Surf fishing refers to a process where a person catches fish standing on the shore or paddling in the surf. In general, surf fishing includes a bait, casting, or fishing rod, and shoreline fishing from sandy and rock-strewn beaches, rock jetties, or even fishing docks. Surf fishing is very adventures and fun way of fishing only if you have the proper equipment with you while fishing.
Fishing rods and spinning reel play a vital role in the ultimate success or failure in surf fishing. You have to make sure your surf fishing pole is capable of withstanding the kind of fish you plan on catching. Furthermore, you have to ensure that your casting rod is corrosion-resistant because it will increase the life cycle of the rod despite being abused by the ocean’s saltwater.
As an angler, you may find it very difficult to choose the best surf fishing rods as there are so many angling rods available in the market. Moreover, the use and performance of surf rods depend on the different situations and sizes of the fish that you are thinking of catching. So it is impossible to ascertain any single fishing surf rod as the finest for all situations. Therefore, we bring to you a few of the best surf angling rod options for anglers in different conditions.
Check the bestseller top Surf Fishing Rods from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details, and price.
No products found.
Top 6 Best Surf Fishing Rods of 2021
- St Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod
- Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
- PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
- Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Fishing Rod (12-Feet & 10-Feet)
- Okuma’s Solaris Surf Fishing Rods-SS-C-1102H-2
My Top Picks of the Best Rods for Surf Fishing
St Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod
When it comes to fishing rods, St Croix is one of the reliable companies available in the market. Their Mojo surf spinning rod is perfect for surf fishing as they use the Poly curve in it. The use of a poly curve increases the strength & flexibility of the rod and provides higher sensitivity while fishing.
St Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod is made of carbon fiber, which makes it one of the strongest surf fishing rods. Carbon fiber is an ideal material for fishing rod as it made the rod stronger, flexible, and long-lasting compare to rods made of other materials.
This fishing pole is perfect for catching big fishes and from long distances as it is 12 feet long. So you can easily put your bait beyond the breaking waves, where most of the fish stay together. Thanks to the two-piece design you can enjoy the built and collapsibility feature in this casting rod. So you can easily store and use this rod without damaging it.
Apart from the built quality, the Mojo spinning rod is famous for its great warranty. This is why St Croix Mojo Surf Spinning Rod is one of the better deals on this list.
Pros
- Lightweight and powerful
- Excellent build quality
- Good warranty
Cons
- A bit pricey
Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod has some great shore angling rods, and their reasonable price makes them even better. In this series you will find fishing rods ranging from 7’ to 10’ in length. These rods are categorized in two different actions and three different power ratings.
The rods of Tica UGSA Series are made of very strong but lightweight TC3 graphite. It ensures you get more casting power along with great sensitivity from the rod. Casting power is very important while surf fishing from the beach, or a rock jetty, or a pier. With the built quality of these casting rods, they won’t let you down while fishing big, powerful fish.
These fishing rods are diamond-polished and suitable for any line type. Moreover, they have custom diamond wraps, making them one of the best fishing rods for surf fishing. To make it even better, Tica UGSA Series has a non-slip cork handle. This will constantly give you exceptional grip, even if you decide to paddle into the water to cast.
Pros
- Non-slip handle
- Amazing casting distance
- Alconite tip guide
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Require fishing skill
PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Most of the experienced angler prefers separate pole and reel, while there are others who prefer the rod and reel combo. For combo lover PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel is the best choice as it comes with great quality and affordable prices.
The rod is made of graphite composite blank, and it provides great sensitivity, strength, and performance. Moreover, it has aluminum oxide twin-foot guides that ensure years of protection from surf, sand, and sun. To add its feature, this fishing rod has five stainless steel ball bearings. So your rod will get more protection from the corrosion of salt water.
If you are looking for more options in size, then this Fishing Rod and Reel Combo are perfect for you. PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo are available in several lengths, ranging from 6’6” to 10’. So it will provide more or less casting freedom for you.
The overall performance and features make the PENN Battle II a nice surf fishing rod for the money, and it is cheap enough to buy two rods of different lengths.
Pros
- Graphite composite blank
- Aluminum oxide guides
- Instant anti- reverses bearing
- Super line Spool
Cons
- Lack of durability
- The guide spacing is wide
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
If you are looking for a solution to long-distance casting problem then Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods are the right choice for you. This rod series offers 11 – 12-foot two-piece graphite composite surf fishing stick at a very reasonable price. Moreover, it has highest ratings for value and performance at this price range.
The rod is made of 70/30 fiberglass-graphite blanks, which offer strength, sensitive feel, and amazing performance. The gears of the rod are well crafted, with aluminum oxide inserts to prevent damage on the double-footed guides.
The handle of this pole is long, cork-gripped with EVA cushions above and below the reel seat. It also has a rubber butt cap to prevent damages from the rod holder. Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods work best when fighting big fish, casting in strong winds or in heavy surf condition, and in this price range, it is the best 11-foot surf fishing rod available in the market.
Pros
- High sensitivity
- Lightweight and strong
- Great guiding system
Cons
- Less versatility
- Require fishing skill
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Fishing Rod (12-Feet & 10-Feet)
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is designed for long-distance surf angling, and they are very popular for unique design and excellent performance. This rod is best for fish fighting power and versatility while fishing.
The rod is made of graphite construction blank, and it is resistant to corrosion. The guides of the rod are made of a mixture of stainless steel and ceramic. There is a stainless steel wheel seat available in the rod and has a non-slick rubber shrink tube handle. So, you will have a sturdy, comfortable grip while surf fishing.
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is available in two sizes: a 10’ and 12’ model. The 10’ rod is recommended for a 15-30 lb. Test line and a 1 oz. – 5 oz. Lure. The 12’ rod, on the other hand, recommended for a 20-40 lb. Test line and a 4 oz. – 8 oz. lure.
Both 10’ and 12’ rod comes with a one year warranty. So reasonable price, amazing features, powerful performance, warranty; what more you need from a fishing stick?
Pros
- Lightweight and great built quality
- Stainless steel guides
- Made of carbon fiber
Cons
- Less Durability
Okuma’s Solaris Surf Fishing Rods-SS-C-1102H-2
Okuma is one of the best shore angling rod manufacturers available in the market, and their Solaris Surf Fishing Rod is designed for serious surf fishing activities. They are made of two-piece IM6 graphite blank, which ensures power and precision while fishing.
Solaris Surf Fishing Rod has stainless steel double-footed guides with Fuji aluminum oxide inserts to give more protection on the double-footed guides. These double-footed guides make sure that you have increased casting distance with minimum effort. Moreover, the hoods are corrosion-resistant, so the rod has more durability.
The handle of this surf fishing pole has non-slip fore, rear grips, and it is cork-wrapped. All these things ensure a reliable grip and maximum control while surf fishing in rough conditions. There is a rubber butt cap and diamond butt section included for more comfort during casting and reeling. There is a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty available for Solaris Surf Fishing Rod.
Pros
Lightweight yet durable
Great sensitivity
Cork-wrapper fore and rear grip
Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Rod handle isn’t durable
- Guide legs are less stiff
How to Choose the Best Surf Fishing Rods for Money
All the surf angling rods on our list are worth the value, but you have to remember that there are considerable variations among surf rods, and they work differently in different circumstances. So not every surf rod will fulfill your requirements and worth the money. There are few very important factors that you have to consider before buying the surfcasting rod.
Rod Size
Rod size is very important when you are choosing your fishing rod. You will find rods between 9 and 14 feet long. So there is a wide range of lengths available to choose from. Make sure you buy fishing pole that is big enough, or ideal enough, for you to exert. Moreover you have to select a rod that is appropriate with your height.
Apart from the rod size, you also have to think about the collapsibility of the rod and how you can store them safely for further use because you may find it very difficult to store something on your house that is 12-14 feet long. So it is wiser to buy a long surf fishing rod that is easily taken apart and put back together.
Casting Distance
For surf fishing, casting distance is a very important factor. Generally, you are fishing from the shoreline, so you will want to get your bait or lure out past the breaking waves. Water after the breaking waves are calmer and you will find more catchable fish there.
But to get past the breaking waves, you have to cast the bait a long distance with proper accuracy. Casting distance of a surf rod depends mostly on rod length and rod action. A long fishing rod improves the casting distance. So make sure you have a long fishing pole that can cover your required distance.
Sometimes it is difficult to use a long fishing pole with proper accuracy. So if you want distance, then you have to let go of the usability and accuracy. Slow action fishing rod also increases the casting distance but unfortunately reduces the accuracy. So you have to find a balance between casting distance and accuracy.
Rod Power
This is another important factor to consider while buying your surf fishing stick. Rod power means the strength of the rod or its lifting power while catching fish. Rod power ranges from light to heavy. Most of the anglers prefer the middle of the range at medium-heavy.
This is because the medium-heavy fishing pole provides the most versatile option for surf anglers. Moreover, you have to pick the right line while choosing the rod power. If you pick a heavier rod make sure the line is also heavier otherwise there is a risk breaking fish off more frequently.
Preferred Baits or Lures
Your preferred baits or lures also have an influence on the selection of your best surf fishing pole. If you are planning to use lures that are light-weight plugs or small spoons, then you should pick a surf pole that is lightweight with very fast action. This type of rod creates a tip speed to whip the lures longer distances.
On the other hand, if you are thinking of using live baits, then you should pick a rod that is slower in action and very powerful to get the best result out of it. It is wiser to avoid fishing pole with soft tips as with live baits they bend too much and reduce the casting distance.
Fish Species and Size
Fish vary from species and size. So if you think that a fishing rod is good enough to catch all kinds of fishes regardless of their size and species then you are wrong. You will require different fishing gears for different fish.
So it is very important to pick your fishing stick according to the fish that you are planning to catch. The more specific you choose the better result you get. But that does not mean you must possess all kinds of fishing rods.
Considering all the facts of your surf fishing, you can buy a fishing stick that meets most of your requirements. The basic rule is if you are planning to catch big fishes then you should pick a fishing rod that has longer lengths and heavier powers. By contrast, for small fishes it is wiser to pick a slightly shorter and lighter rod.
Build Quality
You have to ensure that your fishing stick is made of something durable. Surf fishing rod made of a non-corrosive material such as graphite tends to last longer than fishing pole made of other materials. If you are using a long rod then it is very important to consider the durability because long rod has more chance of breaking down then the medium or small fishing rods. So try to buy fishing pole that is made of graphite and other durable components.
FAQs about Surf Fishing Rods
What is the best length rod for surf fishing?
Surf fishing rod size varies from 7 to 14 feet. 7 to 9 feet rods are perfect for fan casting to catch small-medium size fishes. 9 to 12 feet fishing rods are considered as an all-rounder because they work perfectly almost all conditions. 12 to 14 feet rods are for long casting and to catch big fishes.
What are the best surf rod and reel combo?
There are a lot of surf rods with reel combo available in the market. But the PENN Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is the best choice in this price range.
Can I use a 7-foot rod for surf fishing?
If you are planning to catch fish near the shoreline or at the time of high tide, then you can use a 7-foot rod for surf fishing. For other circumstance you will require a fishing pole that covers at least 100 yards offshore.
What should I look for in a surf rod?
There are quite a few things that you should look for in a surf rod. You must consider things like build quality, rod size, rod power, flexibility, sensitivity, and casting distance before buying a surf rod.
Do longer fishing rods cast farther?
In general, longer fishing rods cast farther. For example with similar power and action, a 9-foot fishing rod will cast the same lure or bait farther than a 7-foot rod.
What are heavy fishing rods used for?
Heavy fishing rods are best for catching large fish in surf fishing or deep-sea fishing.
Is it better to surf fish at low or high tide?
High tide is best for surf fishing as it is much easier to reach deeper water. Low tide, on the other hand, is best for scouting the beach for ideal fishing spots.
Final Thoughts
The fishing rods and combo that we have talked about in this post will help you catch more fish and provide many hours of great fishing experience. Just make sure you consider all your fishing requirements and circumstance so that you end up buying the right surf fishing rod.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
