If you’re someone who enjoys fishing, you know there are many rods out there. Surf fishing is a fun option and requires you to wade into the surf or stand on the shoreline. The goal here is to find the best surf fishing rods so that you can make a more informed buying decision.
We found five different products, some of which are by the same manufacturer. All of them are for the specific task of surf fishing. You’ll also find a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you learn more about the rods and sport.
Best Surf Fishing Rods: A Review
1. BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
BERRYPRO is one of the newer brands on the market, but that didn’t stop it from becoming highly popular. It’s only been selling since 2017. You’ll primarily find spinning rods, but there are a few bait-casting and traditional casting rods available.
Right now, it is available through third-party sellers. Only Amazon is currently selling the brand, which makes it easy to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality, authentic product.
Product Highlights
The BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod features graphite materials and comes in two or three pieces. You’ll find the 10-foot, 10.6-foot, 11-foot, 12-foot, and 9-foot versions all feature two parts, while the 13-foot version is three pieces. The design used precise data calculations to ensure that it is flexible and tough.
Plus, they are all constructed using X-Carbon technology blanks to give the rod incredible power and sensitivity. This means you can fish without having to do as much work to keep it on the line.
The BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod’s fishing guide is made with stainless steel and a ceramic ring, which makes it smoother to help minimize the friction between the guide and line. The poles feature quality components, including EVA grips, high-strength reel seating, and non-slip tube designs.
Of course, the guide is aligned precisely to the spine’s blank. If you’re making a long cast, the alignment will decrease friction on the line as the bait is cast.
What We Like
We were very impressed with the overall sleekness of the design. The pole itself has some sort of anti-slip gripping feature. This protects the hands and keeps it from sliding out of your grip. Plus, the base is flared, which can also protect your grip.
What We Don’t Like
There isn’t much to dislike about the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod, but we do wish that all the sizes broke down into three or more pieces. Think about a 12-foot rod broken into two parts; they’re still six feet long, which is hard to pack for travel.
However, don’t think that this is necessarily the end of the world. Most people account for long poles and have the proper methods of transporting them. If you purchase a case or use a large duffel bag, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Pros:
- Excellent casting response
- Light but well-balanced blank
- Slim blank
- Works well for large fish
Cons:
- Issues with damage during shipping
- No carrying case included
2. Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
There are plenty of well-known makers of surf fishing rods, and Fiblink is not well known. It’s a newer brand that hasn’t been on the market long, but it does seem to offer a variety of excellent products for surf fishermen.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of their products, you will have to do so online. Currently, the brand is available through its company website and on third-party e-commerce sites, such as Amazon.
Product Highlights
When it comes to surf fishing, you need a sensitive pole. The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod features solid carbon-fiber construction. This helps with the action and gives increased sensitivity when it is needed most.
The stainless steel and ceramic guide ensure smoothness so that the line has less friction and longer casts. That also means there will be fewer transferring vibrations from your line, which enhances sensitivity.
You’ll find that the non-slip tube handle is made of rubber and features a tapered rear grip, which ensures better strength. Of course, it will be more comfortable to hold for long periods, as well.
The reel seat is also made of stainless steel. It provides tapered hood transitions below and above the protective cap.
What We Like
We were impressed with the fact that the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod came in two or four pieces and plenty of sizes. It’s ideal to find the size you require based on where you’ll be fishing from and your height.
Plus, if you choose the four-piece ensemble, you can break it down more, which is ideal for traveling. Generally, the four-piece Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod model also features more guides.
What We Don’t Like
The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod tip might break during casting. Even if you choose the right line, it could break or snap. It seems that the connectors are at fault here.
Of course, the company does offer a warranty, but it is worrisome. If the item breaks during the guarantee, you can send it back for a replacement. When it’s out of warranty, you’re stuck.
Pros:
- Lightweight and thin
- Balances well
- Rubber grips
- Comes with a nylon carrying case
Cons:
- Problems with rod snapping at connectors
- Fragile tips
- Must use a tiny reel to reduce risk of snapping the line
- Shipping issues (damaged or broken)
3. TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
TICA is a brand that has been around for many decades. It was founded in 1965 under the Everwinner brand name in Taiwan.
Primarily, it manufactured athletic equipment and machined parts. With time, it introduced high-quality fishing gear on the global market. You can find this brand in a variety of specialty stores, but it is also available from third-party e-commerce sites.
Product Highlights
When it comes to surf fishing, the rod you choose is essential. You’ll find that the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod comes in a variety of sizes. It ranges from eight feet long to 12 feet long and comes in medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and x-heavy.
This two-piece rod is constructed using TC3 graphite material. It’s quite durable, so it is designed to last for a long time. Of course, it also features high-quality ring guides, tip-top guide, and reel seat.
The handle of the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is made of non-slip cork, which is slightly different than other models. Nonetheless, it does the job well and will not hurt your hands while you’re fishing. It also includes handmade diamond wraps along the base.
The TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is designed to match well with a variety of reel series from Tica. These include Scepter, Samira, Talisman, and Abyss.
What We Like
The one thing we were initially taken with is that the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod features the sliding and foldable hook keeper. Though most people don’t think about it, you need to have quick access to your hook, fly, or lure. It’s easy to do that with this built-in feature.
Plus, you can put it in the container and then slide it up or down the pole to meet your particular needs. It can also be folded in on itself, depending on the type of things you keep inside of it.
What We Don’t Like
We weren’t altogether excited about the cork used for the TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod’s handle. While cork can be easier to grip than smooth metal, it doesn’t have the squish and give that rubber has. Plus, we worry that fishers who fish for hours might get hand cramps.
Pros:
- Light and thin
- Excellent reel seat; does its job without having to tighten
- Loads quickly
- A fair amount of flex
Cons:
- Feels slightly loose or a twist when casting
- Not the most ideal for traveling
- Might be a bit too long; consider sizing carefully
4. Fiblink Three-Piece Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
As mentioned, the Fiblink brand is quite new on the market. It seems to be holding its own, so it might be an up-and-coming option for surf fishers. You’ll find these products on Amazon.
Product Highlights
The Fiblink Three-Piece Surf Spinning Fishing Rod features carbon-fiber technology to increase stiffness and decrease weight. Therefore, it will offer more sensitivity and better performance actions.
The product features stainless steel and ceramic guide construction. Your line won’t slow down in the guide, and it will be smoother. There may also be fewer vibrations from your line and in your hand.
Since you are probably going to be in the water or near it, you need a good non-slip grip. The rubber used on the Fiblink Three-Piece Surf Spinning Fishing Rod’s handle is excellent. Plus, it has a tapered rear grip connection for more security and strength.
Keep in mind that the reel seat is made of plastic, though it is quite durable. The tapered hood transitions are stainless steel and sit above or below the reel seat protection cap.
What We Like
We were happy that you could find a Fiblink product that broke down into three separate pieces. When traveling, this is ideal because the pieces are smaller and can easily be put in a suitcase or carry-on bag.
Plus, there are three different lengths with two action speeds, including medium and moderate-fast. We also like that the line weight is up to 20 pounds with a lure weight of up to three ounces.
What We Don’t Like
The Fiblink Three-Piece Surf Spinning Fishing Rod does come with a carrying case, which we thought would be what we liked most. Unfortunately, it’s not going to hold anything but the rod itself. While that needs protection, so does your reel and all the other accessories.
Pros:
- Smooth, responsive action
- Perfectly aligned line guides
- Reel seat fits many products
- Compact
- Sensitive response
Cons:
- Tight ferules for the rod
- Storage bag doesn’t hold anything but the rod
- Soft ceramic guide inserts
5. Santiam Fishing Rods Travel Rod
If you’re interested in a company that focuses on quality, Santiam Fishing Rods offers this. The manufacturer designs all the rods in Oregon, though the rods are tested in Alaska and Washington. Of course, the goal of these rods is to be convenient and excellent for travel.
Though the company has been around for a while, it primarily sells its products online through its website. It can also be found on third-party e-commerce sites, with Amazon being the primary option.
Product Highlights
You’ll find that the Santiam Fishing Rods Travel Rod includes four pieces, which when combined are 10 feet long. The blank is made of composite, which is quite common for such products. Each section is just 33 inches long, which is ideal for traveling by air.
This rod is quite durable and designed primarily for distance casting. It’s ideal for both freshwater and saltwater conditions, as well. It also comes with a durable travel case, so you can keep the item protected when not in use.
The X flock grip is slimmer, which ensures ease of casting. You’ll also find the reel seat isn’t made of plastic like many others. Aluminum is used for the reel seat and the guides, which ensures durability.
What We Like
Primarily, we were impressed that the Santiam Fishing Rods Travel Rod featured aluminum oxide guides. Almost all of the other products used ceramic and stainless steel. Both options are suitable, but aluminum is ideal because it is a bit stronger and can still withstand severe elements.
What We Don’t Like
Though the grip was supposed to be slim to make the Santiam Fishing Rods Travel Rod easier to cast, we thought it was still a bit wide. However, that wasn’t an issue for us, and we like a wider grip. Those with small hands or people who want to fish for extended periods might have a problem, though.
Pros:
- Freshwater and saltwater applications
- Smooth, far casting
- Stiff rod base
- Slow-to-medium action with a bit of a bend
- Breaks down into four sections
- Easy to travel with
Cons:
- The grip feels slightly sticky
- Peeling of grip material may occur
- Needs more securely fastened guides
Buyer’s Guide
Before you rush out and buy a surf fishing rod, you need to know how to select the right one. In most cases, it comes to your style. Of course, you’re surf fishing, which means being on a shoreline or in the surf, but there are still some features you should consider before making a final decision.
1. Size
You’ll find that surf rods are quite large, up to 12 feet long. It’s ideal to find something that is large enough but that you can still wield easily. In most cases, your height plays a role in the size of the rod you need.
You should also consider collapsibility. Many rods are only designed to break down into two pieces. With a 12-foot rod, that’s still six feet long and needs to be kept safe when not in use and while traveling.
It’s best to consider rods that are easy to take apart, as well. You may be in a rush at the end of your day, but you still need to break it down and store it properly.
2. Build and Material
Generally, you will use this equipment a lot. Nevertheless, even if you don’t get out to fish often, you still have to consider how you’ll get it to the fishing spot. Thus, it’s best to search for a durable fishing rod.
The material used to make the rod is essential. Usually, composite and graphite are the ideal options, but this can have issues with sensitivity and flexibility.
3. Flexibility or Sensitivity
Rods should be bendable to some degree, but they shouldn’t break. You’re likely to find large fish, sometimes called monsters, while at the shore or surf. As such, you must believe that your gear is strong enough to catch them and reel them in.
As for sensitivity, this is one of the most important aspects of feeling the strikes from the fish. Hyper-sensitive gear is the best since it will allow you to feel more strikes.
4. Handles and Reel Seats
Most people overlook the handle and reel seat when comparing different rods, but this is a mistake. The reel seat needs to be made of non-corrosive materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or graphite.
Your rod handle is designed to be quite long to make it easier to cast fluidly. Plus, you will likely use the two-hand cast method. Generally, cork or foam is used for the handle, though newer models may feature rubber.
FAQ
1. How Do I Pick the Best Rod Length for Surf Fishing?
There is no easy answer to this question, and we apologize for that. The best length is the one that allows you to cast the distance you desire. If you want to throw farther than you’re used to doing, a longer rod might be ideal.
On the other hand, if you want frequency and speed, a shorter rod might work better for you. It’s also essential that you focus on what you can actually wield and for how long. Sometimes, shorter is better if you want to fish for long periods.
2. Which Materials Are Best for Surf Rods?
Generally, there are three options: fiberglass, graphite, or composite. Most of the models we talked about were made of graphite, which is the preferred option of anglers.
Graphite tends to be more powerful and sensitive when it comes to weight casting. They might also have faster actions than fiberglass because the rod tip to the first 1/3 of the rod is flexible.
Since you have less flex along the length, they’re usually extra-fast or fast action. In a sense, graphite models can go from flexible to stiff almost instantly because it’s all in the tip.
3. What Does Rod Action Mean, and Why Is It Important?
A rod’s action indicates how much the rod will bend while you use it. There are a variety of types, including medium-heavy, light, heavy, and x-heavy. The action influences where the rod will bend, which is either at the tip or base.
4. What’s Rod Power Mean?
Rod power talks about how much force is necessary to bend the rod. This is definitely something to consider when buying your rod. It will predict how big of a fish you can catch and how strong the rod is altogether.
5. Will I Need a Special Rod in Different Waters?
No, any surf fishing rod is designed to be used in both fresh- and salt-water applications. That said, it might be ideal to choose a non-corrosive material for the reel seat if you plan to fish in both water types. That way, it won’t degrade when you use it in saltwater fishing situations.
6. Which Is Better: Two- or Four-Pieces?
Though most fishers will tell you that it’s all about preference, there can be times when you need to break the rod down into four pieces. For example, if you travel a lot or don’t have a lot of storage space, four parts will make the entire thing smaller.
Remember, these rods are up to 12 feet long. Breaking it down into four pieces ensures that you only have to find space for three feet instead of six. You must also consider the connectors. The more connections you have to make, the easier it is for the rod to snap.
It might also be helpful to choose a product that comes with a carrying case. You’ll find it is designed to store the rod perfectly, which keeps it safe until you need to use it again.
Final Verdict
With so many surf fishing rods on the market, it’s tough to pick the right one. We focused on five different products so that you could have something to compare. We also chose one of the best surf fishing rods that we think will be beneficial to you.
Though it was a toss-up, we do feel that the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is ideal with its EVA grips and non-slip design of the handle. The TICA UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod comes a close second with its foldable, sliding hook keeper.