Best Surf Fishing Reels Review
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20 Best Surf Fishing Reels Review for 2023 and Beyond!
The surf angler owes it to himself or herself to have a seashore that will enable them to fish from the beach as though they were fishing off a pier.
This is why there are so many different types of reels and rod combinations available.
The reel is designed especially for fishing with rods, which can be broken down into two main categories: those made for use in the surf and those intended for still-fishing from a boat. These best long-range spinning reels 2022 reviews do not represent everything on the market but will provide you an insight into what products exist, how they work, and why you would choose one over another.
3 Tips You Must Follow When Using A Spinning Reel
#1: The Drag
The drag determines how much force is necessary to pull a line from the reel when a fish makes a run. It is very important that you don’t apply too much pressure on the drag without reason. What will happen if you do, is your spool will stop spinning and you will lose all of your slack, requiring two hands to get them back in place. If using a clicking style drag, every time it moves in one direction or another it produces noise and can scare off distant fish which just isn’t good enough for me – I prefer my fishing rod reels smooth and simple! And so should you – keep it light!
This matters because heavier drag not only puts unnecessary stress on the line but also requires more physical strength to operate.
For most surf fishing applications, you will not need a heavy drag system on your reel.
The objective for you, as a surf angler, is to stop the fish from running and overtaking the line. To do this, your drag should be set so that it resists their run but allows them to make short runs without letting too much line out or putting too much pressure on the hook link. In other words: enough resistance to put some pressure on the line but not enough to pull it out of the fish’s mouth.
#2: The Reel Seat
The reel seat is where you attach your rod to the reel. It is also important that there are no sharp edges at this point because these can be very dangerous for both you and your opponents! What you want to look for in a reel seat is texture, which will provide you with enough grip to hold the rod and reel in place while fighting large fish.
#3: The Spool
Just like your fishing rod and reels, the fishing line is probably one of the most important pieces of equipment an angler can own. And just like a reel, the spool of a spinning reel is designed to hold and release the line.
The majority of reels in this review come with some type of anti-reverse mechanism that prevents your line from being pulled out while you are trying to fight a fish.
Most modern surf fishing reels have a large arbor that puts less strain on the line and allows you to pick up the slack faster.
Surf fishing reels are designed to cast lighter weights that can’t be handled with spinning or conventional reels.
A surf fishing combo will simply come without a reel, just like many beginners start with a rod and reel which is ready for fishing.
The number of ball bearings you have will determine how smooth your reel is.
All surf fishing reels are designed for saltwater use, which means they are corrosion resistant and more durable than freshwater spinning reels.
So let me show you my findings on some of the best reels for this job:
My Top 20 List Of Best Surf Reels
Shimano Baitrunner D Surf Reel
This is a one of the best surf fishing reel by Shimano and will provide you with everything that they promise in their specifications – which is great quality. It has an amazing 80mm diameter spool to handle large coils of the line but also makes casting effortless. This isn’t my favorite model (no offense), because it’s on the bigger side and not great for on-land use. This is one of the best saltwater spinning reels on the market for this reason, but if you are looking for more compact gear then check out some others further down my list!
Pros: Excellent build quality Easy to cast due to large spool slot Reasonable size
Cons: A bit heavy Expensive
We have a review of the best Shimano saltwater reels you can read.
Sougayilang Spinning Reels 10000 Series
This is also a good buy – one of the best spinning reels to use for surf fishing. It has great performance at an affordable price, which is always my favorite thing to look out for! The reel comes with a fully adjustable drag system so you can stop even the biggest fish in their tracks, and it comes in many different sizes so you can choose the right reel for you. It’s also good to have a spare spool so you can switch lines quickly according to conditions.
Pros: Great price Affordable LIFETIME warranty Good quality
Cons: Drag system is not the best Doesn’t come with spare spool
KastKing Sharky III Surf Fishing Reel
A great choice if you want to get serious about surf fishing. This is one of the best saltwater spinning reels that I have seen in terms of build quality and performance for this price, which is why it has become one of my favorite models! It comes with large arbor spool designs that maximize casting distance without putting too much pressure on your arms or wrist, which is great for long fishing sessions. It also has a very smooth drag system that will stop even the biggest of fish in their tracks!
Pros: Great value for money LIFETIME warranty Smooth drag system
Cons: Not fully stainless steel Worm gear can rust
PENN Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
A great choice if you want to get serious about surf fishing. This is one of the best saltwater spinning reels that I have seen in terms of build quality and performance for this price, which is why it has become one of my favorite models! It comes with large arbor spool designs that maximize casting distance without putting too much pressure on your arms or wrist, which is great for long fishing sessions. It also has a very smooth drag system that will stop even the biggest of fish in their tracks!
Pros: Great value for money LIFETIME warranty Smooth drag system
Cons: Not fully stainless steel Worm gear can rust
Penn Pursuit III & Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel
This is another great model by Penn! It has a corrosion-resistant frame and side plates, six shielded ball bearings, and a high-strength graphite fiber drag system for stopping even the biggest fish in their tracks. Plus, it’s built to handle strong fishing lines at its full capacity of 20lbs, which was something I found very impressive. This makes it one of the best saltwater spinning reels for beach fishing!
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: A bit on the heavy side
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel
This is another good choice for this job! It has many great features that have been taken from the extremely popular Megalodon. The reel has an anti-corrosion graphite body with six stainless steel bearings, which will maximize your fishing experience and make it last much longer. Also, its special drag system is specifically designed to handle huge fish that are up to 100lbs, which again is something I found very impressive.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Quite heavy
KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel
This model is another great choice for surf fishing reel! One of the main reasons why I like it so much is that it can handle multiple fishing lines at a time, which increases your fishing efficiency and lets you catch more fish in a short amount of time. It’s also built to be very durable and long-lasting, which was something else I really liked about it!
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Not fully stainless steel Worm gear can rust
PENN Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel
The PENN Slammer III has been reintroduced after a popular demand. For heavy-duty fishing from boats or land, and trusted by charter captains all over the world, the Slammer III reels are designed for surf fishing with new IP67 Sealed System, which prevents water from entering the gear box and drag system.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Quite heavy
Shimano Socorro SW Heavy Duty Saltwater Fishing Reel
This is yet another fantastic option for this task! It has several fantastic features that have been borrowed from the very popular Socorro. Its tough graphite body and side plates add to its longevity and allow you to catch more fish without having to worry about your equipment! Furthermore, its corrosion-resistant graphite body and side plates make it an even
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
No Cons!
Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel
Another excellent option for this work! It has a lot of really nice features and is well-made. The reel includes a graphite body and side plates, titanium-coated line guide inserts, and seven ball bearings. It’s also capable of withstanding big fishing lines at its maximum capacity of 13 lbs, which I thought was pretty incredible.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Quite heavy
Penn - Conflict II Spinning Reel
Another excellent option for this position! It includes a number of outstanding features that were taken from the very popular Conflict II. The reel includes six stainless steel ball bearings, ensuring a sturdy and smooth fishing experience every time you use it. Its graphite body and side plate also make it one of the most durable spinning reels on the market.
Pros: High-quality materials, long-lasting.
Not completely stainless steel worm gear can rust.
Okuma Avenger ABF B Series Bait feeder Reels
This is yet another fantastic alternative for this role! It includes several features that have been taken from the extremely successful Avenger ABF. The body of the reel is composed of corrosion-resistant graphite, which will make your fishing expedition more pleasant and efficient. Furthermore, it can withstand strong fishing lines without breaking or snapping, making it ideal for big fish
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
The stainless steel handle is not completely rust-proof. The worm gear can corrode if you leave it in contact with water for an extended period of time.
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
This is another fantastic alternative! It has a number of appealing characteristics that make it an excellent choice for fishermen. I adored the small size and low-profile design, which provided good cranking power despite its compact nature. The reel also includes stainless steel ball bearings and a multi-disc carbon fiber drag system to guarantee smooth operation when catching fish.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
No Cons!
OKUMA Reels Surf 8K Spinning Reel
We recommend this product highly! It includes a number of great features that make it an excellent choice for surf fishing. Firstly, the reel is designed with a graphite body and side plates to make sure that it is both lightweight and durable. In addition, you can also rely on its 8 ball bearings to provide efficient spinning motion every time you use it.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: The line retrieval is a bit slow and the reel needs constant adjusting. The handle knobs are not very sturdy.
SHIMANO Thunnus 8000 CI4 Offshore Saltwater Spinning Reel
This is one of the most feature-rich reels I’ve ever seen! It has a number of great features that make it excellent for fishermen. Firstly, the reel comes equipped with A-RB (Anti Reverse Bearing). This allows you to catch fish more efficiently and comfortably. In addition, Shimano included eight ball bearings in this model to make sure that it is both smooth and sturdy.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Line could come off the spool while fishing
KastKing Valiant Eagle Gold Spinning Reel
This is another fantastic alternative! The product’s body is made of lightweight graphite and has side plates for added durability without reducing portability. It also includes eight stainless steel ball bearings that are corrosion-resistant, ensuring a smooth fishing experience every time you use them.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Not 100% stainless steel and the handle knob is made of plastic. Cranking and retrieval aren’t smooth at times. The rubber grips don’t stay attached to the reel very well.
Daiwa Fishing Reels Spinning 8000
Another great product you should consider is this model! It has a number of appealing features that make it an obvious choice for fishermen. Firstly, the reel comes equipped with eight corrosion-resistant bearings to make sure it’s sturdy and smooth every time you use it. In addition, the stainless steel gears are resistant to rusting, allowing you to use them in salt water without worrying it will corrode.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
Cons: Not much to complain about!
Zebco Pro Spincast Reel
This is one of the best products you could invest in! It has a number of great features that make it an excellent choice for people who like to catch fish. I adored the lightweight and compact design of this product, which is ideal for people who enjoy surfing and fishing. In addition, it comes with a 5:1 gear ratio that enables you to reel faster than ordinary models.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance
No Cons!
Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel
This is a great alternative if you don’t want to spend too much money. It has a number of fantastic features that make it an excellent choice for surf fishing. Firstly, it comes equipped with six corrosion-resistant ball bearings, which provide the reel with efficient spinning motion every time you use it. In addition, this product is designed with a compact and lightweight build to make fishing even more enjoyable for you.
Pro: High-quality materials, long life Remark: Highly recommended!
Cons: The brake system isn’t very good. You can retrieve it smoothly but the catch is not always great.
KastKing Speed Demon Saltwater Surf Spinning Reel
If you’re looking for a reel that offers smooth operation, look no further than this model! This product comes equipped with six stainless steel ball bearings and a durable aluminum body, making it both smooth and corrosion-resistant. In addition, the reel provides accurate casting and retrieves with minimal cranking.
Pros: Durable High-quality materials Great performance No jamming
Cons: The handle knob is made of plastic and the reel tends to wobble.
Conclusion:
And there you have it, our review about the 20 best surf fishing reels! As I mentioned earlier, these reviews were written to help people who wanted to know what they should buy without having to do too much research themselves – I hope this helps! If you feel like we missed anything then let us know in the comment section below. Also, let us know if you have any experience with these products, we would love your input!
Remember to check out the other guides on our website for more great articles and reviews about fishing! Thanks again for reading and happy fishing!
Be sure to read our best surf fishing rods review!
What size reel is best for surf fishing?
I recommend a 4000 to 6000 series spinning reel with a 15# to 25# braided line for general purpose surfing. A setup in this price range will land 90% of the common beach species you are likely to see.
Is a 6000 reel good for surf fishing?
A 9-foot rod and a 5000 or 6000-size reel are the most popular beach and pier combinations. It should have the backbone to launch a 2- or 3-ounce lure into the surf, but not be overkill for smaller bluefish and schoolie stripers. In terms of weight, this medium-heavy rod has enough backbone for a large fish, while the reel can handle plenty of line.
Surf fishing reels glossary
Ball Bearing: A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between the moving parts of the bearing. The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. It achieves this by using at least two races to contain the balls and transmit the loads through the balls.
Baitcaster: A baitcaster is a fishing reel designed to cast baits and lures. The baitcaster sits on top of the rod and is held in place by a trigger or thumb bar. Baitcasters are generally considered more difficult to use than spinning reels, but they offer more precise casting and greater control over the bait.
Braided Line: Braided line is a type of fishing line that is made from multiple strands of synthetic material that are braided together. Braided line is stronger and more abrasion-resistant than monofilament line, but it can be more difficult to cast and can tangle more easily.
Drag: The drag is a device on a fishing reel that applies friction to the line as it is being pulled out. The drag allows the fisherman to control the amount of line that is being let out, and it also helps to prevent the line from breaking.
Fly Reel: A fly reel is a type of fishing reel that is designed specifically for fly fishing. Fly reels are typically larger than other types of fishing reels, and they have a drag system that is designed to protect the delicate tippet from being torn by the fish.
Gear Ratio: The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of rotations of the spool to the number of rotations of the handle. The gear ratio determines how much line is being let out with each turn of the handle, and it can be used to control the speed at which the line is being retrieved.
Line Capacity: The line capacity is the maximum amount of line that a fishing reel can hold. The line capacity is typically measured in yards or meters, and it can be an important consideration when choosing a fishing reel.
Monofilament Line: Monofilament line is a type of fishing line that is made from a single strand of synthetic material. Monofilament line is cheaper than braided line, but it is also less strong and more susceptible to being damaged by knots.
Overhead Reel: An overhead reel is a type of fishing reel that sits on top of the rod. Overhead reels are typically used for heavier lines and larger fish, and they offer more power and control than other types of fishing reels.
Spinning Reel: A spinning reel is a type of fishing reel that sits below the rod. Spinning reels are typically used for lighter lines and smaller fish, and they offer more ease of use than other types of fishing reels.
Trolling Reel: A trolling reel is a type of fishing reel that is designed for trolling. Trolling reels are typically larger than other types of fishing reels, and they have a higher gear ratio that allows them to retrieve the line more quickly.
Weight Forward Line: A weight forward line is a type of fishing line that has the majority of its weight concentrated near the front end. Weight forward lines are designed to cast more easily and to provide more accuracy when casting.
Max drag: The max drag is the maximum amount of force that the drag system on a fishing reel can apply. The max drag is typically measured in pounds, and it is an important consideration when choosing a fishing reel.
Pitch: The pitch is the distance that a fishing reel travels in one revolution of the handle. The pitch can be an important consideration when choosing a fishing reel, as it can affect the speed at which the line is being retrieved.
Pre-spooled: Pre-spooled means that the fishing reel already has line on it. Pre-spooled reels are typically more expensive than other types of fishing reels, but they can save time and effort when setting up for a fishing trip.
Retrieve rate: The retrieve rate is the speed at which the line is being retrieved. The retrieve rate can be an important consideration when choosing a fishing reel, as it can affect how quickly the fish can be brought in.
Spincast reel: A spincast reel is a type of fishing reel that has a spinning mechanism. Spincast reels are typically easier to use than other types of fishing reels, and they offer more control over the line.
