Hey there! If you’re looking for the best surf fishing rod and reel combos, you’re in the right place.
Surf fishing rods and surf reels have to be able to withstand saltwater corrosion, cast far enough, and be strong enough to handle monster fish in the ocean. To find both a rod and reel that fits those conditions is hard, but not impossible. But even then, the rod and reel may not match. A rod and reel combo ensures that your rod and reel will work well with each other. Furthermore, it’s also often cheaper than buying a rod and reel separately.
That said, my number one recommendation is the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. Both the rod and reel are extremely corrosion-resistant and strong enough to take on enormous fish. On top of that, the rod is long enough to cast sufficiently far to reach the largest fishes. Oh, and did I mention it’s also reasonably priced?
Of course, no one combo can satisfy everyone, so if you weren’t impressed, there’re 4 other affordable options for you to choose from. Let’s jump right in!
Our Top 5 Picks
- Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo (Overall Best Surf Fishing Combo)
- Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo (Best Splurge)
- Penn Battle III Fishing Rod Combo (Best Spinfisher VI Alternative)
- Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Fishing Rod Combo (Best Surf Fishing Combo Warranty)
- Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo (Best Budget Surf Fishing Combo)
The 5 Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
Before we get started, for those wondering, these are all spinning combos. There’s a really good reason for that, and we’ll get into it later. For now, let’s get started!
Best Overall
1. Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo
- Rod Length: 10 ft
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Guides: Aluminum Oxide
- Reel Size: 5000
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
Starting the ball rolling is the Daiwa BG Surf Combo. This incredible combo is everything you could ask for in a surf fishing combo. It’s durable, sturdy, and can cast past the breaking surf.
Firstly, the guides are made of aluminum oxide, one of the most corrosion-resistant materials for guides, giving you a durable rod. The drag system is also waterproof to prevent any corrosion of the drag system, and the corrosion-resistant aluminum body can withstand saltwater conditions well. Together, these create an extremely long-lasting rod and reel combo.
Next, the medium heavy power and 22 pounds of drag enable you to take on fish that are considerably large.
Finally, the 10 ft surf rod provides plenty of torque to cast into calm waters and the size 5000 reel gives you more than enough line to face the larger fishes.
As you’ll notice though, these can all be replicated by other brands as long as they have the right materials. What really sets this surf reel apart is its incomparably smooth drag.
The Daiwa BG spinning reel features a waterproof carbon Automatic Drag (ATD) system. The system delivers a more stable and progressive drag. This greatly reduces the chances of losing your catch as the ATD adapts to every phase of the fight. At the beginning, it works faster and more progressively. Later in the middle phase, it gives you a firmer hold for cranking power. The best part? The whole drag system adjusts itself on autopilot, thus its name Automatic Drag, not to mention the 6+1 bearings for even more smoothness.
With an irreplicable drag system and amazing specifications, the only flaw with this combo is that you can’t take on the biggest monster fish. It’s strong, but not that strong.
Other than that, it’s perfect in every other aspect and you can still catch pretty big fish with it. This one-of-a-kind rod and reel combo may not be the most affordable, but for what you’re getting, it’s worth every cent.
Best Splurge
2. Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Ranges from Medium Light to Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Reel Size: 2500-8500
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
Next up, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo is the most powerful, sensitive, and durable surf combo available.
This surf fishing combo boasts a staggering 40 pounds of drag and a heavy power surf rod. With this surf combo that’s unmatched in strength, you’ll find reeling in prize fish and monster fish a breeze.
But it isn’t just the giants that you can catch, you can even go after panfish. This surf combo also comes in an extra fast action option for you to feel the softest tugs of the smallest panfish.
As for durability, the Penn Spinfisher VI reel has an IPX5 sealed body and spool, using seals in key areas to keep water out. Even the stainless steel bearings are sealed. Combining these features, the result is impressive corrosion resistance and durability that beat even the Daiwa BG spinning reel.
The aluminum oxide guides on the Daiwa BG Combo’s rod are a tad more corrosion-resistant than the stainless steel guides on the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod though. Despite this, considering both the reel and the rod, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo still beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in overall durability. This means it’ll outlive the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.
And of course, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod is also long enough to cast the distance required for surf fishing. This combo also comes with line capacity rings so you can tell how much line you have left at a glance.
Taking everything into account, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in power, sensitivity, and durability. It may not have the Daiwa BG Surf Combo’s state-of-the-art drag system, but you can target a wider range of fish with it and it can last longer.
Both combos cost roughly the same, so which reel you choose depends on your personal preference. If you want a much easier time reeling in fish, you should go with the Daiwa BG Surf Combo. Otherwise, if you prefer a surf fishing combo that can accommodate a wider range of fish and can better take a beating, you’ll want to get the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.
Best Spinfisher VI Alternative
3. Penn Battle III Fishing Rod Combo
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Ranges from Medium Light to Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Reel Size: 1000-8000
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
Next on the list, the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo is basically a budget Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. It’s similar in almost every way and offers almost the same benefits as the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.
Power-wise, it also has a heavy power rod option. As for the drag, its 30 pounds of drag are clearly lesser than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s 40 pounds. Nevertheless, 30 pounds of drag are enough for the biggest fishes, so both combos are equally robust and both beat the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.
Sensitivity-wise, the Penn Battle III Combo is less sensitive. Its most sensitive option is a fast action rod while the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo has an extra fast action option. Still, the Penn battle III Combo’s fast action beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo’s moderate fast action.
Durability-wise, like the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, this combo has stainless steel guides and sealed stainless steel bearings. However, although it’s got a full metal body and sideplates to enhance its durability, it can’t beat the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s sealed body and spool. As such, it’s less hardy than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod.
Other than these, both combos also have the same number and type of bearings and range of rod lengths.
All in all, the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo is in essence, a less pricey Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. It isn’t as durable or responsive as the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, but it still allows you to take on a slightly wider range of fish than the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo and can outlast it.
Best Warranty
4. Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Fishing Rod Combo
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Ranges from Medium to Medium Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Reel Size: 5000-7000
- Ball Bearings: 1+1
When it comes to warranty, Ugly Stik is unbeatable. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Combo is a functional surf fishing combo that comes with a 7-year warranty.
Notice that I said it was a functional combo, not a great one. Here’s why.
Ugly Stik is known for making indestructible rods. Like all Ugly Stik rods, this surf rod was made with Ugly Tech Construction for legendary toughness. Nonetheless, the 1+1 bearings are really glaring. The scarcity of bearings makes retrieval with this reel quite a chore. Furthermore, the only protection the reel has against corrosion is its aluminum spool. This pales in comparison to the advanced technology that the previous 3 combos employ.
That said, it’s still a usable surf fishing combo, as it’s long enough to achieve the casting distance needed and possesses adequate power.
For those looking for a surf fishing combo with a longer warranty for peace of mind, this is a decent choice. Moreover, it’s less than half the price of any of the other combos on the list.
Best Budget
5. Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo
- Rod Length: 7-10 ft
- Power: Medium
- Guides: Aluminum Oxide
- Reel Size: 4000-5000
- Ball Bearings: 1+1
If none of the above combos appealed to you, I’m guessing it’s a matter of price. That’s why I included the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo. This is by far the most affordable combo that can stand up to surf fishing conditions.
Notwithstanding its unbelievable price, this rod and reel combo will still allow you to get started surf fishing. The surf rod goes up to 10 ft so you’ll have no trouble casting far enough. The aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel ball bearings can also handle saltwater corrosion, albeit with more maintenance. And last of all, the medium power at least enables you to fish panfish and slightly larger fish.
Of course, at this price point, compromises have to be made. Not only is it the weakest rod and reel combo, but it also only has 1+1 ball bearings. Still, you get what you pay for. If you’re on a really tight budget, the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo is your best bet.
What To Look For In Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
Wondering how to judge whether a surf fishing rod and reel combo is good? Here’s everything you’ll need to consider.
Length
The longer your fishing rod is, the further you’ll be able to cast. To cast far enough into calm water, you’ll want a fishing rod that’s at least 8 ft in length.
Most surf rods are 8-12 ft.
8 ft rods are best for fishing panfish nearer to shore as they offer the best sensitivity and you won’t need to cast too far.
10 ft rods are ideal for casting further to reach medium sized or larger fish.
12 ft rods are for those looking to cast the farthest to reach the monster fish.
Action
Rod action is determined by how low down your fishing rod bends when you apply pressure to the tip.
Rod action ranges from slow to extra fast. The closer to the tip your rod bends, the more sensitive it is and the faster the action is.
For action, it depends on the size of the fish you’re targeting.
Ideally, your fishing rod should be fast or extra fast action to be able to feel the tug of even tiny fishes. ‘
However, if you’re targeting fishes that are medium sized or bigger, you can get by with less sensitivity. This means a moderate action rod will be fine for medium sized fish and a slow action rod will work for big fish.
Notwithstanding that, more sensitivity can’t hurt and will allow you to go after a wider range of fish, so do get a more sensitive rod if possible.
Power
Your rod’s power is, as the name suggests, its strength. This is also commonly referred to as stiffness.
Rod power ranges from ultra light to extra heavy.
Like length, the right rod power is decided by the size of the fish you’re targeting. Naturally, the smaller the fish you’re targeting, the less power you’ll need.
For panfish, an ultra light rod will suffice for smaller fish like trout. However, even panfish can grow to be relatively sizeable, so I’d recommend getting a medium power rod for fishing panfish.
If you’re targeting the medium sized fish, you’ll want to get a medium heavy rod. Likewise, if you’re intending to go after the largest fishes, you should consider getting a heavy or extra heavy power rod.
Blank Material
The 3 materials used to make fishing rods are carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite.
Carbon fiber (aka graphite) is the lightest and most sensitive material for rods. This makes it the best material for fishing panfish as you’ll have a weak but very lightweight surf fishing rod.
Fiberglass is the least sensitive and the heaviest. However, it’s the strongest. As such, a fiberglass rod is a great choice for going after monster fish.
Composite is a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Composite is a fairly sensitive and tough material, giving you the best of both worlds. The best composite rods are extremely sensitive and sturdy, making them suitable for both prize fish and panfish. In other words, high-end composite rods can be used to fish any species of fish.
Handle
Most fishing rod handles will be made of either cork, EVA foam, or rubber shrink tubing.
Cork is a type of wood. Cork handles tend to feel smooth to the touch and offer a fairly secure grip.
EVA handles are usually the most comfortable to hold, especially for long periods of time.
Rubber shrink tube handles aren’t the most comfortable, but they provide the most secure grip.
Guides
Generally, guides hold up pretty well most of the time because guides are almost always made of metal.
That said, look out for aluminum oxide, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and ceramic guides. These are the smoothest and most corrosion-resistant materials and they tend to last the longest. Also, titanium alloy in particular is the most resistant to rust.
Reel Type
You’ll notice that the surf fishing combos are all spinning combos. There aren’t any baitcaster combos on this list, and for good reason.
The fact is, the majority of people who get rod and reel combos are just starting out. This is because more experienced anglers will prefer to choose a rod and reel individually so that the surf rod and surf fishing reel will be more to their taste.
Moreover, beginners don’t usually know how to match a reel to a rod, which is why they’re getting rod and reel combos. Since seasoned anglers are unlikely to have trouble with this, they’re much less likely to get rod and reel combos. This is why most people who get rod and reel combos are new to fishing.
While both spinning and baitcasting reels each have their advantages, baitcasting reels are difficult to use. It’s best for beginners to start with spinning reels which are much easier to use.
Line Capacity
Line capacity refers to the amount of line that a fishing reel can hold. Naturally, the bigger the reel, the more line capacity you’ll have.
Luckily, this is one aspect that you won’t have to worry about.
This is because surf fishing rod and reel combo manufacturers will ensure that the reel has the right line capacity for the rod.
For example, a 10 ft rod would require more line capacity than an 8 ft rod since you’ll be casting further and taking on larger fish.
Manufacturers know this and will automatically pair the right reel for you.
Still, it can’t hurt to have more line capacity. So if you see that there are a few reel options for the same length, you might want to get the largest size reel.
Solid Drag
The drag system is a pair of steel plates in your reel that will prevent your spool from releasing line.
The drag is adjustable, and when a fish pulls harder than the drag that you’ve set on your reel, your spool releases line. This prevents your fishing line from snapping from a fish that pulls too hard.
To handle bigger fish, you’ll need stronger line, which means your drag weight needs to be heavier too.
The general rule of thumb is to set your drag to 1/3 or 1/4 of your line’s pound test. So if you were using a 60-pound line, you would set your drag to 15 or 20 pounds.
For panfish, a max drag weight of 10 pounds is enough.
For medium sized fish, I’d go with 20 pounds, and for the largest fishes, you’ll need at least 30 pounds of drag.
FAQs
For those who still have lingering doubts, here are some commonly asked questions.
What if I don’t want a rod and reel combo?
If you don’t want a fishing rod combo, we’ve actually compiled the best surf fishing rods and surf fishing reels. Here are the lists of the best surf fishing rods and best surf fishing reels.
Can I use a saltwater fishing rod for surf fishing?
Saltwater rods are by definition resistant to corrosion, which means they already satisfy the criteria of corrosion resistance. This means all that’s left is to check whether your saltwater rod is long enough and strong enough to handle your target fish.
That said, I would recommend staying away from rods that are priced too low unless you’re sure they can get the job done. For example, cheap surf fishing rods may not be such a good idea, but the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo’s rod is an exception.
What other surf fishing gear should I have?
When you go beach fishing, you’ll often see seasoned surf anglers with a few other items other than a rod and reel in their surf fishing setup. These include a fishing cart, rod holder, and sometimes even a cast cannon. They aren’t a must, but these additional gear will give you the best surf fishing experience.
My Verdict
Rod and reel combos ensure that you have a rod and reel that can work together smoothly. They’re also usually less expensive than getting a rod and reel separately.
For surf fishing, your rod and reel combo has to be corrosion-resistant to stand up to saltwater, strong enough for the monsters in the deep, and long enough to cast past the breaking surf. And there’s no rod and reel combo that fits the bill better than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.
With that, happy surf fishing!
FAQs
What is the best rod setup for surf fishing? ›
The best tackle for surf casting is a 10 foot medium heavy rod coupled with a 5000 series spinning reel spooled with a 30 pound mono filament line or 30 pound braided line. This tackle combo will allow you to catch whiting and pompano all the way up to larger tarpon and even sharks off the beaches.
What size rod and reel is best for surf fishing? ›The best surf fishing rod and reel combo for beginners in general is a 10–12-foot medium heavy rod with medium or moderate action that is paired with a saltwater spinning reel in the 4500 to 6500 size range.
What size rod is best for surf casting? ›Surf Fishing Rod
Your rod needs enough height and power to cast beyond the waves breaking near the shore. An 8ft surf rod will work well in areas where the water is calm; otherwise, choose a minimum length of 10ft.
- Best Overall: St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod.
- Best Under $100: Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod.
- Best Value: Penn Battallion II Surf Spinning Rod.
- Best Lightweight: Okuma Cedros Surf CSX Rod.
- Best High End: St. Croix Legend Surf.
For heavy surf shark fishing, we use two-piece 12' or 13' surf spinning rods rated to cast up to 8oz and a whole mackerel.
What is the best all around hook size for surf fishing? ›2/0 hooks are the best all around hook size for surf fishing. A 2/0 circle hook will catch smaller fish like whiting and pompano but are also big enough to catch bluefish, mackerel, fluke, flounder, redfish, snook and tarpon too.
How far can you cast a 15 foot surf rod? ›A surf rod should be long enough to cast your baits out to where your target species of fish are. A 7 to 10 foot surf rod is great for fishing within 50 yards from the beach and an 11 to 15 foot rod is great for fishing from 50 to 100 yards from the beach.
What weight line is best for a surf rod? ›As a general rule, the best pound test for surf fishing ranges between 15 and 20 lbs when using monofilament, and between 30 and 40 lbs when using braided lines.
What makes a good surf casting reel? ›Designers build surf reels with special features like a larger spool, precision casting brakes, high-speed bearings and shaft, and solid construction built to shake off salt and sand.
What rod action is best for casting distance? ›As a rule of thumb, longer rods increase casting distance, while shorter rods provide better leverage. So if you'll primarily cast with 12- to 20-pound lines, consider a 7-foot, fast- to extra-fast-action rod for lures or live baits, or medium action for smaller lures or natural baits.
Should I use braid or mono on a surf rod? ›
Using braided line rather than monofilament line will dramatically increase the distance that you can cast. Typically 20lb breaking strain braided fishing line will have an average diameter of . 2 of mm whereas Monofilament line will have an average diameter of about . 3 of a mm.
What is the best leader material for surf fishing? ›Fluorocarbon is the best fishing leader line to use. The best qualities of fluorocarbon is that it is invisible underwater. It doesn't reflect the sunlight like monofilament so the fish are not able to see the line and makes your lure/bait look like its naturally floating or moving through the water.
Are expensive surf rods worth it? ›Expensive rods are more sensitive, able to detect smaller bites, and generally more fun to use than their cheaper counterparts. With that said, the law of diminishing returns definitely applies. There's much more difference between a $50 rod and a $150 rod than between a $100 rod and a $300 rod.
What weight line for surf fishing sharks? ›Contrary to popular belief, extremely robust tackle is not necessary here. As long as you're targeting shore-bound sharks species, you'll be just fine with your medium to heavy action surf rod and a high-capacity reel outfitted with 50-pound braid or the poundage of your choice.
What pound line do you need for shark fishing? ›Most shark anglers choose braided line for two reasons. First, braided line ranging from 80 to 100-pound test usually has the same diameter of monofilament in the 18 to 25-pound range. You can pack hundreds of yard worth of braided line on to your reel, which will come in handy when a strong shark makes a run.
What weight rod for sharks? ›For the majority of the sharks we see on the flats, a stout 10-weight rod rigged with a floating line does the trick.
What is the easiest surf fishing rig? ›The most simple rig is the fish-finder rig. It consists of a leader with a hook, and a heavy-duty barrel swivel like the SPRO Power Swivel is tied to the mainline behind a Sea Striker Braid-Friendly Sinker Slide.
Are circle hooks or J hooks better for surf fishing? ›The short and confident answer is YES. Circle hooks are great for surf fishing. The automatic hook-sets they provide without gut hooking the fish make them the way to go for novice surf anglers and those who want to release some of their catches alive.
Is medium or heavy better for surf fishing? ›Medium-heavy is the best rod power for surf fishing because it allows to turn most species holding in the surf zone while providing great sensitivity and fighting power to the angler.
What is the best color line for surf fishing? ›The best color fishing line for surf fishing is clear. A close second best color is pink for surf fishing. Surf fishermen have their favorites that they swear by. They all catch plenty of fish.
What size reel for 9 foot surf rod? ›
A 9-foot rod with a 5000- or 6000-size reel is a standard beach and jetty combination. It should have the backbone to launch a 2- or 3-ounce lure into the surf, but not be overkill for smaller bluefish and schoolie stripers.
Are Lew's rods good? ›The Lew's Elite Series Casting Rod is one of the finest rods I've tested in recent years. From its weightlessness to its sensitivity and brute strength, this is a series of rods I'd like to have in my boat for years to come. It feels incredible in your hands and I've been telling all of my colleagues about it as well.
What rod can cast the farthest? ›Spinning rods typically have longer lengths and lighter weights, which makes them ideal for casting farther distances. Baitcasting rods are a bit more complicated to use than spinning rods, but they can be very effective when it comes to casting farther distances.
Does a heavier sinker cast further? ›The short of it a heavier, thicker line will not cast as well as a thinner, lighter line will. So 10-pound line will throw a lure much farther than 20-pound line will. There is less drag on the line in both the guides and in the air.
What is the world record surf casting distance? ›The current record is 774.97 feet, set by Hector Hernandez of Texas City, Tex. Most distance casters use some form of the so-called ''pendulum'' technique, which was brought to this country from England about a decade ago. The Stren casting competitions were begun in 1983.
What is the best sinker for surf casting? ›The wedge or “frog tongue” sinker is the top choice for big baits in strong surf. This style of sinker digs deep into a sandy bottom and its concave top resists being pulled free. The downside is that it can be a bear to retrieve, with the top catching the bottom on the entire way in.
Is a taller surf rod better? ›Longer rods provide more angles to surf anglers and therefore compensate for the lack of control and leverage. The increased control helps to cast more accurately, turn fish more effectively, and perform better hooksets. A longer rod also makes it easier to escape snags and avoid tackle loss when fishing rocky bottoms.
How can I improve my surfcasting distance? ›Pull the trigger to hold the line and open the bail. Cast out as you normally would but instead of your finger releasing the line, your finger releases the trigger. This will greatly increase your casting distance when throwing out heavier weights and baits!
How far can the average person cast a surf rod? ›Well, while it's quite obvious that an accurate answer can't be given without knowing all the variables above, I can confidently say that the average casting distance for surf anglers range between 40-50 yards and that on a good day, a skilled fisherman can reach up to 70 yards if he has all the factors in his favor.
Is 150 yards of braid enough surf fishing? ›It's rare that you'll need more than 100 yards but 150 will definitely keep you covered! You can do a monofilament backing if 150 yards of braided line is not enough to fill up the spool. There may be times that you hook into a bigger fish that's cruising the shallows. But there's no reason to get spooled.
Is a 7000 reel good for surf fishing? ›
Size is the key consideration for surf reels. As a rule of thumb, 5000-6000 reels tend to be the most suitable on the beach.
What is the best all around casting reel gear ratio? ›The most common reel on the market has a 6.4:1 gear ratio. This will allow you to work both fast moving presentations as well as slow. However, for certain techniques and applications, a very high or low gear ratio will often work best. For instance, burning a spinnerbait or buzzbait is best done with a 7.1:1 reel.
Do stiff rods cast further? ›Since there is little rod load at short to medium distances, it is often necessary to cast harder with a stiff rod - which often results in wider, inefficient loops if the stroke isn't just right. Fast rods are excellent for long distance casts.
What is the average casting distance? ›25-30 yards is the norm
Most anglers proficient at casting average 25-30 yards, depending on their tackle and wind conditions. When I used to guide, I'd teach people new to fishing to cast this far. Once they became consistent, my life became much easier.
Longer rods will deliver additional casting distance, providing the rod is matched with the right reel. To achieve those benefits, you're going to have to increase the line capacity of the reels you use. The more line you can get on a spool the easier it will unfurl on a cast.
Does braid color matter for surf fishing? ›And does the color of fishing line matter? The truth is, no single color of braided line has ever proved to cause fish to bite more readily, but that shouldn't preclude fishermen from being mindful when selecting line.
Is fluorocarbon or braid better for surf fishing? ›Fluorocarbon is often used as a leader, due to its tensile strength and refractive light index that matches closely to that of water. Since it's strong and it is hard for fish to see, it makes a great leader when surf casting.
What is stronger braided or mono? ›The stronger braid allows anglers to pull fish from structure quickly where mono might give the fish time and distance to wrap a few roots. Braid's sensitivity makes it a great line for working plugs and lures, particularly crank baits or spinner baits that have movement, and for bottom fishing.
What is the best leader length for surf fishing? ›12 inches (or 1 foot) is most the time all you need for a surf fishing leader. longer leaders will be more vulnerable to abrasion and snags, less stable in the surf zone, and can bring your baits to a very shallow depth where bites are rare.
What is the best gear ratio for surf fishing? ›In general, gear ratios between 5.3:1 and 5.7:1 are the best for surf fishing. In fact, a higher gear ratio will work fine too, but the reels we use off the beach have generally large spools and therefore provide low gear ratios.
What is the best size surf casting rod? ›
Surf Fishing Rod Length
While surf fishing rods can be anywhere between 9 and 14 feet long, longer rods can be challenging for beginners to use and aren't practical unless you need to make very long casts. Rods between 10 and 12 feet are good general purpose surf rods.
An 8ft surf rod will work well in areas where the water is calm; otherwise, choose a minimum length of 10ft. Surf rods also have characteristics called “power” and “action”. The power represents the strength of your rod while the action represents how “bendable” it is.
Are St Croix rods made in China? ›Yes, St. Croix utilizes advanced machines, computers and tooling to produce its rods in Park Falls, Wisconsin, and that equipment has continually evolved over the past 70 years, but it has always been guided and executed by skilled human hands.
What is the difference between a beach rod and a surf rod? ›Beach rods, or beachcasters, are also sometimes referred to as surf rods. Beachcasters are usually long (upwards of 10ft), as they have to be able to cast through the surf. Casting beyond the surf has results that are two fold. Firstly, the fish will congregate in the area behind the surf.
What weight rod is best for beach fishing? ›The rod should be light, say something like 200-300g weight and capable of casting weights of anything between 5g to 100g or more, depending on what lures you are planning to use. I always recommend carbon (graphite) surf rods for spinning techniques.
What is the best gear ratio for a surf rod? ›In general, gear ratios between 5.3:1 and 5.7:1 are the best for surf fishing. In fact, a higher gear ratio will work fine too, but the reels we use off the beach have generally large spools and therefore provide low gear ratios.
Is a 7 foot rod good for surf fishing? ›In general, it's totally fine to surf fish with a 7ft rod. However, the use of a short rod requires a small reel and consequently a thin line. As a result, surf fishing with short rods can limit you in terms of what species to target, and may fall short if things get heavy.
How far can you cast a surf rod? ›So how far can you cast a surf rod ? How far should you go when surf fishing ? And does the casting distannce even matter when fishing off the beach ? In a nutshell, you will be able to cast 50-70 yards on a good day using a surf rod.
What strength line for beach casting? ›A low-diameter line will oppose tide and wind less than a heavier one. A line diameter between 0.30mm (12lb) and 0.38mm (18lb) is reckoned to be the most effective for clean beach fishing at long range.
What is the best sinker for surf fishing? ›The wedge or “frog tongue” sinker is the top choice for big baits in strong surf. This style of sinker digs deep into a sandy bottom and its concave top resists being pulled free. The downside is that it can be a bear to retrieve, with the top catching the bottom on the entire way in.
What is the best all around saltwater rod weight? ›
If you're fishing saltwater and say you want to fish for redfish, trout, or bone fish, a solid 8wt fly rod is going to be best. If you plan to target permit or striped bass you're probably going to want a 10wt. Anything larger like tarpon or sharks I would suggest going with a 12wt.
Is 20 pound line good for saltwater fishing? ›Recommended Saltwater Pier Fishing Gear: For successful pier fishing, you will want to bring a 6 to 9-foot long medium or heavy-action spinning fishing rod. A 20-pound test line should do well for general use.
What weight leader line for surf fishing? ›Here's a general rule of thumb to help you decide what size line to use for your shock leader: For every ounce of lead, use 10 lbs of shock leader. For example, if you're using a 3 oz weight, use a 30 lb shock leader. If you're using a 4 oz weight, use a 40 lb shock leader.