevail & Prevail II, Fiblink Surf is noticeably lighter.
This involves a significant cost involved with this. The carbon fiber blank is lighter than a composite, but it lacks the sturdiness and strength of a composite.
As a result, you’ll only be able to target decent-sized fish, not the monsters.
The Fiblink Surf offers better value than any other fishing rod at this price point. With just a little over $50, you can start surfing.
In addition to the material, the Fiblink Surf has a few things that could be improved. It’s slightly less smooth than Fuji Alconite, but you can still maintain control over the line.
Its rubber shrink tube handle is the same as Penn’s, so it speaks for itself.
Considering its low price, the Fiblink Surf is among the best surf fishing rods on the market.
Additionally, it’s portable since it’s a two-piece rod. For people on a limited income or just starting surf angling for the introductory period, we suggest beginning with the Fiblink Surf Fishing Rod.
Pros
- Convenience
- Build quality
- Size
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Customer support
- Easy to assemble
- Overall satisfaction
Cons
- The sealing of the area would be of great benefit to it.
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Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rods
No products found.
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Blank Material: Composite
- Rod Length:6-15 ft
- Warranty Period:7 Years
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
An extreme angler who intends to catch some of the largest fish in the ocean will need the Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod.
There is no denying that ugly Stik fishing rods are unbreakable.
Though they use the same blank as Penn, Ugly Stik makes their rods unique, making them the most challenging.
Although it is strong enough for most giant fishes, it is still sensitive and sufficient for smaller fishes. There is no other rod that can bring home monsters like it.
Considering that you understand how impressive it is, why did it not make the top pick?
It’s the handle. I don’t. Despite its age, EVA Foam remains one of the best materials for handles.
Could it be the guides? That’s not exactly the case. Even though stainless-steel guides aren’t necessarily the best choice, they still work well.
Do you think it’s the price? That’s for sure not. It is almost two times less expensive compared to the II Penn Battalion rod purchase, the Stik Ugly Bigwater Spinning Rod.
Then what is it?
In reality, it’s the burden that’s the issue. It is without a doubt that Ugly Stik rods would be the best in the industry if they were lighter. That, however, is a big if.
An Ugly Stik Bigwater rod weighs roughly 1.25 times as much as Penn’s rods. Even though it doesn’t appear like a lot, you’ll begin wondering if you have a Penn Prevail & Prevail II within several throws.
Due to this, the Bigwater Ugly Stik isn’t suitable for humans. Only very experienced and experienced fishermen should purchase this rod.
You can catch the toughest fish in the ocean with the Ugly Stik Bigwater, which reaches 15 feet, making it the best fishing rod.
Pros
- Ugly Tuff Guides.
- Fuji Reel Seat.
- Ugly Tech Building.
- A sturdy Rubber Gimbal (some types).
- Ugly Stik Clear Tip (select models).
Cons
- Fishing rod dipped in Scratch in case
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St Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rods.
No products found.
- Guides: Specialized Weight-Saving Surf Guides
- Rod Length:7-12 ft
- Warranty Period: Up To 15 Years
- Handle Material: Cork
- Blank Material: Graphite
The St Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod was the next lightest among the surf fishing rods we found.
A lightweight graphite blank is available. A combination of St Croix’s specialized weight-saving guides and its lightweight design makes this rod, unlike any other counterpart.
A significant disadvantage is how much the Triumph Surf from St. Croix charges over two x as high as the Prevail & Prevail II from Penn. Despite this exorbitant price, it is only around 10 percent lighter.
Further, cork handles are less durable and secure than rubber shrink tubing.
In addition, graphite blanks are less sturdy than composite blanks, making them unsuitable for big fish.
In total, this is the second lightest surf rod there is. When the size is a deciding factor, the Triumph Surf from St Croix is what you’re searching for. The expense may turn you away, so keep checking if you’re searching for a more affordable option.
Pros
- An outstanding rod constructed on a premium base.
- The rod is powerful from top to bottom.
- Fishing rod tips are softer with a little backbone.
- The rod launches small rigs and jigs onto the flats.
- A live bait angling rod is also a perfect option.
Cons
- One of this rod’s most significant disadvantages is its price point.
- It costs around $260 retail.
- The lure keeper design makes securing weedless soft plastic lures difficult.
- If you’re fishing weedless soft plastics, it helps if it’s the hook design rather than the attached design.
6. Tica UEHA421301S Series Surf Spinning Rods
No products found.
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Blank Material: Graphite
- Warranty Period:1 Year
- Rod Length:7-12 ft
- Handle Material: Cork Handle
If you want a light fishing rod that doesn’t come at a premium price, you will enjoy the TICA UEHA421301S Series Surf Spinning Rod.
As with St Croix, the Tica Surf Rod utilizes the equivalent substance for its rods but without specific brand connectors. Because of this, the TICA Surf Rod is slightly bigger than the St Croix Surf Rod, yet still smaller than Penn’s.
Additionally, both designs feature cork grips; the only difference is the material. Tica’s guiding materials are crafted from Alconite from Fuji, an excellent substitute for St Croix’s.
It costs about 1.5 times as much as Penn Prevail & Prevail II. Frankly, it offers less than 1.5 times as much value. It isn’t even close.
Despite this, the Tica UEHA421301S Series Surf Spinning Rod still beats the Triumph Surf. Those who value lightness and want to save money should consider this rod.
Pros
- Durability is excellent
- Best for surf fishing in saltwater
- Rust-resistant body
- Affordable price
- Range of lengths
Cons
- As opposed to many similar surf rods, it is heavier.
7.St Croix Avid Surf Casting Spinning Rods.
No products found.
- Guides: Alconite
- Blank Material: Carbon Fiber
- Warranty Period:15 Years
- Rod Length:10-12 ft
- Handle Material: Cork
If you’re searching for a dual-purpose surf fishing rod, I strongly suggest the St Croix Avid Surf Casting Rod.
While two-piece rods can be prone to sensitivity and power issues, this rod has off-set, slim-profile ferrules that enable it to perform like a one-piece rod.
As well as offering all the sensitivity of one-piece rods, the SCIII Carbon’s Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel reduces transition points in the blank, creating a stronger, more sensitive rod.
Surf fishing two-piece rods are challenging to locate; however, if you’re searching for a two-piece rod for surfing, you’ve discovered it!
PROS
- An excellent rod constructed on a premium +–base.
- The rod feels good from top to bottom.
- A fishing rod’s tip is softer with a little backbone.
- It launches small rigs and jigs.
- It’s also great for live bait.
CONS
- One of the main cons of this rod is its price.
- It costs around $260 retail.
- A con is that soft plastic lures are hard to secure to the lure keeper.
8. Tsunami Airwave Spinning Rods.
No products found.
- Guides: Fuji Hardly
- Rod Length:11 ft
- Blank Material: Carbon Fiber
- Warranty Period:1 Year
- Handle Material: Cork
Another two-piece rod, the Tsunami Wave, is an outstanding substitute for the Avid Surf by St Croix.
Like the Avid Surf from St Croix, the Tsunami Wave functions like a single-piece rod. It likewise has much strength, as you can imagine from the high-strength classification.
It performs a little less healthily in response than the St Croix Avid Surf and is significantly bulkier.
If that appears like an option,, you can avoid spending over two hundred dollars on the Avid Surf by St Croix and purchase this two-piece rod alternatively.
Pros
- Tsunami provides the highest quality seawater surf angling rods.
- Their new generation, Trophy II Series, raised the bar again.
- Fuji reel spools and guide frames
- An 80/20 distribution for smooth action
- Longer and more accurate casts
- Durable Nanotech build
Cons
- It is expensive
- The rod is a tab bit stiff
9.St Croix Legend Surf Spinning Rods.
No products found.
- Blank Material: Graphite
- Warranty Period:15 Years
- Handle Material: Neoprene
- Guides: Titanium
- Rod Length:11 ft
I mentioned earlier that the St Croix Triumph Surf rod was the second lightest.
Only one rod surpasses it, the Saint Croix Legend Surf Fishing Rod. It is the most lightweight rod available in the market, or the St Croix Legend Surf Spinning Rod.
However, there are also advantages to buying it. In addition, this great rod incorporates three ground-breaking St Croix technologies.
It is composed of three techniques: TFRS (Fortified Resin Technology), Modern Reinforcing Technique (ART), and Integral Poly Curve (IPC).
Your rod becomes 33% stronger when you use FRS resin instead of rods that do not use this resin. With ART, your rod will be ten times more robust without adding weight or thickness.
As a result, this rod is highly durable and remarkably light since it employs so little metal to maintain its durability. Therefore, it is perfect for small-gear surf fishing.
Regarding sensitivity, IPC eliminates transitional points in the blank, significantly improving the rod’s lightness. IPC also increases the rod’s strength.
This renders the legendary St Croix Surf Spinning Rod the most challenging, lightweight, and sensitive rod on the marketplace.
It is just that the cost of this rod is a drawback. It’s not surprising that being the best surf rod on the market, it’s also the most expensive. Nevertheless, if you have the money and seek the most effective, this might be the rod for your needs.
Pros
- Lots of strength to pull heavy fish
- One-piece feel
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Long casts
Cons
- Sometimes, the actual seat loosens
Surf Fishing Rods: Guidelines For Select The Best Rod
Selecting a surf fishing rod is primarily determined by casting distance. The first factor you must evaluate when selecting a surf rod is its capability to cast far distances into calm oceans to find fish.
There is, nevertheless, a small point to consider here. In many instances, provided your rod is at a minimum of 8 feet in length, this shouldn’t be a difficulty.
What you need to consider is your rod length, your rod action, and your rod power. Getting all these aspects right to enjoy surfing and fishing is crucial.
Rod Length
Surf fishing rods must be eight feet in length at a minimum. Smaller rods may require assistance to cast far away into smooth water. Also known as, where far should and can you go?
A large rod permits you to throw an extended range up through the area where the rod hinders you. Most surf rods are between 8-12 feet long, but you’ll want to focus on that range.
An eight-foot rod will provide the most excellent responsiveness when fishing for small fish near the beach.
Almost all of us will be trying to reel in bigger fish, so I suggest a 9 ft rod for a decently lengthy retrieve.
A surf rod with a length of 12 feet is recommended for those wishing to catch the biggest fish or cast the furthest.
The smaller the rod, the greater the challenge to cast into calm waters. Also, it would be best if you didn’t throw beyond the surf zone where fish are holding, so anything over 12 feet generally casts too far.
Additionally, it would be advisable to investigate where the fish congregate at your fishing spot to establish the optimal fishing range and, thus, the optimal rod diameter for you.
Please note that I’ve seen and been informed of younger fishermen inquiring about water angling.
Because surf fishing involves fishing from close to the surf, sea angling doesn’t qualify as part of this classification, even when you are actively angling in the sea. However, these are the rod dimensions for water angling.
A rod’s reaction
There is a term called rod action, which refers to the amount of bend your rod will undergo when you apply pressure to the tip.
The lower it bends, the farther it can cast and the less sensitive it is.
The rods that bend the farthest down are known as slow-action rods. Those rods with a moderate bend are moderate action rods, and those with a tight angle are fast action rods.
It is best to use fast-action rods when surf fishing because they are the most sensitive. Even though you will sacrifice some casting distance, the length of your rod will make up for it more than adequately.
Rod Power
This is just another way of saying stiffness, which refers to how much force is needed to bend a rod.
Fish will only be able to be caught if a rod is flimsy. As your rod power increases, more force is required to bend it. As a result, you will be more prepared to tackle the bigger fish.
It’s advisable to keep a distance from objects with medium-light power and below.
It is best to use a medium power rod for fishing for panfish.
Most anglers targeting decent, larger fish prefer medium-heavy power rods.
Power rods are best for ambitious anglers who want to catch the biggest fish.
Surf fishing rods: which are the most robust materials?
In modern fishing rods, graphite, fiberglass, or composites are commonly used, which combine graphite with fiberglass. Strengths and weaknesses are inherent in each.
Graphite
Fishing rods made from graphite, or carbon fiber, are lightweight and highly reactive. If you use a graphite blank, you’ll feel every pull.
In addition to being much more expensive, they are also less sturdy.
Using graphite when catching fish in the surf is not a good idea. If you’re targeting big or monster fish, you will need more than thin graphite rods to do the job.
Although lightweight rods permit you to reach a greater distance, even if a good-sized fish bites your lure, the rod will crack, right?
Only panfish can be caught with graphite surf rods.
Fiberglass
Rods made of fiberglass are the complete opposite of rods made of graphite.
You’ll require fiberglass rod materials exceptionally for surfing, where you’ll be up next to the most substantial fish on the planet.
The properties of fiberglass are the opposite of those of graphite. In exchange for its toughness, fiberglass sacrifices lightness and sensitivity. The weight and sharpness of fiberglass rods are much lower than those of graphite rods.
It’s not a significant concern in surf fishing since you’re bound to experience the pressure from big fish. The weight, however, will be an issue. Recasting several times per hour and using a heavy rod will quickly exhaust you.
Composite
You’ll have to sacrifice a little no matter what substance you pick. Launching with a carbon model cracks quickly, and if you begin with a fiberglass blank, you become uncoordinated within a matter of casts.
Historically, this has been the case. With technological advancements, a new material was created – composite. Composites combine graphite and fiberglass, offering you the advantages of each material.
Using composite rods, you get reasonably sensitive, light, and durable rods. Prod.
Surf fishing is best done with composite rods since the weight is manageable and the rod is sturdy enough.
A guide to surfing fishing rod casting
The first thing you should do before casting is to tighten your drag so that your line won’t cut your finger later.
The ideal position to get started is near the bottom. Another hand should hold the reel, with the pinkie beneath the revolution and the other three fingers on top.
Once you have your rod overhead, it should be pointed directly backward.
You can increase the rotational force of your throwing by turning your body 45 degrees to the water. Your back elbow should now be bent, while your front elbow should remain straight.
Last but not least, twist your body as you cast.
At the end of your casting motion, your surf rod should be pointing 45 degrees above the sky.
Once you’ve finished reeling, remember to release your line.
Knowing how to cast a surf rod so it goes as far as possible will prepare you for beach fishing.
I suggest purchasing a caster cannon for people who have difficulty launching it far sufficiently or don’t wish to put too much energy into it.
Questions and Answers
Here are some of the more commonly encountered inquiries about surf fishing.
What is the most effective method to maintain my surf fishing rod?
You’ll get sand on your rod while fishing on the beach. Along with regular fishing rod maintenance, surf fishing rods require special care to keep sand off of their rods.
There is a tendency for sand to accumulate in the smaller parts, which means you may have to remove your rod and clean each piece individually.
Since surf fishing involves saltwater, the rod components should also be corrosion-resistant.
Is there a reel size that I should get for surf fishing?
In surf fishing, anglers fly much faster than usual, so a surf fishing reel has to be considerably more significant. Reels for surf fishing should be at least size 5000.
If you intend to reel in bigger fish, you’ll need a 6000 reel. My recommendation is to stay above 6000 because not only are larger reels harder to use, but they’re also costly.
Also, ensure that the reels you purchase are slick and have a reel that spins for spinning rods and the same for baitcasting reels.
Which rod and reel are best for surf casting?
2023’s Greatest Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Sets
- Surf Fishing Combo – Penguin Battle III!
- Combo D-Wave from Daiwa.
- Combination Daiwa BG Surf.
- An ugly Stik Bigwater Combo.
How do I pick the right angling rod for beach fishing?
A review of the best nine surf fishing rods
- Penn Prevail & Prevail II Surf Conventional. Blank Material: Composite (Graphite and Fiberglass)
- Tsunami Airwave.
- Fiblink Surf Spinning.
- Triumph Surf Spinning St Croix.
- The Penn Battle III LE.
- St Croix Avid Surf Casting.
- Tica UEHA421301S Series Surf Spinning.
- The ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning.
Surfcasting: what color line should I use?
Using a clear fishing line when fishing in the surf is best. The second place goes to pink when it relates to surfing angling. Some surf fishermen swear by their favorites. All of them catch plenty of fish.
how many rods and hooks can I use for surf fishing
The number of themes, baits, and lures adds up to three (3). As a result, you can use up to three (3) poles/rods/lines as long as you only use one (1) bait per pole/rod/line. The number of poles/rods/lines required for more than one bait per line will be less than three (3).
how to pick surf fishing rods and reels
We recommend getting a rod much more significant than you use when surf fishing.
Using this method, you can cast your bait beyond the point at which the waves break onto the shore, allowing you to catch fish in the surf. If you’re going surf fishing, you’ll need a rod 10-12 feet long with sufficient power and action.
What lure weight for rods surf fishing
Weight of lures: 2 to six ounces. You can sink up to 6 grams and will not break your tackle.
A rod thrown with heavier weights than 6 pounds will break or even snap due to the force of a powerful cast.
Beach fishing rod carry tips.
Although you don’t have to spend a fortune on fishing gear, you should ensure that the equipment you use is suitable for surf fishing.
Since surf rods have to get your bait out further than rods used in other environments like rivers and boats, they are longer.
On surf fishing rods, how to change lures fast.
The lures you use should be changed when the seasons change.
A smaller lure is more likely to get bitten during the winter run targets blue marlin, striped marlin, and spearfish than its larger cousin.
The summer months are when the big fish are present, so they go up a size or two. The lures should be changed to match the local prey.
My Verdict
The sport of surf fishing is not for the faint-hearted. The angling will be challenging, and you’ll need to throw lures repeatedly and once more.
To cut, you need the strongest and lightest rods, made of the best materials and using the latest technology.
The Penn Prevail & Prevail II Surf Conventional is a rod that fits the bill better than any other.
A good surf fishing reel is as essential as a quality surf rod. The wonderful part is that if you require a steady spin, we’ve got you. We have compiled for you a selection of the top surf angling reels. Please be mindful that this is a compilation of spinning reels. These are the best baitcasting reels if you want to use something other than those long casting rods.
Check out the following articles if you are interested in learning more about fishing equipment and guide. You can read more about us on our website.
