Looking for the best surf fishing rod?
We’ve done all the research and compiled a list of the 11 best surf fishing rods. Check out our buyer’s guide to find your perfect match.
Whether you’re looking for a beginner rod or an advanced one, we have you covered with this comprehensive buyer’s guide. Our goal is to make it easy for anyone to find their perfect match in no time at all! You can also check out our reviews section if you want more information about any specific model.
Read below to get started on finding your next surf fishing rod!
Our Picks
A non-slip cork handle, custom, handmade diamond wraps, and an eye-catching multi-color pattern make this an attractive mid-priced rod.
11 Best Surf Rods Reviewed
St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod
The St. Croix Triumph surf fishing rod is undoubtedly one of the most popular surf fishing rods today. The Triumph is a quality surf fishing rod that offers both power and durability, just like many other top models. SCII graphite is used to make the blank. It provides a lot of rod power and sensitivity. The Triumph is a reliable piece of equipment for surf anglers who are looking for something durable. The blank is given two coats of paint, which allow it to bend and flex with no damage. Anglers can cast their bait far and still land big fish. The St. Croix Triumph is an easy pick for the best surf rod for 2022.
PROS
- Amazing blank construction
- Sensitive and powerful
- 5-year warranty
- Portable and lightweight
- High-quality finish
CONS
- 4-piece rod
- Travel bag of low quality
PENN Prevail Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
It’s sure to be a memorable day at the beach with a Penn Prevail. The rod’s graphite construction is a great option for surfers who want to throw their lines into the ocean. It’s strong, flexible, and easy to move. The Prevail’s most distinctive feature is its carbon shield. The carbon shield is a thin, flexible material that wraps around the blank to provide additional protection against the elements. Overall, the rod is clean and performs well. It’s also easy to transport because it comes in two pieces.
PROS
- Wind grips
- Blanket of sensitive graphite
- Inserts for aluminum oxide guides
- Ideal for plugging
- Additional carbon shield
CONS
- Guide inserts are available for pop-up
St. Croix Avid Surf Saltwater Spinning Rod
The Avid Surf fishing rod from St. Croix is what you would expect from the top manufacturer of fishing rods. The Avid Surf is made of two pieces that connect seamlessly to make it feel like one. It is produced with SCIII carbon, providing both power and sensitivity. It is then fitted with a blank and treated with corrosion control substances to protect it from the sand or surf. The piece’s action is what surf anglers love. Fishermen can effortlessly move their bait through the tides with the medium action. The Avid Surf Rod is priced at a premium level for a reason.
PROS
- Carbon blank SCIII of high quality
- Slip-free Handle
- A good rod for general use
- Balanced, blank action
CONS
- Too soft to be used with heavier lures
OKUMA Solaris IM6 Graphite Wave Spinning Rod
Although surf rods can be costly, the Solaris Surf offers tremendous value at this price point. There are many good surf rods, but few that are as reliable and affordable as the Solaris Surf. High-quality graphite is used to make the blank of the rod, making it both strong and sensitive.
The Solaris Surf’s major selling point is its ease of use. Anglers new to the sport can use the rod easily and move it around. The rod is easy to use and has a high level of quality. It also comes at a very reasonable price. Overall, this piece easily wins the award for best budget surf rod.
PROS
- Casting is a great option.
- Balanced
- Reliable and firm
- Guides of high quality
- Im6 graphite
CONS
- Protective cover for soft cases is not available.
- Handle can be easily damaged
Shakespeare Big Water Surf Fishing Rod
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik product is much prettier than its name suggests. Many anglers have a lot of respect for Shakespeare. The Ugly Stik, graphite- and fiberglass-rod that is very useful, is another product that merits that respect. Each Ugly Stik has a graphite exterior and a fiberglass interior. This is done in order to resist the elements and prevent corrosion. The unique combination of the surf rod and spinning reel combo makes it a highly sensitive piece that can detect even the smallest fish.
PROS
- Sensitive and balanced
- Durable and tough
- Clear tip design
- Construction in one piece
CONS
- Foam handle can be smooth
- Casting can be challenging
PENN Carnage II Surf Casting Fishing Rod
Penn has a variety of products for many sports. Although it offers a variety of surf fishing rods, Penn Carnage is its best piece. The Penn Carnage is made from graphite blank, which is strong and durable. The 12′ surf rod comes in many sizes. However, it is the heavier version that gives surf anglers more strength. The rod’s handle is what most people love the most. It is very durable and provides a good grip. It could be considered the best surf casting rod.
PROS
- Comfortable handling
- Shape of parabolic rod
- Sensitive and lightweight
- Guides K-type
CONS
- Thin blank diameter
TICA UGSA Surf Spinning Rod
Tica products are renowned for their quality. Tica’s commitment to quality is evident in the UGSA Series Surf spinning rod. The UGSA is a graphite rod with a high level of sensitivity. Surf anglers will be able to tell the difference between getting snagged on a seafloor or being hooked up to a fish with the UGSA. The rod’s flexibility makes it stand out. The graphite blank is fast yet has enough bend to allow for a decent amount of movement. The UGSA Series Surf Spinning Rod is a worthy addition to any review of surf rods.
PROS
- Cork handle, made of high-quality materials
- Keepsake for folding hook
- Fuji reel seat
- There are many rod length options
CONS
- Two pieces
DAIWA Beefstick Surf Rod
Many anglers depend on the Daiwa Beefstick, a medium-action rod. Carbon fiberglass is used to make the blank of the Beefstick. This provides great strength and power. The Beefstick rod is the perfect fit. The rod’s ease of use is what attracts many anglers. The Beefstick is easy to use for both a novice and an experienced surf angler. Anglers can wipe off the Beefstick after they are done with the tides, so it is ready for their next adventure.
PROS
- Smooth casting
- Amazing flexibility
- Durability with rubber handle
- Tubular fiberglass for sensitivity
CONS
- A bit bulky
- Real seat issues occasionally
Okuma CSX Surf Rod
Okuma is a well-known brand that appears regularly on reviews of surf casting rods. Okuma CSX, a surf rod made with a 30-ton carbon blank and composite materials, is the Okuma CSX. Anglers feel every hit because of the sensitive material. The lightweight material does not compromise strength or performance. Anglers can catch small and large fish easily. The Okuma Cedros’ guide set is constructed with frames made of stainless steel. Alconite inserts are used to fill the frames with braided-line-specific Alconite.
PROS
- Lifetime guarantee
- Blank construction of high quality
- Excellent grip material
- Guide inserts made of zirconium for braided lines
CONS
- Front guides too close
St. Croix Mojo Surf Fishing Rod
The St. Croix Legend premium tier rod is almost perfect in every aspect. It has been tested and proven to be of high quality by being battle-tested and simply catching fish. The Legend is a great choice for anglers looking to catch large fish. The rod is made of SCIV graphite and can withstand a lot. The rod is coated with a slow coating and has Torzite guides that are 100% resistant to corrosion. The rod is still lightweight, making it easy to use. The Legend is one of the most versatile surf rods available. It can easily handle fish up to 50 pounds (ca. 23 kg).
PROS
- Blank is of the highest quality
- Rod power
- Casting distances great
CONS
- None
Tica Surf UMGA Series
While everyone would love to have the best rods, few anglers can afford to spend a few thousand dollars on a quality fishing rod. It is crucial to choose a rod that works well but doesn’t cost too much.
Tica Surf UMGA Series offers great surf fishing rods at a reasonable price. The rods are 7′-10′ long and come in a variety of actions. You can also choose from three power ratings.
Pros
- The TC2 Japanese graphite construction offers an impressive combination of strength and sensibility.
- You can fish for hours with a lighter blank because it reduces fatigue.
- Comfortable and durable non-slip cork handle
- Casting distance can be increased by using high-quality zirconium line guide products.
- Available in single- and double-piece styles
- Budget price
Cons
- Not recommended for heavy usage.
There are many surf rods available, and it is important that you choose the one that best suits your needs. It is important to consider three basic aspects.
How to choose the right surf fishing rod
Casting Distance
Surf fishing is best done by getting your lure or bait out of the water before it breaks. This is because the water beyond this point contains more fish, and it’s easier to use your lure or bait.
This means that you must be able to cast these distances with some accuracy.
Casting distance is a combination of the following two criteria:
- Rod Length
- Rod action
If all other factors remain the same, a longer fishing rod can increase your casting distance. Most surf rods measure between 9 to 14 feet long.
This coin also shows that a shorter rod can be more precise and easier to use. As with all aspects of angling, there is always a compromise.
Also, slow actions can increase your casting range when everything else is consistent. Slower rods bend further than rods with faster actions. The rod will provide more assistance if you have a slower action.
Your surf fishing rod length affects casting accuracy. Slower actions can cause casting errors.
Target species and target sizes
A 400-pound black tip will require different gear than a 2-pound jack. Before you choose your fishing rod, think about the species that you are targeting.
The more precise you are, the better. You can still have a great all-around surf rod if you split the difference. While you can get the best performance with specific rods, real-world considerations may require anglers not to have them.
There are many exceptions to the rule, but it is a good idea to choose heavier rod power and longer lengths for larger fish. You can set the hook faster and catch big fish more efficiently with more rod power and length.
Lures or preferred baits
Your choice of lure or bait you prefer should also be considered. A lightweight rod with fast or extra-fast action is best for lures, especially lightweight plugs and small spoons.
To get the best results, however, you will need to use a slower and more powerful action to throw a 4-ounce chunk of lead and a 6-inch fish out into the sea.
It is also worth considering the type of rod and reel combo that you use, depending on what bait or lure you prefer.
A spinning rig is more enjoyable if, for example, you fish by retrieving small lures repeatedly and aren’t comfortable tempting fate with hundreds upon hundreds of casts of a bait casting rod.
Although you may lose some casting distance, backlashes will not be an issue.
Best Surf Fishing Rod Recap
Watch this short video from Tackle Direct to learn more about the St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod.
Final Thoughts
We’ve got our favorites but it really comes down to your needs. Do you need a lightweight or durable one? What type of fish are you going after? How much money can you spend on this purchase? All these questions matter when picking out a surf fishing rod. Check out all the options and find what works for your situation. If we missed any good ones that should be added here, feel free to reach out to us with suggestions. Now stop reading and GO Fishing!
