One of the most exciting ways of fishing is undoubtedly surf fishing from a beach coastline. It’s also distinct from other forms of fishing, and, in several ways, both the angler and the tackle are challenged more.
Take the wrong equipment to the beach with you, and you’re ready for a disappointing trip. A rod and reel combination you could use to fish from a pier or bridge won’t suffice.
Your casting distance would be much greater, and surf fishing needs more robust and advanced equipment. (Find the Best Beach Pop Up Tent)
In our reviews, you will learn what to look for when looking for the best surfcasting rod. You’ll have everything you need to make the correct buying decision by the end.
Contents
Why You Need a Surf Rods for The Money
There are advantages of fishing rods and surfing fishing rods. You can do the same thing with both, yet each is designed for individual circumstances. The benefits of buying the best surf rod for the money are:
Freedom
Fishing is an excellent form of recreation, and fishing from the shore shows a much better experience. Waves and being in the water focus your mind and are mentally refreshing. Surf rods designed for this contributes to the occasion.
Longer
You will need to cast out over a longer distance when fishing in seawater. Surfcasting rods are longer than other rods and can make this form of casting easier.
Weight
Surf rods are also lighter in weight and can make them more comfortable while surf fishing.
Anti-Corrosion
Seawater contains salt and minerals making it tougher on fishing rods. So corrosion caused by it is worse. Most surf rods are made of high corrosion-resistant materials, so seawater cannot do too much harm.
Top Surf Rods for The Money Reviews
1. PENN Battle II, Battle III Spinning Reel, and Fishing Rod Combo
For beginners, a spinning fishing rod and reel combo is a great choice. They are priced less, and you don’t need to pick two matched pieces of equipment.
The Penn Battle II is a prevalent choice for these reasons and many more. It is made from a high modulus graphite composite blank with powder coating.
You have maximum strength, moderate – fast action without losing any sensitivity of the rod. The Penn Battle II guides are aluminum oxide and can withstand sea and surf for years.
The reel has a full metal body, six stainless steel ball bearings for more fishing rods, and reel endurance. The rod is 6.6 feet in length and carries lines of 20-50 lbs.
Pros
- Smooth transition drag system
- Highly durable
- Good casting distance for size of rod
- No backing needed for the spool
Cons
- Casting limited by the length
- Suited for a shorter angler
The Penn Battle II rod and reel combo have a rough guide price of just over $130. It is excellent value for money when you consider you have your rod and reel ready. You can also find this fishing kit suited to many other types of fishing.
For what it offers, it is the best surf fishing rods for any budget.
2. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Fishing Rod(12-Feet & 10-Feet)
The Fiblink Surf Spinning fishing rod has a carbon-fiber core to deliver strength.
The surf spinning rod offers a moderate-fast action while retaining an adequate level of stiffness. It is suited to heavy fishing use and still keeps lots of sensitivity at the tip. The stainless-steel guides are coupled with ceramic, and it has a steel reel seat.
Besides, you will have comfort if holding your rod for extended periods thanks to the non-slip rubber shrink tube handle, yet the rod itself can be heavy.
Pros
- Carbon fiber core for durability, strength, and sensitivity
- Good rod power for large catches
- Holds line weights of 20 – 40 pounds
- Well protected reel seat
Cons
- A bit stiff for long-distance casting
- Not as lightweight as you think
With a guide price of just over $50, you get a decent performing two-piece rod. It is durable, yet some anglers find the stiffness off-putting when they want a sensitive touch. It is suited for surfcasting or boat fishing, and all you need is the ideal reel.
3. St. Croix Mojo Surf Graphite Saltwater Spinning Fishing Rod with X-Wrap Handle
The Mojo Surf comes from the same family as the St. Croix Triumph surf rod, so you get a reliable name for your two-piece surf rod.
Construction is a premium quality SCII graphite core that offers a balance of strength and sensitivity and a decent stiffness. It features lightweight guides with zirconium rings.
The lightweight makes it comfortable, and the surfcasting rod makes sure you reach a far enough distance with medium-heavy action. You can find the surfcasting rod suitable for freshwater as it is for saltwater.
It features a durable Fuji reel seat and a comfortable custom X-Wrap handle, no grip.
Pros
- Reputable brand name
- Quality build and great design
- Can cast long distances
- Strong backbone with the right amount of stiffness.
Cons
- More expensive than other rods
- Parts may not fit during assembly
With a guide price of just under $160, the surf spinning rod is a premium rod that delivers where it needs to. It is one of the best surf fishing rod options, yet you need to be a frequent sea angler to get value for money. Line weights are a modest 10 – 20 pounds.
4. Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
The TICA UGSA Series rod offers a great price for high levels of quality. It comes with a graphite core, aconite tip-top guide, and Fuji DPS reel seat. You have 8-feet of casting rod action, and to make sure you keep your grip, it has a non-slip cork handle, so even when wet, you have full grip. (Find the Best Fishing Rod And Reel Combo For The Money)
It may be on the heavier side than some, yet this means you have the strength to catch larger fish.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Strong and effective casting rod
- Smooth guides and ring guides for long casts
- Comfortable cork handle
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- No short fishing rod length
With a guide price of a few dollars under $100, the Tica USGA offers excellent build quality and performance. If you are a larger angler who needs a longer rod and may not hold it for extended periods, it could be one of the top rods for surf fishing.
5. Okuma’s Solaris Surf Fishing Rods-SS-C-1102H-2
If you want decent performance, the Okuma Solaris surf fishing rod is a good option. It comes with a graphite blank and an IM-6 graphite core. It is highly durable yet keeps a lot of sensitivity and is light to hold.
It also comes with Fuji aluminum oxide guide inserts; thus, casting over distance is a breeze using this high-quality rod. Also, you have stainless steel double-footed guide frames, which gives confidence in the limited lifetime warranty. (Find the Best Casting Rods)
It comes with a non-slip cork handle, and it is capable of dealing with larger catches.
Pros
- IM-6 graphite blank for durability, sensitivity, and lightness
- Suitable for most bait or lure types
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Stainless steel double footed guide frames
Cons
- Expensive compared to some surf spinning rods
- More suited to tall fishermen
With a rough guide price of just over $120, you get many rods for your money. It can cope with line weights of 20 – 40 pounds, so ideal for most fish types. The biggest drawback is that you may find these rods a little long and heavy to hold for too long if you are on the shorter side.
Best Surf Rods for The Money Buying guide
When considering any of the best surf fishing rods, you need to be aware of various rod parts rather than what it offers as a whole.
You don’t want to have the best one-piece rod to find it’s too long, and you can’t cast as it snags. Here are a few things to help find the best surf fish rod.
What Will You Fish For?
A rod needs to match the fish you are after. Line weights can often dictate this, yet a rod needs to cope with this pull. Make sure to check the weights of fish you want to catch and see if it is a good surf rod for that fish species. (Read Best Hunting Shows On Netflix)
Rod Length
It doesn’t sound too critical, yet the length of your rod is. Rods range from short to very long. So, consider your height and strength. A long rod may cast further, yet it will be of little use if you can’t handle it.
Casting distance also varies with rod length. When casting far with heavier lures, longer rods are best. Likewise, a shorter rod is better if you want to cast closer with a lighter lure and bait.
Rod Weight
If you fish all day, your rod gets heavier. A lighter rod will be better, yet too light, and you won’t feel the weight. Casting is also easier with a lighter rod for the average angler.
Rod Materials
Materials are the primary factor, as many can rot because of seawater. Graphite and fiberglass serve well a good surf rod materials. The material also affects sensitivity and durability. Select a rod you are comfortable with and offer you control.
Corrosion resistance is vital, as are any rocks your rod may encounter. Surf rods are designed to promote sensitivity and create vibrations to even out strain.
Liners
Ceramic liners help reduce wear and tear on your lines.
Grip
It would be best if you had a grip that is comfortable and won’t slip when wet. You have many options, from foam to cork. Cork is often more durable and offers lots of comforts.
Rod Action
Rod action is essential for fish types. Rod actions vary from ultra-light action to heavy-duty action. You see this in the bend of your rod as some rods bend all the way while others bend toward the tip.
Reel and Reel Seats
In many cases, the reel is purchased separately, and this is as important as your rod. If you are buying a rod and reel combo, you know the reel is matched to that rod.
If you purchase separately, you can have a rod that can cast faster than your reel releases line or your real releases faster than you can cast. (Guide to Surf Kayaking)
Reel seats need to be secure to make sure your reel remains in position. It needs to be an excellent corrosion-resistant material and easy to use.
Final Verdict
During testing, all the rods here offered a great experience; however, the PENN Battle II, Battle III Spinning Reel, and Fishing Rod Combo are ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a send rod.
It isn’t the longest surf rod at 6 foot 6 inches, yet it is ideal for all anglers. The spinning rod offers a rigid construction and has a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire with an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system.
The reel is high performance, with sealed bearings and fast action, and has little drag. You get moderate-fast action and a secure cork handle.
The Penn is suitable for all types of fishing, and no matter where you are, you can find the rod, your best sea fishing companion, and one of the best casting rods you can find for the money.
Read more: Best Kayaks for Kids
