Surf Fishing Reels Compared

Why Surf Fishing Requires Specialized Reels

When it comes to surf fishing, it’s important to remember the basics. It doesn’t take an experienced angler to get a good catch while fishing from the shore. But the reel and rod you choose can heavily determine whether you'll be lucking on your fishing trip out.

Surf fishing requires specialized reels depending on the type of species you’re hoping to catch. Basic surf fishing can be done with a fishing rod between 7 feet long and can range up to 18 feet long for longer casts. Although anglers are fully capable of catching fish in water that's knee-deep, some species will be in deeper waters and will require a more specialized piece of equipment to reach them.

It's also important to remember that fishing with a freshwater reel for surf fishing isn't ideal as the water is entirely different. Freshwater reels will get damaged and corrode when in contact with saltwater and could cost you the price of your freshwater reel over time. Also, saltwater reels are typically stronger as they're going against strong tides.

Surf Fishing Reel Buyer’s Guide

Type of Fish & Environment

A common misconception of surf fishing is that the environment of fishing in shallow waters reduces the species of fish available to anglers. Like any type of fishing, some species aren't always available to you, but surf fishing doesn't limit anglers as much as some believe. Surf fishing offers many unique environments, with an abundance of deep channels. Whether you prefer to fish in knee-deep saltwater or on an upper lagoon, there will be fish loaded in grass and sand pockets with suitable habitats for you to enjoy.

On the west coast of the States, some fish species you'll find are the California Corbina, the Barred Surfperch, and of course, the California Halibut. While on the east coast, you'll find the striped bass as well as rockfish and various forms of trout. These fish species can range in size from as small as a few pounds to a whopping 30 kg. If you're hoping to go home with a larger sized catch, then make sure you know what your rod needs before taking the shores.

Skill & Experience Level

Spending a day on beautiful shorelines doesn't require a whole lot of skill. If anything, it's an excellent way for novice and experienced anglers alike to enjoy fishing.  For beginner anglers, it's a great way to learn some techniques in a relaxing environment.

While more experienced anglers often can fish with two lines at once.  You'll often see these anglers with a regular-sized spinning rod to catch bigger fish. A smaller rod can be used for smaller fish like kingfish (sea mullet) or spot.

Power & Durability

When you're looking for a rod that's suitable for surf fishing, there are a few characteristics you'll need to look out for. One of these is its durability. As saltwater differs immensely from freshwater, you'll need to get a corrosion-resistant reel.

Materials like stainless steel and fiberglass can be extremely durable against erosion. If you have got a rod and reel you use for freshwater fishing that’s made of stainless steel, don’t rush to the shores just yet. Lower grades of stainless steel can, in fact, rust and corrode if continuously exposed to saltwater.

A rod that’s suitable for saltwater is usually made of a higher grade of stainless steel (like a 304/L Stainless Steel, or 316/L Stainless Steel, for example). Be sure to choose a higher grade of stainless steel with high-quality alloy compositions. This will ensure your rod is more corrosion resistant than others.

Another key factor to look at is a reel’s power ability. Saltwater reels should have a well-balanced rotor so that it reduces the amount of fatigue the angler experiences. This keeps the reel from wobbling and produces more power. Thus, the saltwater spinning reel will make you struggle less and exert less energy.

Reel Features

Line Capacity

The line capacity for surf fishing reels should be high enough to allow for casting in deeper oceans as well as casting in knee-deep waters. This type of line should be heavy enough to land 40 to 50 lb. fish. Braided lines or metal leaders will increase your line capacity so you’ll be able to fish in harsher conditions at ease. Surfcasting reels can handle line weights up to fifty pounds.

However, you should always remember that a battle with a larger fish could allow you to lose up to 100 yards of line. The more you fill your spool with line, the further you will be able to cast, and the higher the capacity you'll have. As a result, many anglers believe that the optimal amount of line for surf fishing is 250-300 yards.

Price & Warranty

The old saying, "You Get What You Pay For" certainly rings some truth when looking at surfcasting reels. It’s important to note what you’re using it for and whether you’re willing to invest in high-quality equipment or just a basic reel that will teach the fundamentals for surf fishing.

As for warranties, it's good to purchase from reputable brands as many can offer guarantees on parts for 1 to 5 years (on average). Yet some companies can offer lifetime warranties on their rods and reels, like Shimano, for example. This really gives anglers peace of mind when they’re out by the water.

1. Penn Battle II

2. Shimano Stradic Ci4+

Enjoy one of the best reels Shimano has to offer, the Shimano Stradic Ci4+, with a reel size of 4000. This Strikingly good looking reel is extremely lightweight with a solid feel.

There's a protective water-repellent coating placed in the roller clutch and line roller that prevents water from entering these key areas. Don't worry about saltwater hitting it though, as this protective layer makes it saltwater ready. The reel also has a shielded anti-rust bearing, so there's no need to worry about quick erosion here too.

This reel incorporates an exciting new concept based on a reel that was previously made, named Shimano’s G-Free Body. They’ve upgraded and updated its features- one of which is the waterproof drag. This benefit is often not found on reels that are doubled in price, so it was a great implementation that makes this reel stand out from the rest.

Shimano's Magnumlite Rotor is 25% lighter than previous styles making it remarkably light in weight. It weighs in at a whopping 0.505 lbs (5.60 ounces). It also has a robust CI4+ carbon body and cold-forged aluminum spool. It has an ultra-smooth reeling experience, and when it's combined with a gear ratio of 6.0:1, it is sure to win the hearts of anglers around the globe.

3. Daiwa Sealine-X SHA

4. Daiwa Bg 4500

Our top-rated reel for surf fishing has to be the Daiwa Bg range as Daiwa offers great value for the money and has a lot of options and variety in reel sizes. From 1500 to 6500, there’s a lot of choice for what you’re looking for. The 4500 sits within these reel sizes well and is a perfect piece of equipment to bring to the shorelines.

The best feature of this reel is that you can just remove the bail trip ramp to make it a manual. This feature is not very common, but anglers love it and find it extremely useful. Inside the BG 4500, you'll find a seven-bearing drive system that consists of six ball bearings and a single roller bearing.

While the smaller reel sizes have infinite Anti-Reverse, larger-sized reels (4500 and larger) have 'Infinite Dual Anti-Reverse.' This means the reel won't slip when you set the hook, while smooth drag washers will help prevent the line from breaking when you're fighting a fish.

You can use it for everything, including in freshwater and saltwater. The BG is equipped with a "Hard Bodyz" machined aluminum body and side cover for strength and internal part stability. These reels come with a one-year factory warranty, but make sure you provide some self-maintenance to keep it running smooth and well.

5. Penn Clash

Penn Clash has been manufacturing rods and reels since the early 1930s, so it’s no surprise that they’re well known as a trusted brand by anglers all around the world. Penn’s entry into the spinning reel market is another winner in more ways than one.

Penn has used 8 sealed stainless steel bearings and will hold up under harsh saltwater conditions. The instant anti-reverse bearing provides the angler with the ability to get a good hook every time without playing around with the spool. It also features a patented HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, and the CNC Dura-Gear technology for longer-lasting and smooth gearing. The gear ratio is a reliable and sturdy 6.2:1 for the 4000 reel size model, but again, there are a whopping 7 models to choose from.

Anglers should expect an extremely durable construction with a  full metal body, and a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire. Its HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers and wave spring, which increase the drag factor by about 20% compared to Penns previous reels.

This provides a genuinely smooth drag that doesn't bottom out. It really is a quality saltwater reel for both inshore fishing as well as offshore. If you are looking to step up your reel without breaking the bank, then the Penn Clash is one that should be considered.

6. Daiwa SS Tournament

The ultimate long-cast spinning reel, Daiwa SS Tournament features Daiwa's revolutionary Long-Cast technology that’s ahead of its competitors in the market. It leaves anglers fully satisfied with an average of 10% longer casts compared to its competitors in the game.

The reel is the winner of two Bassmaster Classic awards for its unique design while still being strong and durable. The Daiwa SS tournament features a smoother oversized micro-adjustable drag to gives anglers ultimate torque. The 3 stainless steel bearings are excellent against corrosion.

Stainless steel bearings aren't easy to rust, especially when they're washed down correctly. Luckily, these bearings can be washed down without having to use a lubricating oil, so self-maintenance is easier than its competitors too.

An Aluminum Spool and a super-strong Whisker graphite body makes it one of the favorites among fishers. While there are 2 options to choose from, the better for surf fishing and for longer casts has to be the 1300 reel size. As it’s smaller in size than others on this list, it makes it lighter in weight yet extremely durable.

This is one of the finest light tackle saltwater spinning reels made and is an excellent addition to any angler's fishing equipment.

7. Okuma Avenger ABF

If you are going for some serious saltwater fishing and you want a good, quality fishing reel at a reasonable price, then the Okuma Avenger ABF could be exactly what you’re looking for. For a cheaper alternative at under $100, you don’t have to sacrifice on quality construction, great performance but at an affordable price.

The Okuma Avenger is commonly known as their bait feeder version of their Avenger B model with the addition of the On/Off auto trip bait feeding system switch. A bait feeder reel (also known as a teaser level) is used to engage the secondary drag system. When the secondary drag is engaged, you can then make a "controlled free spool." This means that the drag is light enough to allow a fish to take the bait and run with it without feeling the very light drag.

The lightweight CNC spools are fitted with smooth oil-soaked felt washers that give power and smoothness to any angler. The reel features six sealed ball bearings and uses Okuma's live bait feeding system. It also has an easy-to-reach lever (located on the body behind the handle), which disengages the spool to allow the line to run freely.

It comes in a range of sizes and features varied gear ratios. The reel we’re focusing on is 4000 in reel size and has a gear ratio of 4.5:1. It truly is a great reel that will have you on the water quickly without breaking the bank.

8. Pflueger President XT

If you’re looking for a reel that has plenty of features but is kept under the radar, then the Pflueger President XT could be the one for you. Pflueger is a well-known company that manufactures fishing products and are best known for their innovative design and detailed performance. They’ve focused on their President reel and elevated it to suit more anglers’ needs.

The features of this product speak for itself. It has an aircraft-grade aluminum handle that provides extreme durability. Its graphite body and rotor makes it extremely resistant to corrosion- perfect for surf fishing in any environment.

The total weight of the Pflueger President spinning reel is around 1.6 pound, and the company thought of many ways to reduce the weight compared to its original design. The spool has a hole-like structure that reduces the weight of the instrument along with giving comfort to anglers when they’re by the water. Don’t be fooled by its size as it doesn’t impact the performance of the reel while catching larger species.

It also has 9 stainless steel bearings that seem to work flawlessly. It also has a unique anti-reverse bearing which has a one-way clutch bearing with a sure-click bail. This transmits torque between the shaft and housing in one direction and allows free movement in the opposite direction.

The Pflueger President XT is available in five different weights, and each size has its advantages, depending on the preference of the user. It's one of the better-priced reels on the list, so be sure to check it out before making your final decision.

9. Quantum Cabo PT

Quantum released the Cabo PT in 2014 and still has anglers in love with it. Not only does it put out a ridiculous 35 lbs of drag at max use, but the drag is one of the smoothest, and it holds a lot of line (225/50 of braided capacity).

While the reel is completely constructed of metal, it weighs less than 0.83 lbs. For a rod with an insane drag power, sealed drag, and sealed anti-reverse, this rod is actually extremely light compared to its competitors in the market.

This top of the range reel features a sealed magnum CSC drag system, sealed magnum clutch, and a titanium fail-proof bail system with a magnetic trip. It also has a saltGuard 7-layer corrosion protection finish, so this reel is entirely waterproof. 

The LMS (line management system) and super hard PT gears complement any rod to make it smooth yet powerful for even the smallest bites. With over 6 styles and sizes available, there's bound to be one that suits your style and needs.

Not to mention, it’s reversible so left and right-handed anglers can use in absolute comfort. It is the top choice for serious saltwater game anglers and is considered our top of the range reel for all those reasons and more.

10. SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater

Spinning Reels vs. Baitcasting Reels for Surf Fishing

Choosing the Right Gear Ratio Reel for Surf Fishing

Saltwater reels are classified into 3 gear ratio groups- high-speed, medium-speed, or low-speed. Some saltwater spinning reels even allow anglers to switch from high speed to low speed with the push of a button. Here’s some more information on each gear ratio that’s on the market.

Surf Fishing Reel Sizing Guide

You may have seen some numbers in the reviews that just doesn’t make sense to you just yet. These numbers indicate the size of the reel, and each model will have a number associated with them. The main concept is that the smaller the number, the smaller the reel is.

These numbers range from 10 (or 1000, both are the same size) to 300 (30,000). Some brands will offer larger sizes than a 30,000 reel size, but they are not popular for surf fishing. The most common size reels typically sit between 3500 to 6000 for a standard beach and jetty combination.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is it better to surf fish at low or high tide?

There is no better tide for surf fishing, per se. Depending on the individual situations, location, weather conditions, and seasons it all can vary. You can catch fish at pretty much any tide and time; however, certain fish will be susceptible during certain tides.

What are some tips for inexperienced people who want to go beach fishing?

Here are 3 tips that any inexperienced angler should find useful:

What kind of rod should I use for surf fishing? What’s the best length?

9 -12 feet long rods typically work well for pretty much all types of surf fishing conditions. They can cover fan casting, jetties, and even throwing out a long cast.

Can I use a surf reel away from the surf?

From the list above, you'll see that many reels are suitable for saltwater and freshwater, so bringing your surf reel away from the surf is fine. However, even if you can, it doesn’t always mean you should as different fishing styles build up different types of dirt in the reel. It's preferred by anglers to have one reel per style, but it's not mandatory in any regard.

What is the best pound test line for surf fishing?

Conclusion