Choosing The Right Rod For Surf Fishing – A Complete Guide

Surf fishing is an angling adventure and especially exciting when you land the big one. Fishing right in the surf or on a pier, jetty, or some other land-based structure is a specialized type of angling and requires the right tackle that matches the type of fish you plan to catch. If you are new to surf fishing, choosing the right rod can seem overwhelming—before you shell out the clams for a rod—let’s have a look at some information that will help you decide which surf rod is the best for you. 

Essential items to consider when you are looking to purchase a surf rod are length, target species, type of rod (spinning or conventional), rod material, action, and power. Considering these details helps you make an educated decision about which surf rod to purchase. 

Let’s have an in-depth look at what you should think about when buying a surf rod. This guide will outline the basics, and once you’ve read it, you’ll have a better understanding of the surf rod that will work best for you. Keep reading to learn how to decide which is the best choice for your surf fishing adventure. 

How to Choose the Right Surf Fishing Rod 

Surf fishing is a specialized type of fishing which means purchasing a specialty surf fishing rod. Things that make a surf fishing rod different from other types of rods are that it is longer and more robust since casting distance is a huge consideration, and they are heavier to land larger species of fish. Surf rods need to be built tough to withstand the rigorous conditions of the saltwater environment, yet light enough so that the fishing experience doesn’t wear you down. 

Here are variables to consider:

• Target Species- Deciding on the type of species you want to fish for is important in determining the kind of rod you’ll purchase. The rod you’ll pick for flounder or pompano will be different from the rod you’ll use to land a striped bass or a shark. If you are unsure of what you want to catch, check out this excellent resource for what you can catch when you are surf fishing. 
• Rod Length- Typical surf fishing rod lengths are 6 to 15 feet, and length is significant for this type of fishing. A longer rod helps you cast further—one of your goals is to lob bait or lure out beyond the surf. A shorter rod gives you more leverage to be able to land large fish species. 
• Spinning or Conventional- This choice is about your preference for a spinning or conventional reel—choose the rod that goes with your preferred reel. A spinning rod is an excellent choice if you don’t know which to pick because it’s easier to learn to cast. Need more information on choosing the best reel? More on spinning reels here. 
• Graphite or Fiberglass- What material should you choose for your rod? Graphite is stiffer, more sensitive, and more expensive. Fiberglass is more flexible, stronger, and costs less. Composites are a mix of materials and combine the best of both graphite and fiberglass. Which one you choose is a personal preference decision; however, many surf anglers prefer the strength of graphite or composite rods. 
• Action- Rod action is where the pole bends with pressure applied to the tip. Common action categories are slow, medium, and fast. Fast rods provide better sensitivity, and the cast is more precise. Medium and slow rods hold your lure or bait better and allow for further casting. Experienced surf anglers tend to recommend medium to fast rods because they provide great control, you can cast further, and the sensitivity level is high. Consider a slow-action rod for surf fishing when you need the extra energy or action to cast your bait further out, and conditions are calm. 
• Power- Probably one of the more important considerations when choosing a new surf rod, the power (also known as weight) of a rod is the effort or energy it takes to bend the rod. When selecting the power of a rod, the primary consideration will be the weight of the lure or weight you will be casting regularly. Rod power is broken down into these categories: light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy and extra-heavy. Medium to medium-heavy rods are good choices for beginners unsure of what species they are targeting. Heavy to extra heavy when targeting larger fish species or where you are presenting heavy bait and lures. 

Besides all the variables listed above, you’ll need to consider whether you will active surf fish or spike surf fish; these are the two ways you can fish along the shore. Spiked is the more popular of the two; this is where you cast your bait out, put your rod in a specialized holder, and wait for a bite. Active surf fishing is continuous casting and usually involves artificial lures. Peruse this article with more detailed information on this subject and surf fishing with a 6ft or a 7ft rod. This decision will be based on personal preference, and there are advantages to each style of fishing. 

• Spiked Surf Fishing- The advantages of spiked surf fishing are that you can place your rod or several right in a rod holder or sand spike, sit back and relax, and wait for a fish to strike your hook or hooks (you set up several rods). If you want to spike fish, you’ll need to make sure you purchase or make a sand spike to hold your rod while keeping an eye on things. 
• Active Surf Fishing- This style of angling is precisely what it sounds like—active engagement in catching fish—similar to fly-fishing or bass fishing, where you continually present your lure or bait. Many consider active surf fishing a great way to stay active and challenge yourself and your fishing strategies. 

We’ve covered a lot of ground; let’s jump in and have a look at some of the best surfcasting rods out there on the market and what makes them top-of-the-line picks. 

The Top 3 Picks for the Best Long Casting Surf Rods Under $100

Before we delve into our top picks for long casting surf rods, let’s look at what a long casting surf rod is and what you should consider when purchasing one. 

A long casting surf rod is a longer, heavier rod that helps cast your lure (and weight) over the waves and beyond the surf. The length and the strength of the rod assist you in achieving this goal. 

You’ll want to pick a built strong rod made with parts suited for a harsh marine environment—look for materials like stainless steel and aluminum oxide—and features like shrink-wrapped handles for a secure grip in all kinds of conditions. Consider a graphite or a composite rod for the additional strength. 

Here are three rods series that measure up as excellent long casting surf rods: 

• Penn Prevail Surf Casting Rods– The Prevail series of rods range in length from 8’ to 12’ and cast a whopping 6 ounces of weight—plus your bait—100 yards beyond the surf. Surf anglers rave about the flawless finish and strong guides, the reasonable price point, and its ability to get your tackle out where you want it. Penn has a one-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. 
• Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods– This Okuma series ranges from 8’ to 12’, and the longest version (12’) can launch 3 to 8 ounces of lure weight out where the fishing is best. The graphite rod is strong yet sensitive to bites and nibbles and designed with longevity in mind from materials that are best for use in the marine environment. Okuma rods carry a lifetime warranty.
• Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rods– The Shakespeare Ugly Stik has an excellent reputation (and a great price point) in this category. This series of rods range from 6’ to 15’ feet, and the rod is a graphite and fiberglass combo for strength and flexibility. The 10’ rod can cast 2 to 6 ounces of lure weight way out beyond the surf line. Ugly Stiks carry a 10-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. 

These brands are great choices for long casting rods; each series has a wide selection of lengths to choose from that cover a vast number of potential fishing opportunities. 

Top 3 Picks for the Best All-around Surf Casting Rods over $100 

If you have the extra clams to shell out for a higher quality surf casting rod, we’ve included these picks that are the best all-around surf fishing rods on the market today for over $100. 

• Daiwa Ballistic Telescopic Surf Fishing Rod– The telescopic Daiwa rod is a great (and convenient) choice for those wanting a high-end rod that travels easily. The travel length is 22.44,” and the rod extends to 6.23” (there is also a larger version). Made with their X45 carbon fiber design, the performance of this rod is highly rated and matches other detachable rods on the market in terms of balance and action. Daiwa rods come with a two-year warranty.  
• Tsunami SaltX Surf Spinning Rods– The Tsunami SaltX series are excellent rods ranging from 8’6” to 11’. Rave reviews compare the SaltX to a custom-made rod in terms of performance, and perfect for repeated long casting. Made of a proprietary carbon fiber construction with Fuji silicon carbide braid proof, K-frame guides, and along with the other high-quality parts, you can’t go wrong with this brand. 
• St. Croix Rods Avid Series Surf Casting Rod– A top choice for anglers wanting to get their hands on a top-of-the-line surf rod. With three lengths to choose from 10, 11, or 12 feet, the 12 footer casts 6 to 16 ounces of bait the furthest. These are amazing rods backed by the St. Croix Gold Star Tier Warranty Program and well worth the investment. 

So, now that you have some information about excellent choices for surf rods, get yourself out to your local sporting goods, outdoor store, or your neighborhood specialty fishing shop, and ask questions. Try out a few rod recommendations and see how they feel in your hands—it’s one thing to read about all the features—and another to see the product and experience it in person. 

We understand (especially these days) that everyone wants to get the best deal, and online shopping can offer some deep discounts and a few other perks like free shipping. Online shopping is an excellent resource for purchasing high-quality rods. However, we’d recommend (whenever possible) seeing the rod and handling what you are considering before you buy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best size rod for spiked fishing at the beach?

When you are spiked fishing, you are casting out your rig and then putting your rod in a sand spike or rod holder, waiting for fish to strike. There are a few things to consider when choosing the length of your surf fishing rod, and wave action is one of them. 

If you are fishing in relatively calm surf, a shorter rod of 8’ works—you won’t cast as far out due to less wave action. However, if you are fishing in rougher surf, a 10’ to 12’ surf rod is a better choice—you’ll need the length and strength to be able to lob your rig out where you want it to be.

One important thing to consider when using short surf rods is that if you are on a busy beach, people will be passing by at the water’s edge and a longer rod holds your line up and out of the way for beachgoers. 

You’ll need to make sure you have a sand spike or rod holder—read this article for information on must-haves for your day fishing at the beach, including rod holders. 

How far can you cast a surf rod?

The average angler can cast about 55-75 yards. That is more than enough range for most anglers to catch fish in or just beyond the surf. If you aren’t quite there yet, consider a different rod and reel combination to give the extra edge to increase your range. Here’s more information on just how far you can cast with surf rods.  

What is the best size rod for active fishing at the beach?

A great choice for a surf rod for active fishing is 10’ to 12’ and can handle just about any surf fishing situation. If you are fishing in heavy surf, a longer rod 12’ to 15’ is an asset in getting your rig out where you need it to be to catch fish. Keep in mind that you are continually casting when you are active fishing; the longer the rod, the heavier it is. Think about how this might affect how long you plan on fishing for the day or bring several rods of varying lengths to use to get the most of your fishing time. 

What is the best power for a surf fishing rod?

A quick review—power is a rod's ability to bend or lift weight. Weight to consider includes the lure or bait, the sinker, and any heavy objects you use for the terminal tackle and, ultimately, the fish you are wrangling in. A surf rod needs to be able to handle all this weight. 

For surf fishing, an excellent place to start is with a medium to medium-heavy range. This power rating will help you get your rig (weight) out where the fish are, and get the rig and hopefully with a fish back to the shore. 

If you are targeting large salt-water species, move into rods with a heavy or extra heavy rating. 

What size rod is best for beginners to surf fishing?

If you are just getting your feet wet surf fishing, you’ll discover there’s a lot of information to digest, including surf rod length. If you are wondering what length rod to pick, a great all-around size to start with would be in the 8’ to 10’ range. This length covers just about every situation you’ll encounter when surf fishing. 

There are other items that you’ll need. Besides the rod, you’ll need a reel, line, tackle, and tackle bag, and a rod holder if you are spike fishing. If you are looking for a guide on what you need to get started, look at this article. 

A Few Final Thoughts

There’s a lot of information here, and we encourage you to soak it all up, get some advice from fellow anglers about what works for them when they surf fish and start to get your surf fishing gear together and get out there and cast your line. After all, that’s really what it's all about! 

Tight Lines Y'all