To cast far and with enough strength to handle oceanic monsters, the best surf fishing rod and reel combos must be corrosion-resistant and saltwater-proof. Finding a rod and reel that work in those circumstances is challenging but possible.
However, this still may not guarantee a compatible rod and reel. With a surf rod and reel combo, you know the rod and reel will work nicely together. Moreover, it’s usually less expensive than getting a rod and reel individually.
I have everything you need, including a new surf fishing combo, if you’re in the market. The five best surf fishing rod and reel combos available right now will be examined. This list represents my best judgment and is organized around three criteria: cost, quality, and longevity.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos of 2023
I’ve done the research and covered all the areas if you’re looking for the best rod and reel combo for surf fishing. You can tell what to take into consideration and what to throw out completely thanks to the reviews provided below. Don’t miss out and keep reading!
- Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo
You won’t find a more potent, sensitive, or long-lasting surf combo than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. The combined power of the surf rod and reel in this surf fishing combo is 40 pounds. Reeling in prize fish and monster fish will be a breeze with this unrivaled surf combo.
Panfish hunting is possible as well as big game fishing. You can feel even the smallest panfish’s tiniest tugs with the extra rapid action surf combination.
The Penn Spinfisher VI reel is built to last with an IPX5 sealed body and spool that uses seals in strategic places to prevent water from entering. The stainless steel bearings are also protected by the seal. The combination of these qualities makes for remarkable resilience and resistance to corrosion.
Of course, the rod that comes with the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo is also long enough to make the kind of long casts that are necessary for surf fishing. Line capacity rings are included in this set so you can always know how much line you have remaining.
Pros
- There are yardage indicators on the spool so you know how much line you’ve used.
- Drag system HT-100 with superior quality
- Completely watertight gearbox and spool
Cons
- Heavy compared to most other reels of its kind
Take Away
The rod and reel are both durable and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for use with even the largest fish. The rod is also long enough to throw far enough to catch even the largest of fish. Did I also mention that it’s cheap?
- Daiwa D-Wave Combo
Although the Daiwa name is renowned for quality and a price that acquires that performance, the company also provides surf fishing combos that are incredibly affordable.
This Daiwa rod is nine feet long, and its fiberglass blank is extremely sturdy and long-lasting. I wouldn’t compare its casting performance to that of Penn’s combos, but it does a good job leading and has decent supporting cast members.
However, the fiberglass blank prevents the rod from breaking on the forward snap, allowing you to throw surprisingly big lures.
Although the capacity is adequate and the drag provides adequate tension that is smooth enough, you will feel the reel working hard to provide enough torque to win the struggle when you catch a large fish.
Pros
- Excellent value for money!
- Strong rod capable of launching hefty lures
- A good blank that loads easily and allows for a long cast
- Sufficient backbone to support larger fish
Cons
- Not Appropriate for Competitive Fishing
- PENN Battle III Surf Fishing Combo
Combining the powerful 5000 reel with a strong rod, this set is unparalleled among surf rod combos.
The Battle III utilizes the same phenomenal HT-100 drag system that powers the considerably more expensive Spinfisher. In terms of ultra-durability, automatic let-off when the line truly begins to be severed, and incredibly smooth release, there is likely no finer drag on the market.
The capacity is standard fare for the market, and there are handy indicator lines to help you know where you stand at a glance. This reel has plenty of torque and strength to battle tough fish and even small sharks.
The graphite composite in an eight-foot medium-heavy rod provides both sensitivity and strength. This rod is solid enough to “lean into” without fear of breaking.
Pros
- High-Quality Build.
- A sealed, high-quality drag system.
- Stunning casting.
- Huge amounts of power and torque.
- Solid backbone.
Cons
- Incomplete body seal.
Take Away
There’s a lot of power and range in that extremely long handle. Hence, Penn offers a winning combination at a low price.
- Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stiks have a reputation for being quite durable, and I can vouch for this having owned and fished with two of them. However, Shakespeare is better recognized for his Stiks than his reels, and this is very obvious.
The size 50 reel included in this set is not top-notch. It can cast, has a drag lever, and can be cranked to retrieve line, but it rusts easily, has bail issues, and fishes like a $10 reel if the rod is considered separately.
However, the rod is a clear victor, boasting an excellent feel and more than enough punch to win any fight. Additionally, it packs and casts effortlessly, and those Ugly Tuff guides have stood the test of time and frequent use.
Like the Daiwa BG mix, but the other way around, you get one great part paired with another that you’d rather not have.
Pros
- Sufficient loading and good casting performance.
- Rod is quite long-lasting.
- Excellent reference materials.
- Considerable backbone and sensitivity.
Cons
- Bail Issues and Early Corrosion.
- Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo
If you’re looking for a surf fishing combo, go no further than this fantastic set. It’s strong, long-lasting, and can throw further than the breaking waves.
The aluminum oxide guides are among the most corrosion-resistant in the industry, guaranteeing a long lifespan for your rod. The aluminum body is corrosion-resistant and can withstand seawater well, and the drag system is waterproof to prevent any corrosion of the drag system. Together, these make a rod and reel combo that will last a very long time.
Pros
- Superb reel
- Massive torque and considerable drag
- Very fast acceleration
- Amazing reversal of course
Cons
- Not suitable for monster fish.
Takeaway
The Daiwa BG spinning reel’s Automatic Drag (ATD) system is made of carbon and is sealed against water. A more consistent and gradual drag is provided by the system.
As the ATD adjusts to each new situation, the likelihood of losing your catch decreases dramatically.
Buying guides to Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos.
Factors to keep in mind before buying a Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Curious as to what makes a decent surf fishing rod and reel set? Everything you need to think about is laid out here:
Awesome drag
Long fights can tire out fish, and a proper drag system cushions your line from abrupt shocks to minimize breaking.
Newer technology has replaced the oiled felt used in certain drag systems with carbon fiber discs, which generate more friction on the spool and last longer.
The reel should be capable of casting far and smoothly.
The majority of reels have a good cast. Because they don’t tangle and backfire as easily as bait casters, spinning reels are the ideal choice in the wind, an ever-present force of nature at the beach.
Capacity
You’ll need a large capacity reel and rod because you’ll be making lengthy casts and, God forbid, you hook a monster fish after all that effort and it takes off.
Handle
All surf casting rods feature extended grips for a more comfortable casting experience. A longer handle gives you more leverage when fighting a monster you manage to hook.
Guides
Because they are often fabricated from metal, guides tend to be rather durable.
So, watch out for ceramic, aluminum oxide, stainless steel, and titanium alloy guides. These materials are the longest-lasting because they are smooth and resistant to corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ);
Can I Avoid a Rod and Reel Combo?
If you don’t want a rod combo, buy separate rods and reels.
Can Saltwater Rods Be Used for Surf Fishing?
Saltwater rods are corrosion-resistant. Just make sure your saltwater rod is long and strong enough for your desired fish.
What else do I need for surf fishing?
When beach fishing, seasoned surf fishermen usually have more than a rod and reel. You may see a fishing cart, rod holder, or cast cannon.
Final Thoughts
The best surf fishing rod and reel combos guarantee that the rod and reel will be able to function together without any issues. The cost of these combos is typically lower than that of a rod and reel purchased individually. With any of the combos in this review, you can enjoy surf fishing anywhere you choose.