Top 5 Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos Reviewed
If you’re on the lookout for the finest surf fishing rod and reel combos, you’ve come to the right place.
When it comes to surf fishing, it’s crucial to have rods and reels that can withstand saltwater corrosion, offer ample casting distance, and possess the necessary strength to handle large oceanic fish. Finding a combination that fulfills all these criteria can be challenging but not impossible. However, even if you manage to find a suitable rod and reel, they may not necessarily be compatible. This is where a rod and reel combo comes in handy, ensuring optimal performance and often at a more affordable price than purchasing them separately.
With that being said, my top recommendation is the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. This exceptional combo boasts both a corrosion-resistant reel and a robust rod, making it more than capable of tackling even the most formidable fish. Moreover, the length of the rod allows for impressive casting distance, enabling you to reach larger fish effortlessly. And to top it off, this combo is reasonably priced, offering excellent value for your money.
However, it’s important to note that no single combo can cater to everyone’s preferences. If the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo didn’t quite catch your interest, don’t worry. I have four other affordable options lined up for you to choose from. So, let’s dive right in and explore these alternatives!
🏆 CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
QUICK OVERVIEW
Top 5 Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
PRODUCTS
FEATURES
- Rod Length: 10 ft
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Guides: Aluminum Oxide
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Ranges from Medium Light to Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
- Power: Ranges from Medium to Medium Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Rod Length: 7-10 ft
- Power: Medium
- Guides: Aluminum Oxide
🏆 OUR EDITOR’S Pick
Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo
Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
- Durable Aluminum Body
- Versatile Sling Mounts
- Inline Bolt System
1. Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo
Features:
To kick things off, let’s introduce the Daiwa BG Surf Combo. This remarkable combo encompasses everything you could desire in a surf fishing setup. It boasts durability, sturdiness, and the ability to cast beyond the breaking surf.
The rod’s aluminum oxide guides offer exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring a long-lasting and robust fishing experience. Additionally, the waterproof drag system prevents any corrosion issues, while the corrosion-resistant aluminum body excels in saltwater conditions. These features combine to create an incredibly durable and reliable rod and reel combo.
With its medium-heavy power and 22 pounds of drag, this combo enables you to confidently tackle significantly large fish.
Furthermore, the 10-foot surf rod delivers ample torque for casting into calm waters, while the size 5000 reel provides more than enough line capacity to handle larger fish.
While these features can be found in other brands as long as they utilize the right materials, what truly sets this surf reel apart is its remarkably smooth drag.
The Daiwa BG spinning reel incorporates a waterproof carbon Automatic Drag (ATD) system. This system ensures a stable and progressive drag, minimizing the risk of losing your catch. The ATD adapts to every phase of the fight, offering faster and more progressive action at the beginning and a firmer hold for increased cranking power in the middle phase. The best part? The entire drag system adjusts itself automatically, hence its name “Automatic Drag.” Additionally, the reel features 6+1 bearings for even smoother operation.
With its unparalleled drag system and impressive specifications, the only drawback of this combo is that it may not handle the largest monster fish. It is strong but has its limitations in that regard.
Nevertheless, in every other aspect, this rod and reel combo is perfect, and you can still catch sizable fish with ease. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, considering what you’re getting, it is worth every penny.
2. Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo
Features:
Moving on, let’s now discuss the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, which stands out as the most powerful, sensitive, and durable surf fishing combo available.
This remarkable surf fishing combo offers an impressive 40 pounds of drag and a heavy power surf rod, making reeling in prize fish and even monster fish a breeze due to its unmatched strength.
However, it’s not limited to targeting only giants. The Penn Spinfisher VI Combo also offers an extra fast action option, allowing you to detect the subtlest tugs from smaller panfish.
In terms of durability, the Penn Spinfisher VI reel features an IPX5 sealed body and spool, incorporating seals in crucial areas to prevent water intrusion. Even the stainless steel bearings are sealed. These features result in outstanding corrosion resistance and durability, surpassing even the Daiwa BG spinning reel.
While the aluminum oxide guides on the Daiwa BG Combo’s rod offer slightly higher corrosion resistance compared to the stainless steel guides on the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod, taking the reel and rod into consideration, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo still outperforms the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in overall durability. This means it has a longer lifespan than the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.
Furthermore, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod is appropriately long for casting the necessary distance in surf fishing. Additionally, this combo includes line capacity rings, allowing you to quickly gauge how much line is remaining.
Considering all aspects, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo excels in power, sensitivity, and durability compared to the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo. Although it may not possess the state-of-the-art drag system of the Daiwa BG Surf Combo, it offers a wider range of fish targeting capabilities and longevity.
Both combos are priced similarly, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prioritize easier fish retrieval, the Daiwa BG Surf Combo is the way to go. However, if you prefer a surf fishing combo that can handle a broader range of fish and withstand more demanding conditions, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo is the ideal choice.
3. Penn Battle III Fishing Rod Combo
Features:
Now let’s move on to the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo, which can be considered as a budget-friendly alternative to the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. It offers similar features and benefits, making it a worthy contender.
In terms of power, the Penn Battle III Combo also provides a heavy power rod option. While its drag capacity of 30 pounds is slightly lower than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s 40 pounds, it is still more than sufficient for tackling large fish. Therefore, both combos exhibit robustness and surpass the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in terms of power.
When it comes to sensitivity, the Penn Battle III Combo is slightly less sensitive. Its most sensitive option is a fast action rod, whereas the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo offers an extra fast action option. Nevertheless, the fast action of the Penn Battle III Combo outperforms the moderate fast action of the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.
Regarding durability, the Penn Battle III Combo features stainless steel guides and sealed stainless steel bearings, much like the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. However, while it possesses a full metal body and sideplates to enhance durability, it falls short of the sealed body and spool of the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. Consequently, it is slightly less rugged than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod.
Apart from these factors, both combos share the same number and type of bearings, as well as a range of rod lengths.
All in all, the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo can be viewed as a more affordable version of the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. Although it may not offer the same level of durability or responsiveness as the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, it still enables you to target a slightly broader range of fish than the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo and can outlast it in terms of longevity.
4. Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Fishing Rod Combo
Features:
When it comes to warranty, the Ugly Stik brand is unbeatable. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Combo is a functional surf fishing combo that offers an impressive 7-year warranty.
However, it’s important to note that while this combo serves its purpose, it may not be considered exceptional. Here’s why:
Ugly Stik is renowned for producing incredibly durable rods, and the Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Combo is no exception. It features Ugly Tech Construction, ensuring legendary toughness. However, the reel’s 1+1 bearings are a noticeable drawback. The limited number of bearings makes retrieving with this reel a bit of a challenge. Additionally, the reel’s only defense against corrosion is its aluminum spool, which is comparatively less advanced than the corrosion-resistant technology found in the previous three combos.
Nonetheless, the Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Combo remains a usable surf fishing combo, as it offers sufficient length for achieving the necessary casting distance and adequate power.
For those seeking a surf fishing combo with an extended warranty for added peace of mind, this is a decent choice. Furthermore, it is available at less than half the price of any of the other combos on the list.
5. Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo
Features:
If none of the previously mentioned combos caught your attention, it’s likely due to price considerations. That’s why I’ve included the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo. This combo offers the most affordable option that can still withstand the demands of surf fishing conditions.
Despite its unbelievably low price, this rod and reel combo provides a suitable starting point for surf fishing. With a surf rod that extends up to 10 ft, you’ll have no trouble casting far enough. The aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel ball bearings can handle saltwater corrosion, although they may require more maintenance. Additionally, the medium power rating allows you to target panfish and slightly larger fish.
Of course, at this price point, compromises must be made. This combo is the least powerful among the options, and it also features only 1+1 ball bearings. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. If you have a tight budget, the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo is your best choice.
What To Look For In Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos
Wondering how to judge whether a surf fishing rod and reel combo is good? Here’s everything you’ll need to consider.
Length
The length of your fishing rod plays a significant role in determining how far you can cast. For casting into calm water, it is recommended to have a fishing rod that is at least 8 feet in length.
Surf rods typically range from 8 to 12 feet in length. An 8-foot rod is well-suited for fishing panfish that are closer to the shore. These shorter rods offer excellent sensitivity, and since you won’t need to cast too far, they are ideal for this purpose.
A 10-foot rod is ideal for casting greater distances, allowing you to reach medium-sized or larger fish that are further out. The extra length provides increased leverage and casting power, enabling you to cover more water and target fish in deeper areas.
If you’re looking to cast even farther to reach monster-sized fish or fish in distant locations, a 12-foot rod would be the most suitable choice. These longer rods maximize casting distance and allow you to reach fish that are situated far offshore.
In summary, choosing the appropriate rod length depends on the fishing conditions and the size of the fish you intend to target. An 8-foot rod offers sensitivity for panfish near the shore, a 10-foot rod provides extra distance for medium-sized fish, and a 12-foot rod is optimal for casting to reach large fish or fishing in remote areas.
Action
The action of a fishing rod refers to how much it bends when pressure is applied to the tip. It is generally categorized as slow, moderate, fast, or extra fast. The action of a rod is directly related to its sensitivity and speed.
A slow action rod bends throughout its length, including the lower section when pressure is applied. This provides greater flexibility and makes it suitable for targeting larger fish that require more power and control.
A moderate action rod bends starting from the middle section, offering a balance between sensitivity and power. It is versatile and can be used for a range of fish sizes, particularly medium-sized fish.
A fast-action rod bends mostly in the top third or quarter of its length. This results in increased sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibbles or tugs. Fast action rods are well-suited for targeting small to medium-sized fish where finesse and sensitivity are crucial.
An extra-fast action rod has the most limited bend, primarily in the topmost section. This provides the highest level of sensitivity, making it ideal for targeting small and lightweight fish species.
When choosing the action of your rod, consider the size of the fish you are targeting. A fast or extra-fast action rod is recommended for increased sensitivity and for detecting the subtlest bites. However, for medium-sized or larger fish, you can opt for a moderate or slow action rod as they offer sufficient power and control. Nonetheless, having more sensitivity is advantageous as it allows you to pursue a wider range of fish species. Therefore, if possible, it is advisable to select a more sensitive rod.
Power
The power, or stiffness, of a fishing rod refers to its strength and ability to handle different fish sizes and fighting conditions. Rod power is typically categorized as ultra-light, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, or extra-heavy.
The choice of rod power depends on the size of the fish you intend to target. As a general guideline, smaller fish require less power, while larger fish necessitate stronger rods.
For panfish or smaller fish like trout, an ultra-light power rod is generally sufficient. However, keep in mind that even panfish can grow to be relatively sizable, so it might be advisable to opt for a medium power rod to provide some extra strength when needed.
When targeting medium-sized fish, such as bass or walleye, a medium-heavy power rod is recommended. This provides a good balance between sensitivity and strength, allowing you to handle the fish effectively.
If you are specifically targeting larger fish or engaging in heavy-duty fishing, such as saltwater fishing or going after trophy-sized fish, it is advisable to select a heavy or extra-heavy power rod. These rods offer the necessary backbone and strength to handle the intense fighting and increased weight associated with larger species.
In summary, the appropriate rod power is determined by the size of the fish you are targeting. An ultra-light to medium power rod is suitable for smaller fish, while a medium-heavy to extra-heavy power rod is preferable for medium-sized to larger fish. Consider the target species and the fishing conditions when selecting the appropriate rod power.
Blank Material
Fishing rods are commonly made from three main materials: carbon fiber (graphite), fiberglass, and composite.
Carbon fiber, also known as graphite, is the lightest and most sensitive material used for rods. It offers excellent sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the subtlest bites and movements. Carbon fiber rods are ideal for fishing panfish or smaller species where finesse and sensitivity are crucial. These rods are lightweight and provide a good balance between strength and sensitivity.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, is the heaviest and least sensitive material used for fishing rods. However, it is known for its exceptional strength and durability. Fiberglass rods are an excellent choice for targeting large and powerful fish, such as trophy-sized or monster fish. They offer the necessary backbone and toughness to handle the intense fights and heavy loads associated with such species.
Composite rods are a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass. This combination provides a balance between sensitivity and strength. Composite rods offer a moderate level of sensitivity while still maintaining durability and robustness. They can be considered as a versatile option, suitable for various fishing scenarios. High-end composite rods can deliver both sensitivity and strength, making them suitable for targeting a wide range of fish species, from panfish to larger prize fish.
In summary, carbon fiber rods are lightweight and highly sensitive, making them ideal for panfish. Fiberglass rods are heavy but extremely strong, making them suitable for tackling monster fish. Composite rods blend sensitivity and strength, offering a versatile option that can be used for various species of fish. The choice of material depends on the specific fishing needs and the target fish species.
Handle
The handles of most fishing rods are commonly crafted from cork, EVA foam, or rubber shrink tubing.
Cork, being a type of wood, imparts a smooth texture to the touch and ensures a reasonably secure grip. EVA handles, on the other hand, are renowned for their exceptional comfort, particularly during extended fishing sessions.
While rubber shrink tube handles may not offer the same level of comfort, they excel in providing a highly reliable grip.
Guides
In general, fishing rod guides exhibit durability and reliability due to their predominant construction with metal materials. It is advisable to pay attention to guides composed of aluminum oxide, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and ceramic.
These materials offer exceptional smoothness and superior resistance to corrosion, ensuring prolonged longevity. Notably, titanium alloy stands out as the most resilient option, displaying remarkable resistance against rust.
Reel Type
It is evident that the list of surf fishing combos exclusively features spinning combos, without any baitcaster combos included. This deliberate choice is justified by practical reasons.
The reality is that the majority of individuals acquiring rod and reel combos are beginners in the fishing realm. This is because more experienced anglers prefer to meticulously select a surf rod and surf fishing reel individually, tailoring their choices to personal preferences.
Additionally, novice anglers often lack the knowledge and understanding of how to properly match a reel with a rod, hence their preference for rod and reel combos. Seasoned anglers, on the other hand, are less likely to face such challenges and therefore are less inclined to opt for rod and reel combos. This explains why most individuals who choose rod and reel combos are newcomers to fishing.
While both spinning and baitcasting reels have their respective advantages, it is worth noting that baitcasting reels can be challenging to handle. For beginners, it is highly recommended to begin with spinning reels, as they are considerably easier to operate.
Line Capacity
Line capacity refers to the quantity of fishing line that a reel is capable of holding. Generally, larger reels offer greater line capacity.
Fortunately, this is an aspect that you need not be concerned about. Manufacturers of surf fishing rod and reel combos ensure that the reel is appropriately matched to the rod in terms of line capacity.
For instance, a 10 ft rod necessitates a larger line capacity compared to an 8 ft rod, considering the longer casting distances and potential encounters with larger fish. Manufacturers are well aware of this requirement and will automatically pair the appropriate reel for your setup.
However, it is always advantageous to have a higher line capacity. Therefore, if you come across multiple reel options for the same rod length, opting for the largest reel size might be a wise decision.
Solid Drag
The drag system in a fishing reel consists of a pair of steel plates that effectively regulate the release of line from the spool.
The drag mechanism is adjustable, allowing anglers to set a specific resistance level. When a fish exerts more force than the set drag, the spool releases line. This crucial feature prevents the fishing line from breaking when faced with the intense pulling power of a strong fish.
To successfully handle larger fish, it is necessary to use stronger fishing line, which in turn requires a heavier drag weight.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to set the drag at approximately 1/3 or 1/4 of the pound test of your fishing line. For example, if you are using a 60-pound line, you would ideally set your drag to 15 or 20 pounds.
For targeting panfish, a maximum drag weight of 10 pounds is typically sufficient.
For medium-sized fish, it is advisable to set the drag to around 20 pounds, while for the largest fish species, a minimum drag weight of 30 pounds is recommended.
Final Verdict
Rod and reel combos offer the advantage of providing a well-matched and harmonious pairing of a fishing rod and reel. Furthermore, they often come at a more affordable price compared to purchasing the rod and reel separately.
When it comes to surf fishing, it is crucial to select a rod and reel combo that exhibits corrosion resistance to withstand the effects of saltwater. Additionally, the combo should possess sufficient strength to handle the powerful fish lurking in the depths and possess a length that allows for casting beyond the breaking surf. And there is no better rod and reel combo that fulfills these requirements than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.
If you don’t want a fishing rod combo, we’ve actually compiled the best surf fishing rods and surf fishing reels. Here are the lists of the best surf fishing rods and best surf fishing reels.
With that in mind, happy surf fishing!