Best Reels for Surf Fishing & How to Choose One?

With my experience of more than ten years in fishing now, I can make a rough assumption about which reel is good for what type of fishing experience with just one glance. I personally love surf fishing as it is one of the most demanding and most challenging types of fishing. For productive experience in surf fishing, I often look for reels that are durable, lightweight, and mainly distance casting.

With my experience, here I am reviewing the seven best reels for surf fishing so you can opt for the best one according to your needs and choice. Regardless of what type of fishing reel you select from these seven choices, you will definitely end up having the best experience of surf fishing and this is because all of these reels are the ones that I personally have used and tried during fishing. Let’s start with the guide below.

7 Best Reels For Surf Fishing

The guide tells about the 7 best reels for surf fishing that are all high quality and are recommended by professional fishermen. All of these reels are ideal for tackling large fish in the toughest of situations, making them the strongest, most durable, and most rigid among other reels available.

1. Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

Starting my best reel for surf fishing guide with one of my favorite and highly efficient Penn Battle III Spinning Reel. The reel is one of the best saltwater reels that gives you everything you look for in a surf fishing reel.

It is lightweight in its construction, highly durable, and exceptionally smooth in its movement. Regardless of what type of fish you are going to catch, it will help you in that. In the presence of 5 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings, this reel is not only buttery smooth but also very affordable at this price.

Moreover, the presence of light carbon fiber drag washers makes the reel one of the impressively lightweight reels that you can use throughout the day without tiring yourself. It has a metal body that, in addition to solid bearings, makes this overall surf fishing spinning reel not only durable but also strong and reliable for more extended use.

When I was using this reel, I came to know that it can access any fish belonging to any species of any weight and size in the water. This makes it one of the highly reliable spinning reels for both professional and occasional fishermen.

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel is one of the most durable, lightweight, and high-quality spinning reels that is made specifically for professional fishermen. It has 5 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings and has a maximum drag weight of 9 to 40 pounds. This spinning reel makes sure you can catch every type of fish without fatiguing yourself.

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2. Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel

Daiwa Saltist Spinning reel is the next best surf fishing reel that has 8 + 1 ball bearings and high-quality construction that make sure the reel never rusts throughout the time you are using it. It is unparalleled in its quality and is known to be one of the most durable spinning reels you can conveniently use in saltwater.

The presence of a waterproof spool and corrosion-resistant ball bearings makes it not only complete but also highly appropriate for frequent usage. Silky smooth casting is made possible in the presence of 8 + 1 ball bearings, which is actually one of the distinct things present in this reel.

Well, the reason why I placed it at the second best place is because it has a low maximum drag weight, which means you cannot catch heavy fish with this reel. The maximum drag weight of the spinning reel is between 15.4 to 33.0 pounds. Moreover, if you are looking for durability and focus mainly on durable products over other features, this one could be the best choice that you can make.

Daiwa Saltist Spinning reel is one of the well-known, high-quality, and durable fishing reels that is known for its rust resistance. It is an ideal reel for catching small fish and has a maximum drag weight of 15.4 to 33.0 pounds.

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3. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel

Like previous products, this is another fishing reel that is selected from Penn company. Undoubtedly, Penn is one of the most reliable companies to purchase fishing equipment and tools. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning fishing reel is another masterpiece that offers an excellent fishing experience in the presence of stainless steel ball bearings and a carbon fiber drag system.

The combination of these makes it one of the top choices for professional fishermen. What I like the most about the reel is its price. The reel is one of the affordable reels, unlike other fishing reels on the list that, with these features, are pretty expensive.

Saltwater fishing makes the angler more strong and thirsty for the next fish fight. You should keep in mind that the fishing tool you purchase for surf fishing is as tough as you are.

Another reason why I opted for this fishing reel is because when I was using it, I really felt that it was the most comfortable among all the other reels I have used. And then, I came to know that the use of carbon fiber in the handle material of the reel makes it relatively easy to hold.

Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning fishing reel is another of the best fishing reel that belongs to a reliable company. It is ideal for low-pressure water and is made specifically for saltwater. It is constructed in a rugged and rough design, ensuring that it does not get affected in any way, even if you use it for longer times in salt water.

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4. Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel

Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is the next best fishing reel that is ideal for surf fishing. This fishing reel comes with 7 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings that provide you with a smoother casting experience.

The presence of 2 extra ball bearings than the Penn Battle III Spinning reel makes this reel smoother and actually makes a huge difference in the fishing experience. For me, it is one of the best surf fishing reels because its metal body is made with perfection, making it one of the top-quality products to enjoy fishing.

The maximum drag weight of this fishing reel is 30 pounds. This makes it unique and reliable for those who want to experience surf fishing at a far distance from the shore. This is because this fishing reel can tackle larger, wilder, and aggressive fishes easily.

Another important thing about this fishing reel is the presence of resistance against corrosion. This ultimately makes the reel one of the most durable choices among other options.

Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is one of the top quality spinning reels for surf fishing that is made with the use of high-quality materials and offers optimum performance. This spinning reel is compact and lightweight and provides a maximum drag weight of 30 pounds. The presence of 7 + 1 ball bearings ensures to offer the smoothest of all casting experience, making fishing more entertaining and less tiring.

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5. Penn Conflict II Spinning Reel

In the presence of 7 + 1 ball bearings, this fishing reel is one of the best fishing reels that gives you the desired performance. Because I prefer casting far enough to catch big fish, I often look for the spinning reels to help me with that. This one is the best long-distance champion in this regard.

I love it as it is explicitly made for casting at a far enough distance. So, if you are looking for a spinning reel so you can cast it far away, this one would be the best choice that you can make. It has line capacity rings and is known to be one of the smoothest surf fishing reels that have 7 + 1 ball bearings.

Moreover, this is another reliable product that is light in weight. You can use it continuously for a more extended day without worrying about tiredness due to holding the reel.

Furthermore, because the reel is designed in a way that makes it ambidextrous in hand orientation, whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can get this reel and enjoy fishing.

Penn Conflict II Spinning reel is another surf fishing reel that is made for those looking for casting at far away distances. It is easy to use, light in weight, and ambidextrous in its hand orientation. Moreover, due to the presence of 7 + 1 ball bearings and rust resistance, you can use this surf fishing reel reliably for fishing in saltwater.

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6. Shimano Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reel

When it comes to the best lightweight spinning reel for surf fishing, you cannot ignore this one of the lightest and highly in-demand Shimano Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reels. The reel is lightweight up to the extent that it makes it somewhat unbelievable for the users. With only 6.7 ounces of weight, you can enjoy surf fishing very conveniently and comfortably.

This fishing reel is designed mainly for fishermen who prefer opting for lightweight fishing equipment. Despite its maximum drag weight, there is nothing else that you can point out as a drawback. The reel size is 3000, and at this size, the maximum of 19.8 pounds of draw weight is somewhat smaller than its competitors.

Keep in mind that this does not mean that you cannot catch big fish. With this size, even the presence of 19.8 pounds of maximum drag weight can also help you catch big and bulkier fish, but remember, not the monster fish. Well, there are other features that make it highly admired.

One of them is the look of the reel. The reel is one of the cool-looking reels that look nice and appealing, mainly for young fishermen. Plus, smooth casting makes it reliable for most professional and beginner fishermen.

The Shimano Stradic CI4+ Spinning reel is one of the lightest fishing reels that comes with 19.8 pounds of maximum drag weight. This fishing reel has 6 + 1 smoothly operable ball bearings and is only 6.7 ounces in total weight. The reel is highly recommended for both professional and occasional fishermen, so you can easily opt for the product if you are looking for lightweight fishing reels.

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7. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel

With outstanding numbers of ball bearings that are 10 + 1, this KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel for surf fishing is another best choice for most fishermen. Although the reel has everything in it, it does not charge you like other reels with these traits charge. This product from KastKing is one of the best high-end fishing equipment that you can rely on and spend money on reliably to have a good experience.

Moreover, it has a maximum drag weight of 30 + pounds, which means you can fish even heavier fish without worrying about the capacity of the reel. Plus, the reel is incredibly fantastic when it comes to smoothness, which is made possible in the presence of 10 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings.

The only thing that I didn’t like in this reel was that it demands lots of maintenance. You have to take care of its corrosion, clean it daily (check how to clean a fishing reel), and make sure that it does not come in contact with the salt water for longer continuous hours. This will not only damage the reel but also worsen its functioning.

KastKing Sharky III Spinning reel is one of the outstanding fishing reels that has a maximum drag weight of 30 + pounds. It is ideal for most fishermen, is affordable, and comes with incredible smoothness due to the presence of 10 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings. Keep in mind that this reel needs lots of maintenance, so if you are okay with it, this is the best reel available for you.

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Buying Guide To Pick The Best Reel For Surf Fishing

Following are some of the crucial features that are described in detail. Make sure to understand them well so you can pick the best reel for surf fishing because these specs are the traits that you should not ignore when purchasing surf fishing reels. These, when focused on, make it easier for you to get the right product.

Quality Construction And Durability

When looking for a surf fishing reel, you need to make sure that the product you are finalizing is one that is made up of high-quality construction material. It should be durable and strong. 

Keep in mind surf fishing is one of the most demanding types of fishing in which you have to fish in some of the toughest and hardest conditions. So, always focus on the quality and durability of the product before finalizing it in order to get the right product.

Sealing

Sealing is another important factor that you should pay attention to when purchasing surf fishing reels. Full body sealing makes sure that water, sand, and salt are out of the reach of the reel. Waterproof reels serve you for longer and give you good, longer-lasting, and efficient functioning.

This is because no external factor can come in contact with your reel directly. Your reel will not break, nor can it come across any sort of wearing and tearing off.

Moreover, those reels that are waterproof and come with full-body sealing are the ones that are ideal for saltwater fishing. These types of reels also make it easier for the user to maintain the fishing equipment as they don’t have to clean it on a regular basis.

Corrosion Resistance

Most of the fishing reels that are made for surf fishing are corrosion-resistant. To make sure that you are getting the right product that should serve you for longer, going with the one that is corrosion-resistant in its construction would be worth spending money on.

For this, keep in mind stainless steel and alloy materials. They are excellent and provide outstanding corrosion resistance to ensure your reel does not get corroded, even if it encounters harsh water and surroundings.

Alternatively, you also have the option of going with the carbon construction material of the fishing reel. The carbon body, although it provides corrosion resistance, is not rigid and robust, so it is better to go with alloy or stainless steel for surf fishing purposes.

Brand And Warranty

The next important thing that you should pay attention to when purchasing surf fishing reels is what brand it belongs to and the warranty it provides. The reliable brands that we highly trust are Shimano, Penn, and Daiwa. These are, for sure, the best brands that manufacture high-quality reels that deliver exceptional performance.

Similarly, you also have the option of going with Okuma and KastKing. The first and foremost important thing before finalizing the surf fishing reel is to focus on your budget and what kind of fish you will catch. Remember this and then finalize the most appropriate fishing reel according to your needs.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are another essential thing that you should not ignore, as they provide movement and make the reel smooth. Focusing on the surf fishing reel with a minimum of 5 stainless steel ball bearings is worth considering.

Ball bearings help minimize friction and maximize smoothness. This, in the end, reduces the wearing and tearing off of some essential parts of the fishing reel.

FAQs

What is the best spinning reel available for professional fishermen for surf fishing?

Penn Battle III Spinning reel is one of the best-known spinning reels that is made for professional fishermen to give them the best experience of fishing. The reel is one of the strongest, hardest, most rigid, rugged, and highly durable reels you can rely on for surf fishing. Moreover, the presence of stainless steel ball bearings and carbon fiber washers adds to the product’s quality, making it an excellent choice for fishing.

What type of fish can you catch with surf fishing? 

During surf fishing, you can catch almost every type of fish. It depends totally upon how far you are fishing and what kind of fishing you want to catch. If you are fishing near the shore, you will catch small fish, and if you are fishing far away, then there are chances that you will catch larger, wilder, and more aggressive fish.

How much should surf fishing reels weigh?

As light as possible! The weight for surf fishing reels should be as light as possible. Since it is one of the most demanding types of fishing, you need to make sure that you do not have a heavy reel with you that can otherwise change the situation and make things bad for you.

What size reel is best for surf fishing?

The right size of the fishing reel depends upon the area you are going to fish, so if you are fishing closer to the shore, a reel of 3000 to 5000 size is enough. And in case you are going to surf fish in the mid-range, here you will face a slightly larger-sized fish, so you should have to use a reel size of 4000 to 6000. Moreover, for the range where you have to catch large monster fish, you should use a reel size of at least 5000.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you have gone through this article that tells about the seven best surf fishing reels. Since surf fishing is one of the most demanding types, you need to make sure that the reels you are using are more potent than usual, robust, hard, and more challenging than other general reels we use. I have been a fisherman for more than ten years. 

I have selected all those spinning reels that I have used in my life. This guide tells about the features, advantages, and disadvantages and also tells about the direct link to the shop from where you can purchase these reels. Moreover, if you want a professional opinion as a reviewer, I will recommend you to go with,

• Penn Battle III Spinning Reel is one of the toughest and most challenging spinning reels, ideal for catching every type of fish. It is best for saltwater fishing and comes with 5 + 1 stainless steel smooth bearings to offer a smooth casting experience.
• Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel comes with 7 + 1 stainless steel ball bearings and offers 30 to 60 pounds maximum drag weight. This reel is one of the smoothest to cast fishing reels that is compact and lightweight, making it highly durable and reliable for long-term usage.
• Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel is the best saltwater spinning reel for surf fishing. It comes with highly smooth ball bearings, is rust-resistant, and is ideal for catching small fish.