What Size Reel For Surf Fishing? (Guide For All Fish Types)

When selecting what size reel you need for surf fishing, there are many factors to consider. While that may seem overwhelming, an incorrect configuration can lead to improper use, the loss of lines, lures, and prized sportfish trophies. Taking the time to identify your needs when it comes to selecting what size reel is recommended for surf fishing can prevent a lot of frustration.

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Choosing The Right Size Reel For Surf Fishing (Things To Consider)

1. The Targeted Fish

Research should be done, as it is important to know what species and size of fish you're generally fishing for. This is one of the greatest factors in determining what size reel you need for surf fishing, as it will guide and inform your reel size and line strength decisions. The larger the target fish, assume the larger the reel and line strength needed.

2. The Beach Structure

It's essential to be aware of the general underwater structure of the beach you're fishing out of. Knowing your target fish prefers to spend their time near sandbars or underwater debris. Knowing how far you'll need to cast to hit these surf targets is important when determining the size of your reel. Generally, a longer rod and a stronger reel will be needed to reach far out sandbars.

3. The Fishing Line

It's important to use a braided line whenever possible. Its sensitivity is critical, as the longer line will dissipate vibration from a bite. Having a braided line helps to prevent this, sending jolts and signals to your reel when you have a bite, despite casting a great distance. That being said, monofilament is a better choice if you’re expecting lots of rocks, shell or barnacle beds, or anything else that may abrade your line.

4. The Drag Setting

Drag setting is important, especially when settling in for a longer battle with a bigger catch. The drag setting will help to make fighting against your reel much harder when surf fishing. A good rule of thumb is to set your drag setting 20-25% when using monofilament, but higher at 25%-30% when using a braided line. It’s important your reel offers these functions and performs them well.

Read On: Surf Fishing Tips (Tips & Techniques On How To Surf Fish)

5. The Size of The Rod

10–12-foot rods are fine for most of your surf fishing. A longer rod will aid greatly in a further cast towards sandbars when surf fishing from the beach/docks. Additionally, a longer rod will facilitate the use of stronger braided and monofilament lines. The last scenario that should play out is losing a surf fish to a weak line or being unable to keep up with casting distance consistency.

6. High and Low Tides

One of the best times to fish in the surf is during high tide. The water levels are up, giving access to deeper waters with far greater ease. Additionally, during high tide, many larger fish come further up the beach, looking for smaller prey lost in the madness of the tides.

Learn More: Best Time To Surf Fish: When To Go Saltwater Fishing (Time & Tide)

What Size Reel For Surf Fishing? (Guide For All Fish Types)

Different Size Reels For Surf Fishing Explained

It is important to select the correct size reel when fishing in the surf, as nothing is worse than losing a catch due to not having a strong enough reel. Using the guide below is an excellent jumping-off point to ensure this doesn't happen to you.

2000 (20) Reel Size
This is a much smaller reel configuration, and pushing the reel's limits too far beyond bays, inlets, and coves can result in improper use and broken lines. Your reel isn't strong enough here to compete with a fish and the surf. Recommended line strength is 4–8-pound monofilament or 8–10-pound braided line.
4000 (40) Reel Size
Once a 4000-size reel has been equipped, fishing in the surf has gotten far more possible. It is in this reel size you can comfortably start targeting bigger fish while competing with the tides and current on even footing. Recommended line strength is an 8–12-pound monofilament or a 20-pound braided line.
5000 (50) Reel Size
Staying in the same areas that can be fished using a 4000-reel size is a good idea here. The 5000 size gives you the reach needed to up your game on your smaller target fish, but not big enough to step into the next size category or used to catch sharks.
6000 (60) Reel Size
Here you can start surf fishing for medium sized fish and dabble in some offshore fishing in a boat. This is a great starter reel size, as you won't be terribly limited by your target fish size, but it isn't unnecessarily large and unwieldy. I recommend a 12–18-pound monofilament line or a 20–30-pound braided line.
7000 (70) Reel Size
Also an excellent option for small offshore fishing, as well as comfortably casting where you want and how far you want. A 7000-reel size for surf fishing is beefy and will get the job done for you without issue or complaint. I recommend a 15–25-pound monofilament line or a 30–50-pound braided line.
8000 (80) Reel Size
We've officially crossed into Barracuda territory here. This reel size configuration can be used to reach your beach structure targets sustainably and consistently, and aggressively fish your target catch. Recommended line strength for this reel is a 20-pound monofilament line or 50+ pound braided line.

Reel Sizes According To Rod Length

It is very important to select the correct rod length to pair with your reel selection for surf fishing. The rod will not only help determine how far you can cast but will determine whether or not your rod has the ability to stand up to the strength of your target fish. Use this general guide to decide what the best reel size, rod size, and line strength are.

Rod Length	7ft (2.1m)	8ft (2.4m)	9ft (2.7m)	10ft (3m)	12ft (3.7m)
Reel Size	2000	4000	6000	8000	9000
Mono Line	4-6 lbs.	8-12 lbs.	12-18 lbs.	15-25 lbs.	30+ lbs.
Braided Line	8-10 lbs.	15-20 lbs.	15-30 lbs.	20-35 lbs.	50+ lbs.

Common Surf Fishing Reel Size Questions

How much line do you need for surf fishing?

A comfortable bet is around 300 yards (~275m) of fishing line. Some anglers will splice in different line types depending on the target fish and beach structure. Check to see how many yards are on a spool when you purchase it and how many yards your reel can hold.

What is the most reliable reel brand for surf fishing?

The most reliable surf fishing reel remains Shimano, in my professional opinion. Shopping by brand recognition is a great way to ensure you’re getting a great product that you are already comfortable with from freshwater fishing. In lieu of a Shimano, Van Staal is another great brand.

Does reel size affect casting distance when surf fishing?

Absolutely. The bulk of your power sits in your reel, and casting out is no exception. If you're expecting long casts to reach sandbars, your reel size is what puts your bait as far out as you need it.

Can my rod size be too large for surf fishing?

It can, yes. While you may feel silly reeling in a small fish with a large rod and reel rig, the bigger issue is having a mismatched rod and reel combination. Using the above table will help you make sure your rod isn’t unwieldy when paired with your choice of reel size.

Conclusion

Surf fishing is no easy task. It’s far less relaxing than fishing by a lake or stream with a cold beverage in one hand. Ensuring your equipment has the strength and durability to get the job done is fundamental as you prepare for your trip. Check local tides, consult our table, and make sure your setup is honed perfectly. Best of luck as you rip sea monsters from the surf!