Are you having problems with your surf fishing rod? Maybe you have purchased the wrong one. Here are things you need to consider and tips on choosing the right surf fishing rod for the particular type of shore fishing. Included in this post are the five best surf fishing rods available in the market.
Use surf rods when fishing from a rocky shoreline. It has two essential functions – one is to get a baited hook from the farthest distance, and two, to pull the fish back in, amidst the breaking waves, to the shore. Thus surf rod is built for power and distance.
Table of Contents
Tips on Choosing a Surf Rod
Length
The available range of surf rods is from 9 to 14 feet in length. The length is a vital factor to consider and depends on the angler’s physical ability. For shorter anglers, you should find a rod with the shorter end of the spectrum for convenience and comfort during surf fishing. The length is the most important element that will contribute to the casting distance. Length is essential when surf fishing because the objective is to present the lure or bait past the breaking waves. Also, the larger the species of fish the anglers are targeting, the bigger the rod is needed as it can survive more leverage. The rod with 10 to 12 feet long is the suggested length for most anglers. (outdoorproshop.com)
Power
Another important factor to consider is the power of the surf rod. The power is the strength of the rod or its lifting capability and may vary from light to heavy. Most anglers prefer a medium-heavy type of surf fishing rod. This kind of fishing bar will display the most versatile option for most anglers. Also, choose the one with a suitable line. The heavy the strength of the rod the better it will perform with heavier line. The risk of breaking is higher in a lighter line. (drowningworms.com)
Action
The action refers to the taper or bend of the rod under pressure. The rod with fast action bends nearer the tip, while the one with slow action bends from the center. The bending and tapering are vital when it comes to casting distance. The fast tip rod will provide better casting distance and is ideal when fishing lures in the surf. The fast action rod is ideal for rigs with a single hook. The slower – medium action surf rods are perfect for treble hooks since they don’t require the setting power of single hooks. (surf-fishanybeach.com)
Real Seats and Handles
Most anglers overlook the importance of reel seats and handles. The reel seats should have a non-corrosive material like graphite. Although metal alloy reel seats are not that bad, it might corrode over time. The handles are quite long, which is vital for the two-hand casting method used to throw bait with some distance over the powerful waves. The handles are made from foam or cork and are just a matter of preference for the angler when deciding which surf rod to choose. A high-quality graphite reel seat is the best option. (outdoorproshop.com)
For Live Bait
Live bait fishing requires a medium-fast action and a somewhat stiff tip surf fishing rod. Since this type of angling involves heavy sinkers and big baits the mentioned features are needed. You should not use rods with soft tips since it may tend to bend too much to provide the best casting distance and sturdiest hook set.
For Lures
For the purpose of casting lures, you need a rod with a medium-fast to fast action surf fishing rod since it provides the tip speed to lash the smaller baits longer distance.
Top 5 Best Surf Fishing Rod
1. PENN Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
The PENN Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is designed for surf anglers seeking power, performance, and reliability along the coast.
Constructed with a durable graphite composite blank, this rod offers the perfect blend of strength and sensitivity, enabling you to cast farther while maintaining control and responsiveness.
Outfitted with PENN’s premium graphite reel seat and stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, the Squadron III ensures smooth line flow and lasting durability in tough saltwater environments.
With an ergonomic, non-slip rubber shrink tube handle, it provides a secure grip even in wet conditions.
Ideal for targeting a variety of inshore and surf species, the PENN Squadron III Surf Spinning Rod is built to withstand the elements and deliver exceptional performance cast after cast.
2. Okuma Graphite Longitude Surf Fishing Rods
Okuma Longitude Surf Fishing Rods is a durable rod and reel combo and has been tried and tested for optimal performance. All the fishing gears are of high-quality materials. It’s because of this why anglers depend on products manufactured by Okuma. The Okuma Longitude is 10-foot rod ideal for surf fishing and is lightweight, extremely sensitive and well-balanced because of its durable fiberglass. Its EVA grip is very comfortable to handle and prevents it from slipping out on wet hands.
The Okuma Longitude has size 80 spinning reel ideal for catching stingrays, small sharks and other fish found in the surf. It has single ball bearing for accurate and smooth casts, and you will love how fast the reel can retrieve the line. Can hold up to 260 yards of 25-pound line, you can catch even those hiding in the rough surf. The rod is sensitive enough to alert you even a slight nudge of fish on the line so you can start reeling it. Okuma is priced to fit most budgets.
Its 10-foot rod is durable and flexible
Tested for reliability
Has large high-performance spinning reel provides accurate and smooth casting in the surf.
Fish will never swim away from your bait because of its comfortable and sensitive design.
Convenient and easy to use.
At an affordable price.
The rod can become stiff when it is your first cast but will improve after continued use.
This type of reel is not ideal for smaller saltwater fish.
3. St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod
The St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod (TSR) offers exceptional performance for anglers seeking a balance of sensitivity, power, and durability.
Built with high-grade SCII graphite, this rod delivers impressive strength and responsiveness, allowing you to feel even the subtlest bites while maintaining the power needed for a secure hookset.
Featuring finely-tuned action and premium-grade cork handles, the Triumph Spinning Rod ensures a comfortable grip for extended fishing sessions.
Designed to excel in both freshwater and light saltwater conditions, this high-performing rod provides superior casting accuracy and control, making it an ideal choice for anglers at any skill level.
Whether targeting bass, trout, or other species, the Triumph Spinning Rod brings dependable performance to every cast.
4. Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Fishing Rod is engineered for anglers who need toughness and reliability when tackling big fish and rough waters.
Built with Ugly Tech™ construction, it combines fiberglass and graphite for a rod that offers outstanding strength and sensitivity.
The Bigwater series is outfitted with Ugly Tuff™ one-piece stainless steel guides, ensuring durability and preventing insert pop-outs even in harsh conditions.
With its comfortable EVA grips and iconic Ugly Stik Clear Tip® design for enhanced bite sensitivity, this rod delivers dependable performance in saltwater and freshwater environments alike.
Perfect for chasing larger species, the Bigwater Spinning Rod is a must-have for any serious angler looking for unmatched strength and resilience on the water.
5. Shimano Tiralejo Surf Fishing Rod
The Shimano Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rod, model 110 MH 2-Piece, is built for surf anglers who demand both power and precision in challenging conditions.
Measuring 11 feet in length, this medium-heavy rod is crafted using Shimano’s advanced Hi-Power X blank technology, which reinforces the blank with diagonal carbon tape, reducing blank twist and improving casting accuracy.
This design allows for longer, more controlled casts, helping you reach fish further out with less effort.
The rod’s sensitivity enables you to detect subtle bites while maintaining the strength needed to handle powerful fish in tough surf environments.
Its two-piece construction ensures convenient portability without compromising performance, making it ideal for travel and storage.
Outfitted with premium Fuji guides and a custom grip, the Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rod provides superior comfort and durability for extended sessions on the beach.
Whether you’re targeting striped bass, bluefish, or other coastal species, this rod combines the ideal balance of strength, sensitivity, and precision to enhance your surf fishing experience.
Final Words
Among the five best surf fishing rod featured above, we think that Penn Prevail Surf fishing rod is a good choice. It possesses all the ideal qualities a surf fishing rod should have. We consider Okuma as the second best. If you find this review helpful to you, you can share this post to your friends and relatives who are into fishing.
