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Also referred to as beach casting, surfcasting, and saltwater fishing, surf fishing is simply a form of angling that takes place in saltwater instead of freshwater.
While many people try to get away with using the same gear they use for freshwater fishing on the ocean, this isn’t a smart choice.
Not only does saltwater have a corrosive effect on equipment, causing it to wear out more quickly over time, but the unique patterns of the ocean also demand a certain level of respect.
Therefore, you would be wise to invest in one of the best surf fishing rod and reel combos.
Choose wisely, and you’ll be equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the open water.
Top 6 Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos in 2023
Here are top Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combinations on the market today
1. PENN Battle II Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Penn Battle II is just one of many impressive products in the long lineup of Penn fishing products.
A great rod and reel combo for the money, this product exceptional when it comes to its strength and durability.
When you’re surf fishing, it’s incredibly important that you have a rod that casts efficiently. After all, you’re likely going to be casting very long distances if you’re fishing from the shore.
This fishing rod not only casts hundreds of yards into the water, but it’s also lightweight and easy to hang on to.
It has an ergonomic design that means your blanks stay perfectly balanced – even if you aren’t! The rod has sensitive blanks, too, and is made out of strong graphite composite.
The graphite construction of this rod means you’ll enjoy durability without adding heft. The reel, too, is super sturdy, made out of mostly metal components in the rotor, side plate, and body.
It’s designed to last a lifetime and even includes a pool made out of machine-anodized aluminum.
You know what that means, right? You can tie lines onto the spool directly with no need for backing. This can save you both time and money.
With five stainless steel bearings, you’ll be able to cast this rod efficiently every time.
It has a superb drag system – the patented HT-199 Versa-Drag system, which utilizes carbon fiber and built-in drag washers – and anti-reverse bearings.
The bearings, along with a rubber gasket in the spool, make it practically impossible for your line to fall off or experience backlash.
The line capacity rings will show you how much line you have left, and the reel has a heavy-duty bail wire made out of aluminum that will help you return your line to the spool – again, eliminating the likelihood of snags.
Available for purchase in several different powers – including medium-light, medium-heavy, and medium – you’ll be able to go after any kind of fish with this combo.
Pros:
- Excellent balance
- Can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
- Durable and sturdy design
Cons:
- One-piece design makes travel cumbersome
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
2. Shakespeare Wild Cat Spinning/Spincast Fishing Rod
Whether you are new to surf fishing or have been doing it your entire life, I just can’t recommend the Shakespeare Wild Cat to you enough!
This rod and reel combo is made by one of the fishing industry’s giants. Shakespeare is known for its trusty, durable products that are suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
One of the company’s most popular rods, the Shakespeare Wild Cat is made with tubular fiberglass blanks. Its unique construction allows it to hold up well against massive, tough-fighting fish.
Although this makes the rod a bit heavier than you might be used to, you’re going to find that it can handle abuse much more easily.
It has stainless steel guides that will help your line glide through seamlessly each time.
The rod is sleek and attractive, sold in a deep red color that will catch the attention of all your fishing mates. However, the reel is nothing to laugh at, either.
It’s made with comfortable EVA foam handles and is equally durable and resilient. It offers versatility and accuracy, regardless of the setting in which you are fishing.
Pros:
- Stylish and extra strong
- Versatile and applicable to many settings
- The reel has comfortable EVA foam handles
Cons:
- Not the best line capacity
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
3. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo
Okuma is another name to know when it comes to the best fishing gear, and this top combination is no exception. It’s perfect for reeling in large and small fish alike.
Made out of full fiberglass, it provides all the strength and durability you need for tough catches.
There are several lengths available, from seven feet up to ten feet, but I can’t recommend the longer length enough – it’s perfect for casting long distances.
Regardless of these sizes you choose, each rod is equipped with double-foot guides and ceramic guide inserts. The reel has a comfortable EVA foam handle.
One feature that’s also worthy of mention is the multi-disc oiled felt drag system.
This is a system not found on all reels, but when you do find it, you need to take notice. It has an awesome line capacity of 260 yards and it even comes pre-spooled.
The reel is also equipped with stainless steel reel seats that are fully hooded, meaning you’ll get a bit more protection in the harsh saltwater environment.
Pros:
- Has durable glass fiber rod blanks and ceramic guide inserts
- The 10-foot length is perfect for casting long distances
- Has an oiled felt drag system
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavy for prolonged use
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
4. Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Combo
The Daiwa D-Wave is one of the best fishing combos for you to consider if you’re headed out to the shore.
Not only can this rod easily tackle large, aggressive fish, but it does so without complaint. It is just as aggressive itself and holds up well to the demands of harsh saltwater.
It is made out of full-graphite, allowing for maximum sensitivity without the loss of strength.
At eleven feet long, this rod is perfect for casting long distances. It also has aluminum oxide guides and a stainless steel hooded reel seat.
The reel, too, is made out of graphite. It has aluminum features, too, and is home to a unique Advanced Ballistic System that is perfect for the tumultuous conditions of the unpredictable ocean.
Pros:
- Equipped to deal with the twists and turns of a windy coastal fishing environment
- Best for making long, accurate casts
- Has aluminum oxide guides
Cons:
- Not the best for going after smaller fish
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
5. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
The Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is another great option for saltwater anglers. You’ll get a rod with excellent elasticity as it’s made with high-density carbon fiber.
Plus, the rod has fiberglass components, too, so your pole will be able to withstand anything you throw at it.
The reel has a stainless steel hood and resists corrosion. It also has an EVA foregrip for added comfort.
One of the nicest features of this rod is that it’s telescopic. It’s incredibly portable, as its design when closed makes it easier to carry with you on the go.
A medium-power rod is a great option to have in your arsenal. It is available in lengths ranging from six to nine feet.
Although this is shorter than other rods you may have considered, the short body makes it ideal for portability, since it cuts down on the weight.
The reel has a large line capacity and is equipped with instant anti-reverse. It has power drive gears that are perfect for going after those tough, hard-fitting fish, too.
Pros:
- Excellent line capacity
- The reel is corrosion-resistant with stainless steel hood
- The telescopic rod is perfect for carrying with you on the go
Cons:
- Not the greatest for casting long distances
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
6. Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo
Made out of 24-ton graphite, the rod in the Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo is easily one of the most durable you will find.
Not only is it lightweight and strong, but it’s also incredibly smooth and flexible to use, too. Along with the graphite rod, this combo comes with a lightweight, smooth-feeling reel.
The reel has a carbon frame, adding to its overall durability, along with a reasonable eight-bearing construction.
It also has stainless steel inserts and guides to add to its sturdiness.
Although the number of bearings is a bit more than you might be used to, you’ll love the level of control you have over this reel.
It can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, including casting for freshwater fish like trout and bass along with going after saltwater species like flounder.
The reel comes with a comfortable EVA handle that is lightweight, sturdy, and a bit oversized. It’s perfect for larger fingers, as you won’t find yourself fumbling to find a good grip.
The rod and reel are both corrosion-resistant. It comes with its own double-footed hook keeper, too, which makes it remarkably easy to transport and to store.
If you’re not sure what kind of rod and reel combo you might want, don’t worry – this option comes with five different lengths and actions for you to choose a rod from.
Pros:
- Made out of sturdy and strong 24-ton graphite
- Can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
- Has a comfortable, oversized EVA foam handle
Cons:
- Some Customers report defects that exist as the result of shipping mishaps
>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<
What to Look for in a Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Durability
Durability is important when it comes to a good quality rod and reel combo.
After all, you don’t want to invest all this time and money in finding the right combo just to find out that it breaks within two weeks, do you?
When determining the durability of your rod and reel combo, make sure both are made out of high-quality materials.
Solid, sturdy materials like graphite and composite are best. Not only are these materials known for their durability, but they’re effective and flexible, too.
Also read:
Read our list of the top long distance surf casting rods by clicking here.
Read our list of the top long distance surf casting reels by clicking here
Comfort
You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time with your new surf fishing rod and reel combo.
Don’t waste your money on a piece of equipment that’s going to be uncomfortable to use or worse, give you blisters.
Instead, look for a handle that is well-designed and has a comfortable EVA foam grip.
This will let you hang onto the rod for hours on end without feeling as though your hand is becoming fatigued.
Drag System
Pay close attention to the drag system on the surf fishing reel you choose. A reel with a great drag is more important than one that can cast long distances, so make sure you prioritize this feature over anything else.
Maintenance
How much is it going to cost to conduct repairs on your fishing rod and reel combo?
While most combos are relatively resilient to damage, some break on a regular basis, leading to frustration and lost time that could be better spent fishing.
Look for a fishing rod and reel combo that is not only easy to fix but inexpensive to repair, too.
Power
How much pressure causes the rod to bend? A more powerful rod will hold up to the pressures of heavy, hard-fighting fish.
In most cases, the more power your rod has, the better – and the better it will be at catching fish, too.
Bearings
When you are surf fishing, the last thing you’re going to want to do is tire yourself out by attempting to keep your reel moving at a reasonable speed.
Make sure the reel you select has at least four or five bearings. This will help it operate more smoothly and it will also give you a better level of control.
Just keep in mind, too, that the more bearings you have, the heavier your reel will be – and the more likely it will be to jam.
Therefore, you might want to resist the temptation to choose a reel with more than five bearings.
Length
If you’re used to freshwater fishing, you are going to need to adapt your style a bit when you change over to surf fishing.
You will want a rod that is slightly longer than what you would get for freshwater fishing.
The best length will be between nine and ten inches long, although it’s easy to find surf fishing rods that are fifteen feet or more in length, too.
A longer rod will let you cast further out while also remaining your line out of the surf. Just bear in mind that the longer the rod gets, the more difficult it will be to control where your cast winds up.
Reel Seat
The reel seat is an important feature of a good surf rod and reel because it will help keep your reel safety tightly locked in.
After all, what would be worse than having your reel fall off while you’re trying to reel in the fish of a lifetime? Losing the fish, of course, but losing the reel is a close second!
Weight
Look for a rod that is not only sturdy but lightweight. Although it might not seem like a surf fishing rod could weigh that much, the reality is that all the bits and pieces in the rod eventually add up.
A lightweight rod will not only help you detect a strike quickly (a must-have in the difficult-to-read conditions of surf fishing) but will reduce fatigue throughout hours of fishing, too.
Bonus Features
An important bonus feature of a surf combo is corrosion-resistance.
If you’re going to be fishing in saltwater, it’s guaranteed that your equipment is going to come into contact with the water at one point or another.
Saltwater eats away at gears and can cause some serious damage over time.
A rod and reel combo made out of corrosion-resistant materials is your best line of defense against this problem.
Similarly, you will also want to look for a combo that is waterproof.
And no matter how good your surf fishing rod and reel combo is, remember that it’s almost guaranteed to degrade over time.
Therefore, choosing a combo with a solid manufacturers’ warranty is also a smart choice.
This can save you money and time when it comes to costly repairs later down the road.
Conclusion
Surf fishing is one of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies out there. There’s nothing quite like listening to the crashing sound of the waves as you cast out into the horizon.
However, you can’t use just any old fishing rod and reel – you need the best surf fishing rod and reel combo.
Not only will this type of specialized gear hold up better to the unique demands of saltwater, but it will help you perfect your craft so that you can land large, impressive fish every time.
See Also: Top Inshore Rods For The Money
