Surf fishing is one of the trending and age-old types of fishing. It is also one of the easiest types of fishing. And, the beauty, surprise, and scenario you enjoy during the fishing is amazing. However, your fishing experience can be very disappointing if you do not have the right equipment.
Fishing reel is one of the most important equipment; and finding a good fishing reel can be very hectic at times. To ease your hassle, I am here to write about everything you need to know about surf fishing reels.
Best Surf Fishing Reel Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Weight | Gear Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Penn Battle II | 1 pounds | 6.2:1 | |
 | Shimano Baitrunner 12000 | 2.2 pounds | 4.4:1 | |
 | Dr.Fish Saltwater | 1.93 pounds | 3.9:1 | |
 | Shimano Ultegra CI4 | 15.5 ounces | 5.3:1 | |
 | Abu Garcia Ambassadeur | 1 pounds | 6.3:1 | |
 | Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel | 1 pounds | 5.6:1 | |
 | Quantum Cabo PT | 13.3 ounces | 5.3:1 | |
 | Daiwa M7HTMAG | 15.8 ounces | 5.8:1 | |
 | Okuma Azores Saltwater | 1 pounds | 5.8:1 | |
 | Pflueger President XT | 8 ounces | 7:3:1 |
10 Best Surf Fishing Reel Review:
1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
The body of the Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel is made of metal which will give you a great fishing experience. Along with the metal body the wire of the bail is made of Aluminum to make it strong and durable. It is specially designed for the anglers who love coastal angling, wading or kayak angling.
To ensemble all circumstances, the spool size varies from 1000 to 8000. The product has two parts. To prevent slippage of the line, a rubber gasket is used on the reel that has a motor portion. Hence, anglers won’t feel the need of using electrical tape for a backup.
The spool is made wider, lets the line memory lower and improves the tracking line. Carbon fiber is used in the drag system to drag heavy masses without causing any friction.
The ball bearings are made of stainless steel which makes the reeling action smooth and natural. To prevent the back play a reverse resistant bearing is given.
Pros
Cons
2. Shimano Baitrunner 12000 OC
If you want legendary fishing experience then you should opt for this Shimano Baitrunner 12000 OC Oceania spinning fishing reel. It is designed for the anglers to have the best fishing experience in lakes, rivers, even coastal water bodies.
You will experience less line friction and backlash. A special auto-return system has been provided for a better fishing event. You will get fewer tangles due to wind. Grips are made comfortable for the anglers. It is light in weight around 29.1 ounces.
Pros
Cons
3. Dr.Fish Saltwater 10000/12000 Spinning Reel
This big and strong reel is designed for a great fishing game. The heavy reel body is made corrosion-proof to give the sternest combat against the underwater monster. The extraordinary drag of 48LB in model 12000 will let you catch the big fishes.
The ratio of the gear 3.9:1 is rock-solid in case of providing rotation while catching big fishes. The rust proof ball bearings let you to act smoothly during retrieving and casting.
The rotor and side plates are also made water-resistant to aid you to perform effortlessly. The spool is made of aluminum so that you can use heavy lines for bigger contests. This aluminum handle is going to give you an advantage in the larger battles. The weight of the item is 1.93 pounds.
Pros
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4. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
If you are looking for a good reel within a budget then this KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels is for you. This reel is full of great features to give you better fishing experience on a budget. Anglers starting from a noob to pro everyone can use it. It is light in weight.
The frame is designed with narrow graphite. And the computer adjusting configuration provides better performance. The ice rod and reel size tie perfectly and make a flawless ice combo. It has up to 17.5 pounds stopping power.
The main shaft is of tough metal. Reverse resistant bearing and instant one way stop ensures effortless performance. The aluminum spool makes it more powerful and durable. It is an ideal gift for fishing lovers.
Pros
Cons
5. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Blue Yonder
If you are looking for a baitcasting reel then this Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Blue Yonder is for you. You can use it for surf fishing. To get the spool easier the product is given exposed spool design.
It is strong and durable. The real will give you a smooth fishing experience. The reel comes with two color variants black and blue. The drag is made of carbon washer to make it less sticky.
Pros
Cons
6. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is one of the best reels in the market. The body and the cover of the body of the reel is made of aluminum that provides stability and strength to the internal part. The aluminum body makes the reel corrosion proof.
The body and its cover are black anodized. The anodization method permits for higher adhesion to the metallic element and cannot chip or peel sort of a painted surface, extending the sensible look of the BG spinning series.
The profit of having this outsized gear will increase gear-tooth contact points. This gives extended gear life further as additional power and increased force. To prevent movement between the handle arm and the main gear it has been given screw-in handle design. Hence anglers don’t have to struggle while rotating the handle.
This boosts confidence among the anglers. The air rotor is extremely lightweight compared to other regular rotor designs. Its exclusive shape distributes pressure all over the rotor to ensure maximum strength.
The weight of the rotor is 15 percent less than the usual designs. The ABS spool is used to maximize the diameter of the core and reversed taper guarantees 100 percent functional line.
In case of easier and longer casting it causes fewer casting friction. Less line memory is produced because of the vast diameter of the spool. The drag system is water-resistant.
Pros
Cons
7. Quantum Cabo PT Spin Reel
Quantum Cabo PT Spin Reel will give you one of the best fishing experiences. The product weighs 24.2 oz. It is designed considering both left and right-handers. Hand retrieve is changeable (left or right). There are 8 bearings including a clutch.
SCR alloy is used to make the product. The bail is of Titanium which makes it indestructible. Magnum CSC and ceramic carbon is used in the drag system. These features make the product corrosion proof. The anti-reverse system is continuous. PT technology gives a protection plan for 3yr. It also has salt guard protection.
Pros
Cons
8. Daiwa M7HTMAG Millionaire Surf Cast Reel
Daiwa M7HTMAG Millionaire Surf Cast Reel is ideal for extensive distance surfcasting. It is designed precisely for long-distance casting in the surf. This reel is manufactured in a Japanese company to safeguard its quality.
Extraordinary performance spool is given with it which has the capacity of reaching 30000 rpm speed. There are a total of 7 bearings which include 5 Super Resistant Ball Bearings, 1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing and 1 Roller Bearing.
The corrosion-resistant ball bearing will endure up to 12 times more than usual stainless-steel ball bearings. The spool is formed with Aluminum to make it lightweight. The drag system is adjustable and smooth. The anti-reverse system is infinite.
Pros
Cons
9. Okuma Azores Saltwater Spinning Reel
Okuma Azores Saltwater Spinning Reel is designed precisely for saltwater fishing. The power features and original internal design makes it stronger, smoother and durable than other competitors. It has an accurate dual force drag system.
It combines both the surface of the spool to maximize the drag pressure in the high ends and effectiveness. For ensuring more accuracy the drag system is made adjustable. For the dual force drag carbonite, multi-disc and felt drag washers are used.
The multi-disc is attached at the top of the spool which is protected by the hydro block system. The multi-disc works in combination with a secondary drag system that is attached under the spool. To maximize constancy pressure is applied in both the surfaces of the spool which considerably increases the output of the drag compared to usual single drag systems.
On the spool, knurling band is used to increase friction and for braids, it also provides a locking point which eventually prevents slipping and maximizes line capacity. The 7 bearings (1 Roller Bearing and 6 High-Performance Bearing) are made of stainless steel to make it corrosion-proof.
The 6 high-performance ball bearings give exceptional smoothness and consistency while fishing in the saltwater environments. The balls that are used on the high-performance bearing are made from the same high-quality stainless-steel material used in the bearing housing.
The anti-reverse roller bearing has a ratchet system. To provide maximum security, a dual anti-reverse system is given.
The pinion gear is of machine-cut brass and supported by two ball bearings. An extra bearing helps the pinion gear to transfer power smoothly during massive pressure. The carbon plates used in the Mechanical stabilizing system increases the stability of the spinning reel, helps to eliminate vibration and makes the running process of the reel mechanically flawless.
To increase reliability and durability in all fishing environment a backup multi-stop reverse resistant system along with the quick set reverse resistant system is included by the Azores.
Pros
Cons
10. Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel
If you are looking for a smooth and easy casting control reel the Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel is for you. It consists of 9 bearings. The ball bearings are manufactured with corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It is very easy to use with better quality.
The braking system is magnetic and has an adjustable brake control. The frames are made of Aluminum which makes it durable and lightweight. It weighs 7.4 oz. The knob is made of soft-touch rubber. This soft-touch rubber knob will give an outstanding grip to the anglers.
This reel also supports the braided line. The anglers can use it in rivers, canals and other water bodies that accept saltwater.
Pros
Cons
Qualities of the Best Surf Fishing Reel (Buying Guide)
Finding the best fishing reel can be hectic as there are numerous types of fishing reels available in numerous price ranges. Every other day, there are new products on the market. In a situation like that, the best course of action would be to not indulge in the hype and choose a product which complements your needs.
At the same time, it is important to remember that there is always a trade-off; the perfect product does not exist. However, to bring an end to my cynicism; there are certain products that are good and would not disappoint you right away or ever. But you have to know which group of products I’m talking about.
In this buying guide, I have listed 9 major areas in which your detective eyes should meticulously work on. The points are described below:
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are an important part of any fishing reels. It has the power to determine the smoothness of your reels. During the casting and recoup the ball bearings play the most important role. The smoothness and speed of the recoup and casting is directly proportional to the number of ball bearings.
The calculation is straightforward; the more the ball bearings the better of it is in terms of smoothness. So, if you are looking for a fishing reel which can function easily and smoothly choose a fishing reel which has a greater number of ball bearings.
It is also advisable that you take into account the anti-reverse feature which is responsible to put an end to playback during the hook setting period.
Resistance from corrosion and sealing
It is impossible to protect your gears from the salty seawater. Saltwater can be very hard on fishing gears and it can slowly destroy the resistance of the gears. The reels and other delicate components are especially at risk. And, the last thing you want is to have a reel which has corrosion in it.
So, you need gears which can withstand the effects of dangerous effects of salty water. The corrosion resistance fishing reels can ensure longevity and good performance. It is important to find a fishing reel that has all the corrosion resistant parts. However, choosing a fishing reel which is corrosion resistant is not enough.
You need to properly clean your fishing gear regularly. You need to rinse your reel with clean freshwater, which would ensure the best possible life for your reel.
Drag Capacity
Who does not want to catch the bigger fish? Everyone does! But does everyone have the same equipment to catch the big fishes? Maybe not. Even if you catch a big fish; your capacity to drag the fish into your possession matters. In the water you are likely to witness a big range of fishes who vary from one another in terms of strength and size.
If you are prepared to catch the big fishes; you can easily catch the smaller fish. Therefore, you need a reel which has massive dragging power which is strong enough to drag and handle the larger fish.
The worst thing can happen to a fisherman is that he catches a big fish but because of low dragging capacity he loses the fish. So, a reel with greater dragging capacity is a must. The experts recommend having a reel which has stopping power of at least 20Ibs.
Therefore, before you purchase your next fishing reel, please check the dragging capacity of the reel.
Size
The size of the reel actually plays a vital role. The reels come in different shapes and sizes. The typical spinning reels are sized 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k…, Usually the towering the number; the higher the reel size. Different sized reels are designed for different purposes and sort of fishing.
For fishing in freshwater, the smaller size is recommended or preferred. The size of a reel is completely aligned with the dragging power or other capabilities. In general, the larger one has better capacity and is designed to do the tougher jobs.
So, think of size as an independent component and think about the place where you would be fishing or usually fish.
Gear Ratio
The next thing, you need to consider after size is the gear ratio. With the help of gear ratio, you can identify the spool turns in one turn of the handle. If there is a high gear ratio, it would accelerate the fish reeling up of the fish in a much faster way. However, the reel with a greater number of ratios does not automatically become the best reel.
There are certain trade-offs between a lower and higher ratio gear. First of all, a lower ratio would give you additional torque. Secondly, if you like to deal with bigger fish; lower ratio gear is better.
Additionally, if you have to deal with the fish which are constantly fighting to go out; get a gear with more torque. In this case sacrificing a bit of speed will not be a big deal. On the other hand, if you fish both the smaller and bigger ones, get an averaged ratio gear.
Line Capacity
One can easily find the line capacity at the back of any reel. And, all you need to do is make sure you know the line capacity of the reel and know your needs. When it comes to surf fishing it includes long casting distances. As a result, you might miss the typical line capability on the reel.
At the same time it is necessary for you to know how many lines the reel can hold as it is an important aspect in determining your fishing experience. If the fish is big you need a braided line, which is a bit heavier than the typical mono line.
(Check our guide on Fly Fishing Reels, Bass Fishing Reel)
Durability
There is no doubt about the fact that everyone wants a fishing reel which is highly durable. But the question is how do you know which one would be durable? The answer is simple: get a reel which is made with high quality materials.
Usually, high quality reels cost more. The cheap ones are made of plastics and you cannot be durable in the long run. If possible, sacrifice on the drag capacity or bearing capacity but do not sacrifice on the durability. The best kinds of materials are all-metal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is Surf Fishing?
Which types of bait do you use for surf fishing?
Is it better to surf fish at low or high tide?
Final Words
Congratulations! You have read through the whole article. I believe you are one of those people who like to do thorough research before buying any product; which is a good thing. In the article, I have tried to be thorough and honest. Most of the reviews I wrote are based on me or my friends’ personal opinions.
I have also gone through several other articles to gather public understanding. Do not hesitate to choose one of our picks. I have gone through all the standard and best sellers in the market and made the top 10 lists.
To be honest, this is all the market has to offer. Maybe there would be a perfect fishing reel, which would impress everyone and have no flow. If you have gone through the buying guides, you know which qualities to look for in a product.
Most importantly, if you know which types of product you need, you would make the right decision. And, I hope you do! Wish you all the best in surf fishing. Best of Luck, Happy Fishing!
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