8 Best Surf Fishing Rods Of 2023

What is the best length for a surf fishing rod?

The parameter for best rod length is customer preference. While there are certain factors that should be considered, such as what species of fish you will be fishing for and where you will be surfing, the final decision rests with the individual.

The average surf rod ranges from 9ft to 11ft long, however many people prefer to use a 7-8ft rod. If you desire a more responsive action and increased sensitivity, you might prefer shorter rods.

If you prefer to reach for the horizon when casting, longer rods will come in handy. These will also help with fighting bigger fish as they give you some room for error when striking and landing larger species of fish such as mahi-mahi, amberjack, and tuna.

For most people, an average length of 9ft is the best choice. 

This site gives you easy maneuverability in choppy surf conditions yet offers enough reach to cast without having to step too far into the surf zone.

What lengths are needed for different species?

Different species require different lengths depending on how they are caught. For instance, you might choose the standard 9ft rod for casting poppers into the surf zone. However, if you are fishing under pier structures then you might need a shorter rod of around 7-8 feet long to be able to cast underneath the structures and reach your target more efficiently.

Fish that live on top of the water can be caught using spinning reels tied to 9ft or 11ft surf rods. The longer rods are good for reaching out, while short rods give you fast action when fighting them once they crash onto your bait.

Fish that require deep drop shots, such as marlin and tuna, usually require 12ft-13ft surf fishing rods. These rods offer backbone when fighting such powerful fish and also reach the depths they inhabit when required.

Fish like redfish, trout, whiting, and flounder can be caught on standard 7ft to 9ft surf fishing rods with a spinning reel. They require less backbone in your rod when dropped back into the water after being pulled up.

The main thing is to match the rod with the fish you are after, regardless of whether it is one that lives on top or on the bottom of the water.

What type of surf rod should I use? Which gives me more distance, longer rods or shorter rods?

Longer surf rods give you the more casting distance when compared to their shorter counterparts. They also have more power behind them when fighting larger species of fish due to the greater length of rod that can be used for leverage. This does not mean that short rods are bad by any means!

When you need a longer casting distance, long surf rods will give you just that without having to step too far into the surf zone. The drawback of this is that some conditions might not be suited to long casts due to choppy or windy weather conditions.

One advantage short rods have is that they give you extra maneuverability in tight spaces where longer rods cannot reach. This can give you an advantage when fishing around rocks, reefs, and other structures found in shallow water.

What kind of rod components are best for saltwater conditions?

There are many features that can make your surf fishing rod better suited to handle more challenging weather and surfing conditions. One of the most important is the type of guides used on the rod. The most common types are either single foot guides or double foot guides.

Double foot guide rods are mainly used for heavy surf fishing. They are very strong and can handle the wear and tear of consistent use in harsh conditions. Single foot guides are more suited to casting lighter lures which will give you up to four times the number of casts before wearing out your reel’s line.

Both single foot and double foot guides require a strong blank to be able to handle the force of being pulled from big surf zone fish. The best rod blanks are made from fiberglass or graphite, which is lighter and stronger than regular bamboo or aluminum alloy rods.

When choosing a rod, always keep in mind just how much abuse your equipment will have to go through when being used in the surf zone. The more you spend on your rod, the more it will be able to resist corrosion from saltwater and handle casting topwater lures without snapping under the pressure.

What is the best surf fishing reel?

Choosing a good quality level wind spinning reel for use in the surf zone is another important aspect of having success while fishing such areas. Saltwater and sand will corrode any reel which is not made from high-quality materials.

We have a comprehensive best surf fishing reels review you can find useful!

FAQs

Is a 10-foot rod good for surf fishing?

A 9 to 12-foot rod is generally adequate and ideal for catching most fish that hold nearshore effectively, with the exception of large predators (such as sharks).

Is a 7-foot rod good for surf fishing?

The rod you have is the best one to surf fish with :). While you may not be able to throw a heavier lure or cast your bait as far, a 6 to the 7-foot rod can catch fish from the water’s surface.

Can I surf fish with an 8-foot rod?

A surf rod that is 8 feet long will work well in water that is calm; otherwise, choose a length of at least 10 feet. The power and action of a surf rod are two other important features. This will be an excellent all-around fishing pole that may also be used to throw heavy sinkers.

Why are surf rods so long?

Longer rods provide you with a longer casting distance. The length can also give you extra leverage when fighting large species of fish, resulting in less tiring out on the angler’s part.

Short rods do not necessarily mean they are bad! Shorter rods allow for an increased level of maneuverability which can help you better navigate through areas. For example, it can help you sneak around rocks and other structures to better position yourself for another cast.

The length of a rod is something to look at when purchasing a surf rod because the average length needed will depend on the water conditions you are going up against. Longer surf rods give you a longer casting distance but also require more effort from you to maneuver.

Short rods are more suited for fishing around rocks, reefs, and other structures found in shallow water.

What is beach fishing?

Beach fishing is a type of fishing that takes place on the shore of a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. It can be done from the beach itself, or from a pier, jetty, or other structure that extends into the water.

What is light tackle surf fishing?

Light tackle surf fishing is a type of fishing that uses light tackle, or small and lightweight fishing gear, to fish in the surf. This type of fishing can be done from the shore, from a pier, or from a boat. Light tackle surf fishing is a great way to catch fish like striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and weakfish. It is also a great way to get started in saltwater fishing.

Surf fishing glossary

Basic Terms

Beach: where the waves break.

Blank: a surf fishing rod with no line or reel attached.

Braid: braided fishing line. Used for its strength and sensitivity.

Break: where the waves begin to form. Also called the point, Surfline, or outside. It can also refer to a section of the beach where waves tend to break consistently in the same place.

Breakwater: a man-made structure built from shore to protect against wind and waves. It can also refer to any natural feature that offers protection from the elements, such as a jetty or reef.

Cast: to throw the line and bait out into the water.

Channel: a deep section of the ocean where water flows between two land masses. Channels are often good places to fish because they concentrate fish in a small area.

Drop-off: a sudden change in depth, often found near channels and reefs.

Dry sand: the part of the beach where the waves never reach.

Float: a bobber used to keep the bait at a specific depth.

Hook: a metal device with a sharp point used to catch fish. The hook is attached to the line and baited with live or artificial bait.

Leader: a length of fishing line attached to the main line. The leader helps to keep the bait away from the fish, making it more likely to take the bait.

Line: fishing line that is used to catch fish. It can be made of different materials, such as nylon, fluorocarbon, or braid.

Live bait: bait that is still alive when cast into the water. Live bait is often more effective than artificial bait because it smells and tastes like food to fish.

Pier: a structure that extends out over the water, typically used for fishing, swimming, or walking.

Reef: a rocky area just offshore where waves break. Reefs can be natural or man-made.

Rod: a long, thin pole used to cast the line and bait into the water. Rods are made of different materials, such as fiberglass, graphite, or bamboo.

Sandbar: a ridge of sand that forms just offshore. Sandbars can be good places to fish because they concentrate fish in a small area.

Set: the act of setting the hook when a fish bites.

Sinkers: weights attached to the line to help sink the bait to the desired depth.

Surf: waves that break on the shore.

Tackle: all the gear used for fishing, such as rods, reels, line, and bait.

Tide: the rise and fall of the ocean’s water level. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Waders: waterproof clothing worn to keep dry while fishing in the surf. Waders can be made of different materials, such as rubber, neoprene, or PVC.

Wet sand: the part of the beach where the waves reach.

Wharf: a structure built out over the water, typically used for loading and unloading ships.

If you are looking for surf fishing reels, we have 20 Best Surf Fishing Reels Review for you