Best Surf Fishing Rods – Something For Everyone
It is really to hard to know which surf rod is best for you. There is so much choice out there, each with different ‘technologies’ that make them better than the next, that picking one can be a tough task.
It is important to be quite prudent when you are buying a surfcasting rod. Surf fishing is one of the toughest types of fishing out there. It puts your equipment through very tough conditions; surrounded by sand, sea and salt as well as crashing waves, rocks and heavy weather. A surf fishing rod needs to be able to not only survive these conditions but also has to be strong enough to cast heavy weights and baits and put up a fight against some hopefully, very big fish.
At A Glance:
- Okuma Nomad Travel Surf RodBest Travel Rod
- Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing RodBest Budget Rod
- Penn Battalion Surf Spinning RodBest Overall
So how are you going to find one that will do the job when there is so much choice out there. Do not worry, we have done the research for you.
OUR TOP PICKS
 | Best Travel Rod Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rod
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 | Best Budget Rod Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
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 | Best Overall Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod
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 | BerryPro Surf Spinning Rod
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 | Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod
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 | Sougayilang Teloscopic Surf Fishing Rod
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 | UglyStik Bigwater Spinning Rod
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 | KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod
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Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rod
Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rod is an excellent rod if you are into surf fishing and traveling at the same time. It is made from a high-quality graphite blank for increased strength, wrapped with a carbon outlay for durability. All rods come with a heavy and light tip, allowing you to switch depending on how delicate or tough the conditions are, meaning you will feel bites all day long. It has braid-ready, Fuji concept guide frames for reduced wind knots with braided lines.
This is really helpful if you are using braid as it can tangle easily on your guides during casting. The fore and rear grips are coated for maximum durability. Quite often it is the grips that go first as they take a lot of the wear and tear. The rod also breaks down into 4 pieces for easy transportation and comes with a custom padded waterproof case.
Pros
- Made from a high quality durable material
- Designed with braid in mind
- Breaks down into 4 pieces for easy travelling
- Comes with two tips for every situation
- A large reel seat to fit all reels
- Provides excellent casting distance
- It is very sensitive to bites
Cons
- A little heavy
- Comes without a hook keeper
- The travel case has no dividers on the inside
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is very powerful for its price tag. It is made from a very strong carbon fiber graphite blank and comes in a 2 piece and a 4 piece option, great if you travel or fish locally. The guides are made from stainless steel mixed with ceramics to increase your casting distance, avoid the line sticking in the guides, while also enhancing sensitivity, as the ceramic provides a frictionless surface.
The guides are precisely aligned, along the bottom of the spine of the blank which is perfectly straight and true, helping you cast long and accurate. The rod has a non-slip rubber shrink tube handle and a stainless-steel enhanced reel seat for increased durability, so it’s going to survive those long days in the surf
Pros
- Long casting distance
- Very strong and powerful
- It will manage big fish
- Comfortable handle
- The 4 piece version is easy to travel with
- Excellent customer service from Fiblink
Cons
- Heavy if you are fishing with it all day
Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod
Penn have always been known for quality and they have not missed a trick here. The Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod is made from graphite and comes in lengths up to 12ft long, perfect for surf fishing. The guides are Fuji aluminum oxide, so they will last and help your line run smoothly off the rod.
The handles are rubber tube shrink, providing great non-slip and comfort. This rod combines simplicity with thoughtfulness, giving you the backbone you need in the surf with some extras to make it a little easier.
Pros
- Great action
- Lightweight
- Sensitive
- Powerful
- Very strong
- Casts beautifully
Cons
- Long handle
BerryPro Surf Spinning Rod
BerryPro Surf Spinning Rod is built to be sensitive and strong, ideal in surf fishing. The rod is made with 36 ton X carbon blanks, giving them a powerful and delicate touch. They feature durable stainless steel ceramic guides for frictionless long-distance casting and increased sensitivity. The reel seat is made from high-quality non-slip materials to withstand the elements and be comfortable at the same time.
Pros
- Good casting distance
- Strong rod
- Light and well balanced
Cons
- Not shipped with a case
- Only comes in a 2 piece option
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod unlike the others is made from a fiberglass blank. This brings the price down while ensuring strength and sensitivity, although it may be a bit heavy. It comes in 3 pieces which is excellent when traveling but unfortunately a travel case is not included.
The guides are ceramic and the reel seat includes stainless steel hoods so your reel is not going anywhere. This is a powerful rod and will help you cast far and fight a big fish without any worries.
Pros
- Excellent sensitivity
- Very strong
- Increases casting distance
- The white color means you can detect bites from a distance
- Great value
Cons
- Lower grip is a little short
- It is heavy
- Sections can get sticky
Sougayilang Teloscopic Surf Fishing Rod
Sougayilang Teloscopic Surf Fishing Rods are designed for travel in mind. Being telescopic they compact down to a very small size and are easy to set up. They are made from carbon fiber and come with an aluminum reel seat, providing extra strength against the elements.
The guides are ceramic and stainless steel, making them durable and very smooth for casting. Telescopic rods generally come with some issues, but through proper care, these can be avoided. You will not get the same power as a non-telescopic rod so bear this in mind.
Pros
- Perfect for travel
- Casts well
- Good action
- Ok sensitivity
Cons
- Feels a little flimsy
- Not as powerful as a non-telescopic rod
UglyStik Bigwater Spinning Rod
UglyStik Bigwater Spinning Rod is designed with simplicity in mind. It is tough and durable and it simply will not break. It is of great value but you sacrifice quite a lot for its simplicity.
It is made of a fiberglass/graphite combination so it will withstand the elements but it is not a sensitive rod and you may miss a few bites. The guides are made with stainless steel for excellent durability. If you are just getting started this might be the rod for you.
Pros
- Very strong
- Quality construction
- Lightweight
- Great value
- Colored tip for easy bite viewing
Cons
- A little stiff and insensitive
KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod
KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod comes in a lot of models, the longest being 7ft 6 inches which is a tad short when it comes to surf fishing. It is built from durable graphite blanks which provide power and sensitivity. The guides are made up of stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings which deliver long and smooth casting performance.
It comes with a non-slip polymer handle, which could wear out after a lot of use but will give you a lot of comfort in the meantime. This rod may be great for a beginner and for use in multiple situations but as an all-out surf rod, it seems like it may fail over time and the reduced length will get to you eventually.
Pros
- Great looking
- Good value
- Very sensitive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not very powerful
- Can break easily
Things To Look For – A Buying Guide
Size
- Surf rods need to be long enough so you can cast past the breaking waves, on average they should be about 12ft and should be in the range of 10-15ft. Your best bet is to find a rod that is long enough for you casting but is also a size you can handle. If you’re on the shorter side, or new to surf casting, then it’s useful to think about what size of surf fishing rod suits you. Start shorter and go longer as you build up your skills. If you want a rod that can be used for surf fishing and other types of fishing, then you could look at rods in the 7-8ft range.
- A long rods means that it may be tricky to store and transport. Surf fishing rods come in a few different options from 1 piece to 4 piece to telescopic rods. Pick the best option for you.
Build
- You want a rod that lasts and can deal with the elements. Your surf rod needs to be made of something durable. Look for rods that are made to withstand the elements. The best materials are graphite, fiberglass and carbon fibre.
Flexibility and Sensitivity
- You will want a rod that casts well and can fight a big fish. This means the rod will need to bend without breaking. When you are fishing the surf and trying to land a huge fish, you want to be confident in your gear and not have to worry that the rod can not handle it.
- Sensitivity is key. A sensitive rod will allow you to feel more bites than a stiff rod, helping you to catch more fish. Be sure to look for a rod that has sensitivity built into it.
Casting
- If you can not get your surf bait to the fish, then you are not going to catch anything. The longer the cast, the better your chances will be. Ensure your rod will provide you with great distance.
The Best Surf Fishing Rods – Our Favourites
If you are a traveling fisherman then the Okuma Nomad Travel Surf Rod is the rod for you. The rod is strong and sensitive and is made from very high-quality materials. A lot of thought has gone into the rod and the additional features which will make it a pleasure to use. The rod comes in 4 pieces in a waterproof travel bag, perfect to throw in the car or on to the plane when you are on the way to your next surf fishing hot spot.
- Product Type: Fishing Equipment
- Made in China
If you are new to surf fishing or want high quality at a great price, this Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is the right choice. The rod is strong and sensitive and made from carbon fibre, so it will last a long time. It is powerful, can handle big fish and will help to increase your casting distance while being very comfortable to use. It comes in a 2 and 4 piece option, so if you have to travel to fish, it will easily slot into the trunk of your car.
- Sensitive and Solid Carbon Fiber Construction: Carbon construction for improved performance-action and increased sensitivity; the rod delivers the extraordinary toughness of solid carbon fiber construction
- Stainless Steel Guides: Stainless steel mixed with ceramic guide makes it more smooth, aviods line stucking in the guides, minimize friction for smooth, long casts, while also enhancing sensitivity by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand
If you are seasoned surf fisherman and are not fussed about price but want quality and a brand you can depend on, then go for Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod. Penn have always been known for reliability and if you fish often you want a rod that backs you up. This rod is known to be beautiful to cast whilst being powerful, sensitive, durable and lightweight. It has everything you want from a surf rod and you can be confident when using it every day.
- 2 piece graphite composite blank
- Fuji aluminum oxide guides