Best Surf Fishing Rods for 2022

If you’re into fishing and live close to the ocean, surf fishing is a terrific way to put your skills to the test. Surf fishing offers the chance to learn a new fishing technique, and also to have a lot of fun. Regardless of where you are, you can catch hundreds of different types of fish that battle hard and taste great, too.

If you’re planning to try surf fishing, you’ll need some gear that’s most likely different from what you’ve used before.

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve spent time reviewing the best surfcasting rods for you. You’ll be able to make an informed choice and find the surfcasting gear that’s right for you.

The Top 10 Surf Rods:

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1. Mojo Surf Spinning Rod from St. Croix

St. Croix has a reputation for producing high-quality fishing rods at affordable prices, having been in business for more than 70 years. It’s no different with the Mojo Surf Spinning Rod.
The Integrated Poly Curve Technology in the Mojo’s design eliminates all transitional areas in the rod blank, giving surf fishermen smooth action, ultimate strength, and unequaled sensitivity.
In the design of the Mojo rod, even the tiniest elements are taken into consideration. The Fuji reel seat, X-wrap handle, and slope frame all help to prevent tangling and offer you maximum control over the pole. The Mojo’s SCII graphite and light-weight guides make it extremely durable and accurate.
St. Croix rods come in sizes ranging from 7′ to 12′, so there’s one for any surf fishing situation.

2. Bummy Stick 10′ Spinning Surf Rod Inspired by Bama Beach Bum

We don’t sleep, and neither does innovation. We are happy to announce the new “Bummy Stick,” which has been in the works for over a year. Working with Matthew from the famed YouTube channel “Bama Beach Bum” has been an honor! As a team, we’ve created something new that not only meets, but exceeds, our own high standards for quality and performance from the Dagger series of rods. This is a must-have for all fisherman due to its unique combination of carbon and glass. The textured matte finish of the rod blank is also new to our design. Not only does this provide something fresh and different, but it also adds to the rod’s ultra-light weight and long-lasting sensitivity. This rod is be a great rod for surf fishing, and works great for pier and fishing by a sound. Whether you’re working with braid, mono, or co-polymer line, this rod can handle it all!

3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater

The Ugly Stik Bigwater is an excellent pick for a low-cost, high-value surfing rod. Both power and control are assured thanks to an incredibly durable blank constructed of graphite and fiberglass, as well as a transparent tip design.
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater has EVA grips that are both durable and comfortable, allowing you to keep a strong grip while fighting big fish. It’s is a powerful rod, with a high level of sensitivity, allowing you to detect even the smallest bites.
Because the UglyStik Bigwater is so inexpensive, you might want to consider acquiring two of them in different sizes to swap out for different surf fishing circumstances. Ugly TuffTM one-piece double-footed stainless steel guides are also included, which is a significant plus. There’s no need to be concerned about popouts.
A 7-year limited warranty is included with the Ugly Stik Bigwater.

4. Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod

The PENN Battalion surf spinning rod is our best budget option. The Battalion, like all of PENN’s fishing tackle, seems to offer a lot of bang for your buck.
With lengths ranging from 8′ to 12′ and a variety of handle styles, actions, and rod powers, the PENN Battalion is sure to have something for you. The Battalion employs a graphite composite two-piece blank design.
The rubber shrink handles are really comfortable to hold and give sufficient grip for most tasks.
Although it isn’t the best surf rod on the market, it provides everything a beginning or “fun” surf angler needs. Overall, it’s a fantastic jetty rod.
You’ll be blown away by the level of power when casting with the 10-footer. They can hurl bait a lot further than most of the competitors with similar prices.

5. Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rod from Shimano

For many years, Shimano has been a key player in the fishing rod market. The Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rod is one of the top surf rods you can buy. The combo is difficult to beat when used with Shimano Ultegra XTD or Stradic Ci4+ reels. Shimano’s Long Throw Concept is used in this combo, allowing surf fishermen to cast long distances and cover a lot of water.
The C4S structure of the Tiralejo surf fishing pole combines a high modulus blank wrapped in four layers of high-grade graphite, providing surf anglers with optimum stability and strength without compromising sensitivity.
This rod and reel set is made to work with braided line, such as PowerPro line, which much stronger than monofilament of the same diameter, and never stretches or becomes weak.
Availiable in 9’6″, 10’6″, 11′, and 12′ lengths.
Paired with a Stradic Ci4+, the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Fishing Rod is hard to beat if you’re searching for one of the best rod and reel combinations on the market.

6. Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Rod

The Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Rod is frequently praised as one of the best surf rods available.
The blank is made of high modulus TC3 graphite, which combines the best in power, durability, and responsiveness.
The Fuji aconite tip guides and Fuji Hardloy ring guides mean no more tangles, and they allow the line to slide easily through the guides for constant accuracy and distance.
The non-slip cork handle is comfortable to hold and gives you complete control over the pole. Also, you won’t have to re-tie your bait or lure every time you change spots thanks to the foldable hook keeper.
The length options range from 8′ to 12′, giving you plenty of alternativesto match the conditions you’re fishing in.

7. Voyager Travel Surf Rod by Okuma

The Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rod is a terrific solution for any surf angler who likes to travel to new places yet prefers to use his own gear.

This rod is made up of three pieces, making it convenient to transport. Surf fisherman will like the adaptability of each rod’s heavy and light tip sections, which saves storage space. The Okuma Nomad also comes with a padded and waterproof bespoke carrying case. Its form makes it easy to store in overhead storage bins and eliminates the cost of flying with heavy standard rod tubes.
The Nomad is made of graphite with a carbon outer wrap, making it both light and sturdy.
For fishermen seeking bigger fish, Fuji guide frames eliminate wind knots and are compatible with braided line.
The rod has the sensitivity and feel of a one-piece rod thanks to European spigot ferrules.
The rods are available in 9′ or 10′ lengths and are reasonably priced, making them ideal for surf fishermen who travel, are on a budget, or simply want top-notch quality and performance.

8. Penn Battle II Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

If you’re new to surf fishing, the Penn Battle II Spinning Rod and Reel Combo is a wonderful choice. You can be assured that you aren’t mismatched equipment because a rod and reel are included in one set at a fair price.
The reel’s technology is the most advanced on the market, ensuring that you land more fish. The carbon fiber HT-100 Versa Drag system engages both sides of all drag washers to provide maximum drag, while the anti-reverse bearing reduces pullback, so all you have to do when catching a fish is keep reeling.
When using PowerPro or Spiderwire braided line , the spool performs at its best.
The Battle II comes in a variety of lengths, from 6’6″ to 10′. For surf fishing, we recommend getting one of the larger variants.

9. Fiblink Surf 2-Piece Spinning Rod

If you value portability, the Fiblink Surf Spinning rod is an excellent choice. This rod’s compact two-piece or three-piece construction allows it to take up very little storage space.
The Fiblink is an affordable surf rod, however its reasonable price doesn’t mean it’s lacking in terms of material, design, or quality.
Carbon fiber construction is state-of-the-art, providing increased durability and sensitivity.
To avoid tangling and improve distance and accuracy, the guides composed of a combination of ceramic and stainless steel are strategically placed on the blank.
After a long day of fishing, the ergonomic non-slip cork handle gives you control over the rod without tearing up your hands.
The Fiblink rod comes in three lengths: 9′, 10′, and 12′.
The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod is a good option if you’re seeking a low-cost surf rod with consistent performance.

10. PLUSINNO Saltwater Telescopic Combo Kit

Look no further than the Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo and Saltwater Kit if you want to buy all of your necessary fishing gear in one purchase or if you’re not sure what to get that particular angler in your family.
Because of its telescoping form, this rod may be readily stored in a fishing bag or other small compartment for simple transportation.
Despite being one of the greatest deals on the market, the combination kit has been proved to survive the test of time and operate reliably. The blank is composed of high-density carbon fiber, which makes it strong, responsive, and lightweight.
The kit comes with a rod of your choice, a reel, a carrying case, pre-loaded line, hooks, and a tackle box filled with lures that have been proved to work for a variety of species and situations.
This is a great option if you’re searching for a budget-friendly telescopic fishing rod and reel combo that will fit in even the smallest of areas.

Considerations for Purchasing a Surf Rod

When buying a surf fishing rod, there are a lot of things to think about. Before you decide, think about how much money you can afford to spend, what kind of fish you’ll be after, your skill level, where you’ll be fishing, and the equipment that will help you catch lots of fish.

Regular Rods vs. Surf Casting Rods

Because you’re fishing in saltwater, you’ll need to cover a lot more water than if you were on a lake, or river. Because the ocean is so vast, fish aren’t concentrated like they are in smaller bodies of water. Surfcasting rods are very handy in this situation. Unlike regular rods, they’re designed to be cast with two hands to get the most distance. They’re also stiffer than other rods because you’re usually after bigger fish that a normal rod wouldn’t be able to handle.

Fishing Style & Rod Length

Surf fishing can be divided into three categories.
Bank or pier fishing is the easiest and best for beginners. This strategy typically entails fishing with bait and focusing on smaller bottom-feeding fish such as flounder. Shore fishing requires just short, 7 to 9 foot, light action surf rod. Starting off with this easy strategy will let you to catch fish right away, and gain an understanding of how saltwater fish behave.

The second strategy involves casting and retrieving lures for larger fish such as bluefish and mackerel. To catch these fish, you’ll need a pole that can cast lures weighing 3/4 to an 1 1/2 ounces. These heavier weights let you to throw longer distances and cover more water, as well as allowing the lures to sink in strong ocean currents. This sort of fishing requires rods with heavier power, and faster action, with lengths of 9′ to 11′.

Perhaps you want to go after large fish like tuna or trevally. You’ll need a pole that can handle fish over 20 pounds and can cast up to 8 ounces of weight. You should invest in a high-quality rod with heavier power, and fast action, with a length of 12′ or more.

Rod Action & Strength

Action and power are inextricably linked.
Rod power is a phrase that describes the strength of a rod. The power of a rod can range from light to extra heavy, but most surf fishermen use a medium-heavy rod for its versatility. This power setup is sensitive enough to detect minor bites while also having enough strength to land larger fish without damaging the rod.

The bend or taper of a surf casting rod is referred to as rod action. Slow-action rods bend in the middle of the rod, while fast-action rods bend near the tip. When it comes to casting distance, rod action is most important. Fast action rods are good for casting lures because of the flex is in the tip. For fish that strike hard, fast action helps to set the hook . Fishing with bait is best done with slow or medium-action rods.

Which Reel and Handle Combination Is Right for You?

Making sure the reel seat and handle are tuned to your satisfaction is critical when using a two-handed surfcasting rod to improve distance and accuracy. Because you’re fishing in saltwater, stainless steel reel seats will be subjected to corrosion. As a result, investing in reel seats made of graphite, which doesn’t rust, is the way to go.

The grips on two-handed rods are far longer than those on regular baitcasting and spincasting rods. As a result, selecting a grip material that is both comfortable in to hold, and offers you control is critical. In most circumstances, you’ll have to choose between cork and foam. Grips vary is construction material, and size, so it’s important to try a few different ones to discover the one that works well in your hands.

Choosing the Best Option For You

Whether you’ve been fishing for a long time, or a novice when it comes to surf fishing, doing your homework ahead before you pull the trigger on a new rod will guarantee that you make the right choice when it comes time to buy. It’s a good idea to start your search by thinking about the fishing approach you’ll use, the sort of fish you’ll be after, and the conditions you’ll be fishing in. Getting assistance from a reliable industry professional, or a friend who fishes a lot is a great idea. Don’t be shy to ask questions, and seek advice.

Even though learning to surf fish takes some time, it’s a gratifying sport that everyone can enjoy for a small cost. The variety of situations you can fish in, as well as the suspense of what might be on your line, keep the experience exciting and pleasurable. Surf fishing is fun! Go for it!