Have you tried surf fishing yet? You are missing out on a lot if you haven’t because it can be one of the best recreational activities you will ever engage in.
To enjoy this activity, you want to have the right gear at hand and this includes the best surf fishing rod. The perfect rod should be:
- Resilient
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Of course, you do not want to set yourself up for failure so come with us as we show you how to pick the best rod for your needs.
Top-Rated Rods for Surf Fishing: Comparison Table
Here you go. Before we can get started on our detailed reviews, here’s first of all a brief round-up of the leading rods under our loupe.
| Ranking | Name | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod | 9 Feet | 11.2 ounces |
| 2 | St. Croix TSRS90M4 Triumph Spinning Fishing Rod | 7 Feet | 7.2 ounces |
| 3 | Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rods | 8 Feet | 40 ounces |
| 4 | UGSA11MH2S Surf Spin | 11 Feet | 15.2 ounces |
| 5 | Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods | 8 Feet | 22.4 ounces |
| 6 | Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod | 12 Feet | 25.6 ounces |
| 7 | Okuma’s Solaris Surf Fishing Rods | 10-Feet | 20.8 ounces |
| 8 | Penn PRESF2040S12 Spinning Fishing Rod | – | 33.6 ounces |
| 9 | Okuma Fishing Tackle Saltwater Spinning Rods | – | 16 ounces |
| 10 | Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spin Fishing Rod | – | 15.2 ounces |
1. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
This brand gives you a wide range of rods made from carbon construction for improved performance and higher sensitivity.
Our team of experts has established that this rod delivers extraordinary toughness precisely tuned for fishing kayak action.
Over and above this, the brand gives you smooth fishing devoid of lines stuck in the guides.
Product Description
This rod boasts an excellent design with a perfect combination of performance and cost-efficiency.
It is designed to give you versatility and the best fish fighting power over a variety of techniques.
Strong powerful action blanks allow you long distance casting and the power to handle any fish in surf rod.
Features
One of the key features we absolutely love about this rod is that it has a well-made blank. The blank seems quite sturdy and durable and that’s because it’s made from the superior carbon fiber material.
Another thing, this Fiblink spinning rod has a highly sensitive tip. And for that reason, it’s ideal for detecting even faint bites.
That’s also probably improved by the presence of ceramic line guides. As you know, high-quality line guides are quite effective at transmitting vibrations.
Specifications
- Carbon fiber blank
- Stainless steel reel seat
- 10 to 12 foot long
Pros
- Solid and sensitive carbon fiber construction
- Rubber shrink nonslip tube handle
- Excellent performance
- Reel seat extreme exposure
Cons
- Uses long cartons instead of tubes
2. St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod
This brand of rods is designed to give something for everyone over saltwater, black or big water fishing.
On top of that, the Triumph surf rod provides you with unforgettable experiences from a complete line of surf.
With both onshore and offshore rods, this brand allows you the power and right required for absolute monsters at any depth.
Conveniently, this brand comes with a pair of 4-pc. Spinning rods complete with a protective case for your varied surf anglers.
Product description
This is a medium-stiff action rod. For example, it gives you a 9’ medium 4pc. For readjust able sections with firm seating
You will find the rod to be very receptive to subtle bites.
This gives you fun and exciting fighting even on smaller fish.
Features
This brand of rods is designed with your long-distance casting needs in mind.
As a result, it is made with the most premium quality SCII graphite to give you durable and secure crafts.
To ensure ease of use, the brand is singed for lightweight and made of hard aluminum-oxide surf guides.
Specifications
- 4pc Travel Spinning Rod
- 6 piece travel rod combination
- All in one Adventure travel 5 fishing combination
- In-depth High altitude rods
Pros
- Handcrafted
- Good design for expeditions in falls
- Double coats of flex coat slow-cure finish
- High-quality SCII graphite
- Securely taped cork handle
Cons
- Reel seat loosens from beneath
3. Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rods
Our team of review experts strongly recommends Okuma-Feet s Tundra TU-80 as a medium action fishing rod.
This rod is constructed with highly durable and comfortable fore and rear grips.
The rod is 8 feet in length making it ideal for any big game fishery.
From this rod; you will also get to enjoy long-lasting ceramic guide inserts.
Product Description
This rod features a durable glass fiber rod blank construction with corrosion-resistant stainless steel hooded real seats.
The brand comes with five-plus tip reinforced fold down strippers with double footed guide ceramic inserts.
The rod is very ideal for all your medium heavy action 10 to 30 line weight in addition to 2 to 8oz lure weight.
Features
The major features of this rod include a durable glass fiber rod blank construction.
It has stainless steel hooded reel seats.
The brand also comes with 2 pcs and reinforced double footed guides, durable rubber butt cap and EVA foam rear an arm grips.
The brand gives you the benefit of split butt grip configuration with a rubber butt cap over both the rear and fore EVA grips.
Compared to other rods in the market, this brand will give you better and long-lasting ceramic guide inserts.
Specifications
- 90 X 7 x 7 inches long
- 2 – 8oz lures weight
- 10 30lb line weight
Pros
- Hooded real seats
- Heavy to medium action
- Durable ceramic guide inserts
- Double footed and reinforced guides
Cons
- The grip too short for rod length
Read more about the best dropshot rods for fishing here.
4. Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
This gear is constructed from highly durable TC3 graphite material.
It gives you the benefit of specially designed custom made diamond wraps complete with handmade non-slip cork handle.
The rod is conveniently designed to give you the Tica sliding foldable hook keeper.
Additionally, it comes with a FUJI DPS reel seat, FUJI HARDLOY ring guides and a high-quality FUJI ALCINITE tip-top guide.
Product Description
This rod is designed to work well with the majority of the lures and baits in the market.
For example, it has a great rod tip flexibility that gives you good top-water action for poppers over hard running currents.
The gear is especially a perfect fit with all the Tica reel series including the Scepter, the Talisman, the Samira and the abyss.
As a result, it gives you the benefit of specially designed custom made diamond wraps complete with handmade non-slip cork handle.
Features
Right off the bat, this rod catches our attention with its high-quality Fuji Alconite line guides. We absolutely love these guides as they protect the line and ensure vibrations are transmitted fast.
Segue, the Tica UGSA rod boasts a well-thought-out, foldable hook keeper. This can come in handy especially when you have got a lot of stuff to carry with you.
And the icing on the cake is that this rod packs a non-slip cork handle. It might not be as plushy but is certainly comfortable to hold on to.
Specifications
- 50/50 rod for a 4.5’ two sections
- 4.5 x 74 x 4.5 inches
- Weighs 15.2 ounces
Pros
- Fits perfectly with different reel series
- Tica sliding foldable hook keeper
- Fuji Alconite tip top guide
- Awesome reel seat
Cons
- Small reel seat diameter
5. Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
Okuma has made use of technology to give high quality and value surf rod.
This brand features 2 piece rod models in the length of 8’ to 12 with Pac Bay rubber butt cap to prevent slipping.
Our team of review experts strongly recommends this rod to you due to this high density and oversized double footed aluminum oxide guides.
Product Description
This brand makes good use of the new Okuma’s technology to bring you a series of longitude surf rods.
You will; find these to be high-density graphite rods with over seized double footed aluminum oxide guides.
They also come with stainless steel coated graphite reel seats complete with soft-touch EVA cushions over and above the reel seat.
The altitude design features Pac bay rubber butt caps to protect you from slipping.
Due to these, all the models are 2 piece blanks and are 8’ to 12’ in length.
This combines quality and value to give your next-generation surf rod.
Features
Without a doubt, we have got lots of love for the graphite blank that this rod comes with. As you might know, graphite is a light weight material which is also highly sensitive to vibrations.
For that reason, we would highly recommend this rod especially to beginners. On the flipside, though, it’s not as hardy as you’d expect since graphite is pretty delicate.
Another thing we love about this rod is that it comes with stainless steel guide frames. These are corrosion-resistant and can do a really good job although not as perfectly as ceramic guides would.
Specifications
- 3 ounces to 8 ounces
- 61 x 6 x 6 inches in length
- 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole
- Longitude surf graphite rods
Pros
- Sensitive graphite blank
- Durable aluminum oxide guide inserts
- Non-slip cork wrapped rear and fore grips
- Stainless steel coated reel seats
Cons
- Less sensitive enough
6. Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod
This brand gives you the convenience of 2 piece graphite composite blank.
It features you a full range Fuji real seat and high-quality rubber shrink tube handles.
This ensures your comfort in the course of long fishing expeditions.
The rod comes with Fuji aluminum oxide guide inserts to complete the bill for the smooth fishing experience.
According to our review team of experts, the rod handles well and gets the job done.
It has a great grip while the butt reel features enough stats on it for easy use.
This rod gives you much more than just perch.
Product Description
This is the ideal medium or heavy sturdy surfing rod.
It has a 20lb-50lb rating for a braided line with a great grip complete with a nice feature butt bell.
The rod features nice boat spinning rods that are shorter and much stiffer compared to land-based rods.
As a result, it gives you the ideal gear to suit your taste for larger fish when using artificial lures.
In this case, the rod performs to your satisfaction with no need for constant assembling.
For example the 2 pieces remain in position at the bottom piece making for a durable gear.
Features
One of the things we like about this rod is the fact that it boasts a 2-piece blank construction. This is quite important as far as storage and transport are concerned. Plus, the surf rod provides you with a blend of fiberglass (30%) and graphite (70%) for maximum durability.
Its guides are made from aluminum oxide. We absolutely love the fact that aluminum oxide makes it easy for the line to run smoothly.
Lastly, this rod’s reel seat is quite well-made. It’s quite strong and durable meaning it is ideal for long-term use as well.
Specifications
- Graphite & fiberglass combo
- 84 x 5 x 5 inches in length
- Sturdy surf rod
Pros
- Anti-rust Fuji reel seats
- 2 piece composite graphite blank
- Shrink Rubber tube handles
- Handles quite well
Cons
- Extremely long handle
- Offers fewer feet than advertised (e.g. 8ft instead of 10ft)
7. Okuma’s Solaris Surf Fishing Rods
This rod is built to give you quality and performance. First, the size is perfect for either surf fishing or kayak fishing.
Solari’s surf rods are made on IM-6 graphite blanks in order to give you the most powerful surfing actions.
Due to this, you will get a proven combination of responsiveness, exceptional durability and lightweight handling.
The rods are conveniently fixed with Fuji guides with aluminum oxide inserts and non-slip cork wrapped rear grips.
Due to this, they are ideal for anglers seeking high end constructed gear with exceptional performance over a value lade series.
Product Description
This is one surfing rod model made to outlast all the other models.
Our team or review experts have established that the Okuma Cedros CSX 11F MH will suit all you chinking or casting lures.
On the other hand, our team of experts’ points out that with the 0’6″ M, you get the best all-around rod.
These will give you a better casting distance as well as works well with the surf fishing reels.
Features
In our view, this rod has pretty much all the features needed for a wonderful fishing experience. For starters, it boasts an IM-6 graphite blank construction. This of top quality and also highly sensitive.
On top of that, it boasts Fuji aluminum oxide inserts. These do a pretty decent job of transmitting vibrations and protecting your line for long-term use.
Specifications
- 2 piece surf rod
- 30-ton reel seat
- Portable Telescopic fishing pole
Pros
- Non-slip cork wrapped rear grips
- Blank IM-6 graphite construction
- Aluminum FUJI oxide guide inserts
- Double footed stainless steel frames
- Fibling surf spinning
Cons
- Too short for long casting
8. Penn PRESF2040S12 Prevail Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
The Penn prevail rod offers you the power, high friction grip and the finesses you need to overcome any hard pulling fish.
This makes it ideal for you dead bait soaking in the surf as you angle with heavy lures.
The rod also keeps a strong and reliable connection to the reel due to its stainless steel hood and DPS reel seat.
Ideally, this rod will help you to perform at the top of your game when battling blues, stripers or other species.
Product Description
This craft is equipped with stainless steel guides fitted with aluminum oxide inserts.
Indeed, this allows you to use both monofilament or braid with no fear for guide breakage.
The rod is made for two-piece graphite composite blanks.
As a result, it offers you a lightweight and sensitive experience that mixes pulling power and strength.
For example with the 12’ heavy action option, you can effectively cast 1 pound bait for 100 plus yards.
Features
We think that this rod provides good value for money considering its many features. For instance, its blank seems quite well made despite the fact that it’s all-graphite.
Well, graphite is highly sensitive. However, it’s also quite delicate and may not survive many years of abuse.
So, we’d recommend this rod to folks looking for a beginner’s rod or a hobby rod.
Also, it has stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts. That means it’s quite effective at transmitting vibrations from fish bites.
Pros
- Rubber shrinks for strong grip over slippery conditions
- Stainless steel hood for DPS reel seat
- Stainless steel guides
- Ideal aluminum oxide inserts
- Versatile spinning handle rod
Cons
- Inserts fall out while in use
9. Okuma Fishing Tackle CSX-S-1102MH Saltwater Spinning Rod
This is the most ideal surf rod for the beginner anglers’ surf toting start.
The range features high-quality carbon fiber blanks, awesome handle along with reliable line guides made from stainless steel.
The new all eight rods make for enhanced skills for all anglers.
The rod also combines durability and responsiveness to give you quick actions trough increased power compared to the IM-6 graphite.
Product Description
These are top-notch surfing rods with a chameleon effect over each eyelet.
This aspect sets the rod apart from others in addition to its lightweight, sensitivity, durability and real seat.
The guides in this rod are small. This allows them to instantly keep the line straight right from the first one.
Moreover, your braided line never tangles. The instant straightening out of the line gives a smooth transition over the next line.
Features
This brand gives you durable Cedros CSX surf rods. So, if you’re looking for good value for money, it might be worth investing in.
You will also get ALPS blazing Zirconium guide inserts. These are important for keeping your line going for longer.
For increased distance, the rod gives you ALPS stainless steel double footed guide frames. As such, it can be ideal for deep sea fishing as well.
Specifications
- 1 pound in weight
- 30-ton carbon blank
- Ultra-lightweight construction
- CRS spinning rods
Pros
- Graphite saltwater spinning rods
- 30-ton Ultra-sensitive carbon
- Responsive blank construction
- Cedros CSX surf rods
- ALPs stainless steel guide frames
- Rubber tapered rear grip
Cons
- Blank breaks easily
10. Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spin Fishing Rod
Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spin Fishing Rod is made by the use of unique and high-pressure protection concepts.
As a result, each Tsunami airwave rod gives you a strong and powerfully high fiber blank without excess weight.
Due to this, your surfing experience benefits from a stronger, lightweight, powerful and high-performance rod.
As a result, all day surfing will no longer leave you with sore arms or a tired angler.
For example, the lightweight over each airwave rod is designed to aid light in your surfing efforts.
Product Description
This rod is made with high fiber density blanks.
Due to this, it will give you more resilience and extreme sensitivity for power transmission over each cast.
As a result, your surf experience gains more distance and accuracy with less effort.
Our review team of experts has established that once the hook is set, the reserve power over each blank helps you beat big size games.
This is particularly helpful when your arms are tired after long surfing with airwave rods.
Features
We’d go for this rod over any other out there all thanks to its high fiber density blanks. The blanks are, indeed, a good choice for anyone who would like to keep their rod going strong for long.
What’s more? This surf fishing rod has a highly sensitive tip. This ensures that you can take advantage of even the faintest of all fish bites e.g. during ice fishing trips.
Lastly, this rod has a stainless steel reel seat. Of course, there are better reel seats out there but at its price, we think that the Tsunami provides a competitive deal at its price.
Specifications
- Weighs 15.2 ounces
- Made to cast 1oz to 3oz
- 11 feet in length
Pros
- Powerful, light, and strong
- Tough and durable
- Diamond textured shrink vinyl grips
- Stainless steel and Fuji graphite reel seat
- High sensitivity
Cons
- Fractures the reel seat front
Buying Guide for Surf Fishing Rods
It takes a bit of research and a few crucial considerations to get the ideal surf fishing rod. Here are some of the factors to consider.
Casting Distance
When it comes to surf fishing, casting distance plays a crucial role. This is because the ultimate goal is to get your bait or lure beyond water waves.If you intend to catch bigger fish, you want a bigger rod for purposes of added control.
Length of Rod
You get to pick the length of your fishing rod from a range of between nine to fourteen feet. The length of your rod is what will determine how far you are able to cast but aside from that, it also helps in keeping your line out of the surf.
Rod Action
Under pressure, your rod will display what looks like a taper or bend and this is what we call rod action. A fishing rod with fast action tapers more near the tip, while one with slow action tends to bend from the center.
Rod action comes into play when casting. We recommend a fast action rod for surf fishing because it offers the most casting distance.
Target Catch
It is important to determine what kind of fish you are targeting prior to purchasing a surf fishing rod. If you are targeting multiple species, you want to have different rods for each one.
This will definitely cost you more but it is worth it.
The general rule here is that the longer your rod, and the more powerful it is the more you increase your chances of catching larger fish efficiently and faster.
Rod Size
There are various sizes when it comes to fishing rods and you want to pick yours based on where you intend to use it.
When picking a size for your rod, think about other things such as collapsibility especially if you have limited storage space.
Collapsibility also makes it easier for you to carry your rod around because you will be able to fold it into a smaller and compact size.
Winding Force
You want to pick a rod based on the taper or bend it displays when under pressure. As we have previously mentioned, fast action rods tend to bend nearer the tip of the rod, while those with slower action do that at the center.
If you are looking to cast further, a fast action rod will work best. Fast action rods are also good for single hooks.
Rod Material
Surf fishing rods are fabricated from different materials. Now, when choosing the material, you want to look at durability and resilience.
Fiberglass and graphite are by far the best materials to pick if you are looking for the aforementioned features.
In your search, you may also come across the term ‘carbon fiber’ but do not allow that to confuse you because it pretty much refers to graphite.
You may also want to get a rod made of a combination of graphite and fiberglass because as you can imagine, it infuses the strength of both materials.
Of course, this will provide you with a long lasting and sturdy rod.
Elasticity and Sensitivity
Your fishing rod needs to be as flexible as possible but it should be able to do that without breaking. For instance, your rod has to be flexible enough to reel in a large fish and not break.
It is also important to get for sensitive gear that will supply your rod with longevity and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is understandable that you would have questions about what we are discussing. To that effect, we have answered a few commonly asked ones below.
What is surf fishing?
It is a water sport that involvesusing a rod to fishwhile wading on the surf or standing on the shoreline.
What the difference between a regular and surf fishing rod?
The main difference between the two is that a surf rod is designed for fishing in the sea usually from a pier or the shore.
Surf rods tend to be longer than regular rods and this allows for further casting.
When is the best time to use a surf rod?
Our recommendation would be to bring out your surf rod when the sun is setting and the water begins to cool. This is when fish come up to feed.
Tides are heavy during the day so observe the flow and fade of currents if you are fishing at that time.
Why should I use a surf rod?
The main advantage of using a surf rod is that it offers you the opportunity to fish while standing at the shore.
Surf rods are also user-friendly which makes them easy to operate hence perfect for beginners. These rods are also multipurpose since you can use them to catch both large and small fish.
However, that depends on the bait, or hooks used.
Our Best Pick
After a careful examination by our experts, Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Fishing Rod is probably the best surf fishing rod out there.
The rod has a range of 12-Feet & 10-Feet rods giving you more choice in terms of casting distance and freedom.
Final Thoughts
People who engage in surf fishing will tell you that it is a thrilling activity that they would repeat countless times.
Nevertheless, without the right gear, you set up yourself for failure and may end up giving up on the sport altogether.
Essentially, these rods are just like regular rods with a few features differentiating them. Their fast action, long handles, and anti-corrosive properties are some of the characteristics that make these rods special.
With this guide at your disposal, all you have to do is use it as a tool to pick the right surf fishing rod for your angling needs.