As with all rod and reel combos, identifying the best surf fishing rod and reel combo to take in your barrow is kinda fraught.
The first hurdle is this; How does one choose the best surf fishing rod and reel combo when surf dwelling fish species vary in size from just over a pound to punching well in excess of 700 pounds?
After considering all the options, our top three best surf rod and reel combos were…
The Budget Combo Rod
Once you’ve bent your head around that ridiculous variable, the next critical issue becomes weather and surf conditions. Is your gear corrosion resistant or can it withstand the weather and surf conditions?
A surf outfit you fished perfectly yesterday, is literally a hindrance today. This is because the weather and conditions can vary and change quickly and dramatically.
In short, variables in conditions and target species bring into play the full gamut of surf fishing rod and fishing reel outfits…and you haven’t even considered preferred fishing technique yet – will you cast heavy metal slices? Or will you fish live baits?
Despite the hazards and pitfalls attached to selecting the best surf fishing rod and reel combos, we’re going to scale this fish. By the end of the article, you’ll no doubt find the best surf fishing rod and reel combo that’s suitable for you.
The Top Three…
Here are our top three choices from the lineup, each one in its own category.
The Heavy Combo
This rod and reel combo is for anglers chasing a larger class of surf fish. They demand quality and performance, and a rig that encourages an aggressive approach to fishing. They use live baits and big lures, and they don’t care if the surf’s up.
Daiwa Saltist 6500 + Tica UGSA Dolphin12H2S
Who is this Combo for?
This surf fishing rod and reel combo is for anglers chasing a larger class of surf fish. They demand quality and performance, and a rig that encourages an aggressive approach to fishing. They use live baits and big lures, and they don’t care if the surf’s up.
The Budget Combo
This surf fishing rod and reel combo is ideal for those anglers on a strict budget. It’s also great for the novice angler, those new to beach fishing, or for those anglers who are a little careless or hard on their fishing equipment.
Penn Battle II 6000 + Penn Battalion Surf 10 Ft
Who is this Combo for?
This rod and reel combo is ideal for those anglers on a strict budget. It’s also great for the novice angler, those new to beach or saltwater fishing, or for those anglers who are a little careless or hard on their fishing gear.
This surf rod and reel combo is the perfect example of being able to buy a great kit while remaining frugal. You really don’t need several hundred dollars to get access to the best fish the surf can offer.
The Lightweight Combo
This is a beautiful surf fishing combo for the angler that likes to fish light. Those anglers that like to chase whiting, flounder, small pompano, and other pan-size fish will love this light but potent combo.
Shimano Fishing Vanford 4000XgF + Daiwa Lateo 96ML
This is definitely for the skilled, discerning angler that enjoys surf fishing light just for the sport. It’s a decent investment, so this combo is definitely for the serious angler.
If you love sport fishing. If you love the challenge of big fish on the lightest possible kit. If you appreciate the feel of lightweight, refined precision, then this is the rod and reel combo for you.
Our Top Combos
Here are all the top best surf fishing rod and reel combos we made.
Each one’s a winner in its own right and they all have their different strengths…
Let this list help you find the best surf fishing rod and reel combo for your needs…
The Heavy Combo
This rod and reel combo is for anglers chasing a larger class of surf fish. They demand quality and performance, and a rig that encourages an aggressive approach to fishing. They use live baits and big lures, and they don’t care if the surf’s up.
Daiwa Saltist 6500 + Tica UGSA Dolphin12H2S
Many surf anglers simply want to hit the surf for large fish. We want to cast live baits, big flesh baits and big heavy lures and metal slices. Importantly, however, they also don’t want to hold carry or cast a 10, 15 or 20,000 size reel. Yep, they’re heavy.
We’re after massive stripy, big black drum, sheepshead as well as Spaniards and tuna…just to name a few. This surf fishing combo offers both access and sport, as well as the refined performance and the grunt to tackle large fish and tough conditions.
This surf fishing combo offers both access and sport, as well as the refined performance and the grunt to tackle large fish and tough conditions…
The surf fishing rod is well equipped with quality fittings including Fuji Alconite, Fuji DPS reel seat and detail touches such as a hook keeper. It’s incredibly powerful, yet light enough to beat fatigue.
The Saltist spinning reel is often referred to as the poor man’s Saltiga. Daiwa’s reels, such as in their best ultralight spinning combos, are not the most powerful but this one is in another weight class. The spinning reel packs incredible power and is well sealed for durability and consistent performance. It’s ideal for surf conditions. The Saltist spinning reel sports a body full of Daiwa’s flagship spinning reel technologies.
There’s 15kg of Daiwa’s flagship drag system, and it will turn the biggest of fish toward the beach…if it takes a while, that’s ok too, because fishing line spool capacities are very generous.
Can be a bit Pricey
While this surf fishing rod and reel combo isn’t cheap, it won’t completely break the bank. The bonus is that this combo will last a fishing lifetime if well maintained. It’s a great investment.
Who is this Combo for?
This surf fishing rod and reel combo is for anglers chasing a larger class of surf fish. They demand quality and performance, and a rig that encourages an aggressive approach to fishing. They use live baits and big lures, and they don’t care if the surf’s up.
This combo is for anglers chasing a larger class of surf fish…
However, they also want to know that they’re not so heavily rigged that they’re skull-dragging a medium class of fish, negating any sense of sport. This combo offers reel and rod power but with serious refinement, feel and sensitivity.
While an advanced angler’s surf fishing rod and combo, this rig is for any angler who wants to pitch their skills against a larger class of fish in tough conditions. They like big, and they like casting long.
It’s important to reiterate that it’s not ALL about size, however. There are much bigger surf fishing reels for hunting the surf. The 6500 Saltiga offers a level of refinement that makes this a reasonable option as a go-to surf rig, whatever you target, whatever the conditions.
Specs
- Specs for the Daiwa Saltist 6500
- Aluminum Body
- Magseal
- Digigear II
- Air Rotor
- Air Bail
- ABS II
- Twistbuster II
- ATD (Tournament drag system)
- 8+1 Ball bearing system
- Gear Ratio: 5.3
- Retrieve:123cm
- Weight: 850
- Max Drag: 15kg
- Mono Capacity: 20lb/370yds, 25lb/310yds, 30lb/260yds
- Braid Capacity: PE 5 (50lb) /500m, PE6 (60lb)/400m
- Specs for the Tica UGSA Dolphin12H2S
- Constructed of high modulus TC3 graphite material
- Specially designed powerful surf casting rod
- High-quality FUJI Alconite tip guide
- FUJI HARDLOY ring guides
- FUJI DPS reel seat
- Special TICA sliding foldable hook keeper
- High quality non-slip cork tape handle
- Fast action TC3 graphite surf rods
- Lightweight and sensitivity
- Custom diamond wraps
- Length: 12 feet
- Line Class: 15 to 40 pound
- Action: Fast
- Power: Heavy
- Lures: 4 to 10 oz
- Pieces: 2
- Weight: 20.11 oz See the full specs for the Daiwa Saltist 6500
The Budget Combo
This surf fishing rod and reel combo is ideal for those anglers on a strict budget. It’s also great for the novice angler, those new to beach fishing or saltwater fishing, or for those anglers who are a little careless or hard on their fishing equipment.
Penn Battle II 6000 + Penn Battalion Surf 10 Foot
Yes, you can certainly find a cheaper surf fishing rod and reel combo. But you get to a point where the quality and performance slips so much the value is seriously questionable. This surf fishing rod and reel combo offers genuine quality and performance.
This combo offers genuine quality and performance…
The noticeable difference is that things get a little heavier and bigger as the price drops. The reels aren’t as smooth and powerful, the surf fishing rods are a little chunkier and don’t have the same level of responsiveness as with their more expensive cousins.
This Penn Battle II combo reel features a full metal body, side plate and rotor for the durability we need as saltwater fishermen.
The Penn Battle II fishing reel is braid ready and also the reel features fishing line capacity rings, which give anglers an idea of how much fishing line is left to cast.
The capacity ring is a simple but very useful feature that helps you know how much line you have at a glance. It’s better not to load the reel to its full capacity for the reason that many anglers have had issues with wind knots.
Also, while the Penn Battle II combo fishing reel features shielded five stainless steel bearings, which is good for protection. The Penn Battle may have a reel loaded with stainless steel ball bearings but it lacks the sealing and corrosion resistant protection of the more expensive reels.
Can Handle Most Fish
However, you still get access to an amazingly broad range of surf dwelling fish in all fishable conditions.
While a little cumbersome for smaller species, you won’t feel as though you’re belting them with a winch and iron bar.
You’ll still have plenty of sport catching whiting, flounder or smaller pompano if you’re rigged light as possible.
It comes into its own with a medium class of fish and you’ll love catching stripies, drum, and bluefish of the 5 to 12-pound range all day long. The good thing is you still have plenty of brute power should a small shark or mature red drum take your live bait.
Who is this Combo for?
This combo is ideal for those anglers on a strict budget. It’s also great for the novice angler, those new to beach fishing, or for those anglers who are a little careless or hard on their fishing equipment.
This combo is ideal for those anglers on a strict budget…
This reel and rod combo is the perfect example of being able to buy great kit while remaining frugal. You really don’t need several hundred dollars to get access to the best fish the surf can offer.
The Penn combo is affordable, performance and endurance driven. While it lacks the refined feel and flagship tech of the expensive reels, you’ll still love every moment you fish it.
Specs
- Specs for the Penn Battle II 6000
- 5+1 Shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant Anti-Reverse bearing
- Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- Superline Aluminum Spool (line not included)
- Line Capacity Rings
- Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
- Drag: 11.3kg
- Gear ratio: 5.6:1
- Retrieve: 104cm
- Mono Capacity: 230yds/20lb
- Braid Capacity: 335yds/50lb
- Weight: 626grams
- Specs for the Penn Battalion Surf 10 Foot
- Line Rating: 15-30lb
- Guides: Fuji
- Rod Blank: Composite
- Reel Seat: Fuji reel seats
- Rod handle: Rubber shrink tube
- Lure rating: 1-5 oz
- Rod butt: Rubber
- Power: Medium-Heavy
- Pieces: 2
- Action: Fast
- Length: 10’ See the full specs for the Penn Battle II 6000
The Dream Combo
This reel and rod combo gives you a fighting chance up against a hammerhead of 300 pounds, however, such is the precision and response of surf fishing rod and surf fishing reel, you will never feel overpowered whipping in a drum to 3 or 4 pounds. It really doesn’t get better than this.
Daiwa Saltiga 10000-H + G. Loomis IMX 1324-2S SURF
If you have a fragile heart, you best avoid looking at the price tag for this master surf weapon. The price is aspirational, but fishing equipment doesn’t get any better than this.
While the surf fishing rod will handle a much larger reel, the Saltiga 10000-H is perfect. This combo is the great allrounder with the potential to handle just about anything the surf throws at you.
Light but Powerful
You have phenomenal reel and rod power in your hands, yet it is a very lightweight surf fishing rod and reel combo. Thanks to the high modulus graphite blanks which make the rod lightweight.
The surf fishing rod features a rod length that allows you to manage high surf without the inconvenience and weight of a 15 footer rod length.
The casting potential is huge. Weighted correctly, and depending on baits and conditions, you can launch this combo a country mile.
This surf fishing combo gives you a fighting chance up against a hammerhead of 300 pounds…
This surf fishing combo gives you a fighting chance up against a hammerhead of 300 pounds, however, such is the precision and response of surf fishing rod and reel, you will never feel overpowered whipping in a drum to 3 or 4 pounds. It really doesn’t get better than this.
Who is this Combo for?
Firstly, it’s for those with deep pockets. But it’s for the serious surf fishing nut that wants one high performance outfit to cover everything. For the most discerning angler who wants to fish the best with a greater focus on larger fish, but also enjoys targeting smaller fish.
Specs
- Specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 10000-H
- Magsealed body
- Magsealed bearings and line roller
- Automatic Tournament Drag system (ATD)
- Inifnite Anti Reverse
- ABS Long Cast
- Twistbuster II
- Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings (CRBB)
- Aluminum air rotor
- Metal ball knob
- Silent reel oscillation
- G1 Duralumin Drive Gear (DigiGear)
- MONOCOQUE (MQ) Body System
- Bearings 12+1
- Gear Ratio: 5.8
- Weight: 655 grams
- Max Drag: 25kg
- Braid Capacity: PE4 400m
- Specs for the G. Loomis IMX 1324-2S SURF
- Length 11’0”
- Cast weight 1/2-3 ounce
- Pieces 2
- Line rating 12-25 lb
- Action: moderate-Fast
- High-modulus graphite blanks
- Lightweight construction
- Sure-grip technology
- Micro-adjust reel seats
- Fuji K-Frame Alconite guides See the full specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 10000-H
The Mid-price Combo
This combo is definitely for the discerning surf angler who wants top-shelf performance without having to pay the wallet melting price of combo number one. You have access to a huge range of fish species, sizes, and fishing techniques.
SHIMANO Sustain FI C 5000 XG + Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spinning Rod TSAWESS-1062MH
Mixing the proven and the latest. The Sustain spinning reel has been around for a while now and is well appreciated by discerning surf fishing anglers. The Tsunami fishing rod is a relative new-comer to the fishing market but is proving to be a special bit of weaponry on the beach.
you can expect the perfect concert of refinement and brute power…
Like Combo one, you can expect the perfect concert of refinement and brute power. It’s a super-light combination that can be cast all day without fatigue shutting down the action.
Built to Last
The fishing reel is corrosion resistant and has protection from water ingress and the fuji reel seats make this a no-brainer for the surf. I also like the high gear speed for cranking metal slices.
a brilliant option for covering a broad variety of species and fish sizes…
This is a brilliant surf spinning combo option for covering a broad variety of species and fish sizes. You can have a ball catching slammer bluefish all day with enough surf fishing reel and rod power in reserve to battle a 20-pound gorilla should you be lucky enough to hook-up to this increasingly rare bluefish.
I love this surf fishing rod series because even the medium action I have listed here has the sensitivity to tackle pan-sized Pompano. But a 30 pound Stripy is well within your capacity. Happy days!
Who is this Combo for?
This surf spinning combo is definitely for the discerning surf angler who wants top-shelf performance without having to pay the wallet melting price of combo number one. You have access to a huge range of fish species, sizes, and fishing techniques.
I like this surf fishing combo for casting medium to hefty metal slices at bluefish. It’s also great for hurling larger live baits.
This spinning rod and spinning reel combo is highly recommended as you get all the performance, bells and whistles without the outlay you need for the absolute top shelf.
Specs
- Specs for the Shimano Sustain FI C 5000 XG
- Shimano Hagane Cold Forged Gear
- Hagane cold forged G-Free body
- MGL Magnumlite rotor system
- X-Protect water repellent coating
- Cross carbon drag system
- 8+1 ARB Bearings
- One-piece bail arm
- AR-C Spool
- X-Ship
- Max Drag: 11kg
- Gears Ratio: 6.2:1
- Retrieve: 105cm
- Mono Capacity: 6/200 kg/M
- Braid Capacity: 20/220 Lb Yds
- Weight: 285 grams
- Specs for the Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spinning Rod TSAWESS-1062MH
- Fuji’s Alconite K-Guides
- Fuji reel seat
- X-flock grips
- High-fiber density blanks
- Lightweight yet powerful
- Extreme sensitivity and durability
- Outstanding casting distance
- Super-Fast Recovery for Incredible Casting Distance
- 2 piece
- Length: 10’06”
- Power: Medium-Heavy
- Line Class: 12-20lb
- Cast weight: 1 – 3 1/2oz See the full specs for the SHIMANO Sustain FI C 5000 XG
The Lightweight Combo
This is a beautiful surf fishing combo for the angler that likes to fish light. Those anglers that like to chase whiting, flounder, small pompano, and other pan-size fish will love this light but potent combo.
Shimano Fishing Vanford 4000XgF + Daiwa Lateo 96ML
This is a beautiful surf rod and spinning reel combo for the angler that likes to fish light. Those anglers that like to chase whiting, flounder, small pompano, and other pan-size fish will love this light but potent combo
a beautiful combination for the angler that likes to fish light…
Don’t be fooled by the specs. Should you hook into a monster of 15 pounds or more, you’re well equipped to win the battle.
While you’re casting light metal slices for cocktails or tailor, you might find a stripy of size takes a liking to your lure. Never mind, head down, you’re well enough armed.
Cast All Day
This is such a light rig, you’ll cast for hours without fatigue. Casting manners are perfect. While you’ll often be surf fishing right at your feet or a few feet into the wash, you have the potential to reach the more distant holes and gutters, where predators lurk.
This is such a light rig, you’ll cast for hours without fatigue…
It might not be suitable for heavier surf, but you’ll find that this surf rod and spinning reel combo is more than capable in most fishable surf and weather conditions.
Coreprotect ensures the elements are kept at bay, so regular maintenance and care will see the Stradic punch through countless sessions while remaining in perfect condition.
Who is this Combo for?
This is definitely for the skilled, discerning angler that enjoys surf fishing light just for the sport. It’s a decent investment, so this combo is definitely for the serious angler.
definitely for the skilled, discerning angler that enjoys fishing light just for the sport…
It’s a great rod and reel combo for rigging light and casting smaller lures. However, rigged with 15 pound, you’ll launch 35 grams of bait and lure to a greedy predator with ease.
While robust enough, this is not the type of combo for the rough angler. The surf fishing rod blank is astonishingly powerful for its slim diameter, but it will not take kindly to impact. Not one for the kids.
If you love sport fishing. If you love the challenge of big fish on the lightest possible kit. If you appreciate the feel of lightweight, refined precision, then this is the rod and reel combo for you.
Specs
- Specs for the Shimano Fishing Vanford 4000XgF
- 7+1 Ball Bearings
- Hagane Gearing
- X-ship
- Coreprotect to help keep water and elements out
- Magnumlite rotor
- G Free Body
- Long Stroke Spool
- One-Piece Bail
- Aero Wrap 2
- Mono Capacity: 8lb/240 yards, 12lb/160 yards
- Braid Capacity: 15lb/230 yards, 50lb/120 yards
- Drag: 24 lbs
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Specs for the Daiwa Lateo 96ML
- X45 Technology
- Power: Light Med
- Lure Weight: 7-35g
- Length: 9’6″/290cm
- Line Rating: 4-8kg
- Pieces: 2
- Action: Fast
- Guides: Fuji, with Alconite rings
- X45 Technology
- High Volume Fibre Graphite See the full specs for the Shimano Fishing Vanford 4000XgF
A Whopping Big Disclaimer…(Copout??)
Before we hit the punchline, I best highlight my approach to this, else risk avid surf punters throwing their week-old chum at me.
I simply can’t cover every popular (and niche) approach to surf fishing. As I mentioned in the intro, surf fishing covers so much. That goes double when you consider pier fishing rigs.
You can fish the surf with the lightest of finesse gear. You can also fish game reels as big as they come, strapped to surf fishing rods as thick as baseball bats, and rated to 130 pounds…
Of course, there’s everything in between. And that’s, more or less, where I’ll be heading in this article.
Sticking With Modern Traditions
Even standard surf outfits cover surf fishing reel sizes 3000 to 10000 (and bigger), and surf fishing rods of 9 feet to 15 feet. There are countless worthy combinations in that lot alone. And that’s just spin.
Sticking with Spin Reels For Now
We’ll only consider spin outfits in this article. While that might disappoint the overhead/casting enthusiast, I’m of the strong opinion that the average angler is far better served in the surf using a salt spin reel.
There are some brilliant options for purist surf fishing anglers familiar with the Australian style side-cast reels such as the famous Alvey. If you haven’t seen a side cast reel before. Watch the video below to see it in action.
This is worthy of an article all to itself and possibly more appealing to the diehard surf fishing tragic (or those on the way to earning this status). Stay tuned for that later.
Certain Size Range
I’m going to select reel sizes from 4000 to 6000 only. With these sizes, you’re getting surf dwelling fish from a couple of pounds, without being overkill, to over 30 pounds without being underpowered.
These reel sizes cover a massive range of surf targets and techniques.
TIP
When you purchase your surf combo make sure you purchase a spare spool. This way you can spool up one spool with your surf fishing rods minimum fishing line rating and one spool with its maximum. (Or a variation of this).
This way, you’re covered for a much broader range of targets, conditions, and techniques with the one outfit.
The Non-combo Combo
It’s very important to tell you now that you are unlikely to find the surf fishing rod and reel outfits I’ve listed here for sale anywhere as a package.
you are unlikely to find the rod and reel outfits I’ve listed here for sale anywhere as a package…
These are surf rod and reel combos I am compiling. I’ll be using my 40 years surf fishing experience, and my (reasonable) knowledge of the latest surf gear, to recommend balanced surf outfits, taking out the guesswork, and making it easy for you.
If one of the surf fishing setup or combinations I mention here floats your boat, it’s more than likely you’ll have to purchase a surf rod and reel separately.
Yes, this may negate the package deal dollar benefits of a surf fishing rod and reel combo. But there’s a very good reason I’m doing this which I’ll address shortly.
Buying A Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. A little History and Background
There are different rod and reel combos out there, you can even find bass combos or fly fishing combos. The rod and reel combo package has been around for decades. Traditionally, the combo was a budget option for casual anglers and weekend danglers.
Affordability, as well as ensuring purchasers received a balanced, fit for purpose surf fishing rod and surf fishing reel, has benefits that have kept the package deal alive and well.
Not Up To Standard
However, generally speaking, the quality was/is not great, with performance and durability usually entry-level at best, or at worst substandard.
While this remains the case today, there are many tackle shops that put together well-balanced combos of genuine quality. These package deals are still not really targeting the experienced angler, however.
surf packages, in particular, are usually entry-level standard…
You will find surf packages, in particular, are usually entry-level standard. There are exceptions to this. As I said, some good tackle shops will offer surf combos suitable for the more discerning angler.
RECOMMENDATION
But I would always recommend that anglers serious about quality and performance, think very carefully about purchasing packaged surf rod and reel combo online.
Combos Online
While researching this article I checked out popular fishing gear hotspot websites for surf combos. I was disappointed, but not surprised, most big online sellers are a bit of a dumping ground when it comes to surf combos.
There’s plenty of cheap surf fishing rods with the most basic of basic entry-level reels, but nigh on no combos of serious quality that I would ever recommend.
Essentially, that’s why I’m putting some combos together myself; so surf anglers shopping online for genuine quality and performance can perhaps find a bargain rod reel combo, even if they have to purchase both the reel and the rod separately.
Quality and Performance Is Preferred on the Beach
Quality
Yep, you can find a really cheap surf fishing combo online. However, ‘cheap’ is a poor option for the surf.
You might have found a cheap saltwater rod online, but sometimes calling it a saltwater rod is not enough to withstand the elements of saltwater fishing.
In my opinion, surf fishing has the most impact on your gear. Sand and salt take no prisoners. Dropping your reel into a wet sandy slurry is devastating for reels. And you can guarantee it will happen.
Sand and salt take no prisoners. Dropping your reel into a wet sandy slurry is devastating for reels…
Protection from saltwater fishing like a corrosion resistant feature is a must. But keep in mind even the best reel will succumb to a surf reel poorly cared for. Well-sealed reels are great, but certainly not foolproof.
When saltwater fishing, set rods will often fall over as a wave rushes up the beach. This ram feeds your expensive reel with a nasty sandy slurry that will degrade your reel fast.
Surf rods can suffer too. Sand gets in feral joints and rust will often develop where metal guide frames meet the rod and around the guide ring insert.
TIP
Ensuring you only ever purchase quality surf gear and maintain it is the best way to beat the harsh surfside elements.
Performance
You’ve hit the surf rigged with a light 9-foot rod and a 4000 reel in an effort to prove to your buddies that you actually can get good winter flounder on the beach.
You bought this cheap and cheerful rod and reel new on eBay for 50 bucks. Well, you didn’t get a touch from a flounder, but you were monstered by a 15 pound plus stripy as you were reeling in your worm.
Well, your drag system fails, your rod is not the slightest bit responsive – far too slow, and in 20 seconds you lose a prize fish. This is such a common story.
Even though you were fishing light, had you had top-shelf gear, you would have had the power and endurance to best this prize stripy.
Just because you’re rigged for panfish doesn’t mean you won’t hook a monster…
Absolutely anything can turn up on the beach, and often when you least expect it. You can’t just relax while you sit on your favorite fishing chair. Just because you’re rigged for panfish doesn’t mean you won’t hook a monster. If you’re fishing high-performance gear, you give yourself a chance to land that prize fish.
High-performance surf rods and reels often punch well above their advertised specs.
Important Note on Sizes, Ratings and Performance Optimization
As many of you may already know, there are, more or less, no measurement standards in most fishing equipment, particularly reels. A 5000 reel size and specs will differ (sometimes a lot) across manufacturers.
A balanced rod combo for casting heavy metal slices will not perform as well for other applications…
Another consideration is performance optimization. A balanced rod and reel combo for casting heavy metal slices will not perform as well for other applications – say, casting lighter flesh or live baits.
Unless you have a specific rod and reel for every application, there is always some level of compromise. For many anglers, 8 or 9 reel/rod combos to cover all surf applications for optimum performance is simply not affordable, or practical.
To cover the broadest range of surf targets, techniques and conditions, you will be compromising performance in some areas…
To cover the broadest range of surf targets, techniques and conditions, you will be compromising performance in some areas, while optimizing in others.
For practicality, I will make an assumption that you are purchasing one surf fishing combo to satisfy all of your surf fishing style or applications.
5 Great Surf Fishing Combos
There are 5 surf fishing combos outlined below. Any one of these combos will work nicely as your go-to surf fishing outfit.
- The Heavy Combo – For tackling a larger class of fish, while still giving access to a smaller, medium size of fish
- The Budget Combo – Affordable, without compromising quality and performance
- The Dream Combo – The best money can buy
- The Mid-price Combo – Top-shelf performance without the need for a second mortgage
- The Lightweight Combo – For sport, and targeting a smaller class of fish
NOTE
All of the combos below will almost certainly need to be purchased separately.
You can rest assured, each rod and reel combo below is well balanced and will work beautifully together. They’re a match made in surf fishing heaven.
Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Wrap
Let’s see a quick recap of our top three picks…
The Budget Combo Rod
There’s a best surf fishing rod and reel combo in here for nearly all surf anglers. Sure, I could have given a smaller option and far heavier options as well.
Surf fishing is so diverse, however, I had to draw the line somewhere, hence the traditional, common surf fishing sizes. If you’re curious, elsewhere on the site I have written about more interesting rigs.
There’s one thing you can bank on. These surf rod and reel combos are high quality, high performance. They’re capable outfits in just about any angler’s hands. Importantly, they’re balanced.
Remember, they might not be completely optimized for your specific application, but spare spools and sympathetic rigging will ensure you get the best out of any of these combos.
Quality is Essential
In my opinion, surf angling demands quality kit for the best surf fishing experience, hence I’d never confidently support many of the combo packages available online.
So many of them are not just cheap, they’re cheap and nasty. In case that you need a guide on baitcast combos, I also have this baitcaster combo review that might can you.
If ever you’re in doubt, do some research about the ideal surf fishing rods and surf reels, or go to a trusted fishing tackle shop and talk it through and make sure to buy a rod that has a secure reel seat that locks your reel in tight.
If you’re considering using your freshwater rod, make sure that it’s prepared with some sort of treatment, and most importantly, good luck on the beach and and have great fishing adventures ahead…
