Updated 2/13/2024
Looking for the best surf fishing rods available on the market today? Look no further. I’ve done the hours of rod research and testing on weight, strength, durability, material, and portability so you don’t have to.
Surf fishing can highlight some of the most challenging fishing conditions around. Huge fish doing their best to snap your rod in half, long casting distances, waves battering your equipment and salt eating away at the rod components all tax surf rods to the limit.
Make sure you have the right surf rod for your next saltwater trip to the pier, jetty, or beach!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
- Best for the Money: St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod
- Best for Beginners: Okuma Longitude Surf Rod
- Best Under $100: Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
- Best Under $150: Penn Battallion II Surf Spinning Rod
- Best Lightweight: Okuma Cedros Surf CSX Rod
- Best High End: St. Croix Legend Surf
- Best Conventional Under $100: Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Rod
- Best Conventional for the Money: Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional Rod
- Best Surf Spinning Rod and Reel Combo: Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
- Best Surf Conventional Rod and Reel Combo: Penn Squall Conventional Rod & Reel Combo
The Best Surf Fishing Rods
Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best overall, budget surf rod options, and the best splurge amongst others! We cover options for both spinning and conventional setups.
1. St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod
- Length: 7 – 10.5 feet
- Rod Material: Graphite
- Guides: Aluminum oxide
- Warranty: 5 Year
- Available in 2 and 4 piece versions
- Heavy duty travel case with the 4 piece travel version
Pros:
- 36″ hard-sided travel case for the 4 piece version is a delight to transport
- Long, comfortable cork tape handle
- Premium rod features for reasonable price
Our choice for the best surf fishing rod for the money is the St. Croix Triumph Surf travel rod which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag.
The 10′ long, 4-piece Triumph Surf is a delight to transport while being a great all-around surf rod for the money.
We prefer the four piece travel option that comes with the travel case. The peace of mind of transporting a full size surf rod in a compact, hard-sided, 3 foot travel case had me smiling all the way to the beach. Zero stress worrying about braking too hard and busting off a guide or snapping a rod (compared to my 1-piece, 7 foot rods diagonally lying in my truck bed!).
One thing to note is the travel case does not have space for a reel. At first, I thought this was going to be a problem, but I actually really like it. It allows the rod case to be extremely compact and it’s been no issue storing my reel separately.
St. Croix rods are synonymous with quality and the Triumph Surf Spinning Rod is no exception. We love the feel of the long, split cork table handle. It is comfortable and the rod casts like a dream.
The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC II graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. The Triumph Surf Rod is on the lighter end of available surf rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
The only downside we can think of is the comparatively higher price tag. That said, we feel like the features of this premium rod are a steal at its price point and make this our choice for best overall surf fishing rod.
For further reading, check out our in-depth review of the St. Croix Triumph Surf rod.
2. Okuma Longitude Surf Rod
- Length: 8 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: Graphite Composite
- Power: Medium to Heavy
- Guides: Stainless Steel w/aluminum oxide inserts
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good length options
- Plenty strong
Our choice for the best surf fishing rod for beginners is the Okuma Longitude surf fishing rod. The Longitude is a perfect rod for beginners because of its affordable price, variety of available lengths, and robust construction. This is the perfect rod to break into surf fishing.
We really like the 11 foot heavy power spinning version of the Okuma Longitude surf rod for beginners. Its high durability, optimal length, ease of use and affordable price point put it at the top of our list for budget entry surf rods.
The rod also comes in a casting version for folks that prefer conventional reels but we generally recommend spinning setups for beginners because they are versatile and easy to use. The heavy power for all lengths except 8′ may be a little heavy-duty for some setups, but for most surf anglers wanting to lob out some bait on a weight, this rod is superb.
Check out our article on the best beginner fishing rods for other great options.
3. Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod
- Length: 10 – 15 feet
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Stainless Steel w/ceramic inserts
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Budget friendly
Surf fishing doesn’t need to break the bank! The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod is our choice for the best surf fishing rod under $100 and is a great option for the budget conscious angler. You don’t need expensive gear to catch fish!
Like many budget fishing pole options, this rod is heavier, less sensitive, and constructed with lower quality parts that could potentially fail earlier than more expensive rods. That said, you could purchase four Fiblink Surf rods for the same price as a higher end surf rod!
We recommend thoroughly rinsing the guides with freshwater after any outing to prolong the life of the stainless steel.
The rubber shrink tube grip is functional but doesn’t feel nearly as good as the cork options on other fishing poles.
We were pleasantly surprised that even a budget rod includes a warranty period (albeit 1 year). It’s better than nothing, but the 3 or 5 year warranty periods of the mid to high tier surf rod lines are notably better.
For additional reading, check out our article on the best saltwater fishing rods under $100.
4. Penn Battalion II Surf Spinning Rod
- Length: 9 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: Graphite Composite
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Great value for the price
Penn’s Battalion II surf rod is well respected amongst seasoned surf fishing pros and is our choice for the best surf fishing rod under $150.
The rod features Alconite ceramic guides that claim to have 80% greater compression strength and be 20% lighter than Aluminum Oxide. The rod blank is a graphite-composite so it is slightly heavier than the graphite rods on this list but makes up for that with superior rod strength.
We wish the warranty was a bit better for a rod over $100 but such is life.
The Battalion II is a solid mix of quality manufacturing at a reasonable price point. It isn’t as lightweight, sensitive, or as travel friendly as some of the options on this list, but it’s a great value proposition for its price.
5. Okuma Cedros Surf CSX Rod
- Length: 9 – 11 feet
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Stainless steel frames with zirconium inserts
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty & 3 Year Accelerated Replacement Program
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Excellent Sensitivity
The Okuma Cedros Surf CSX rod is a huge value offer with unparalleled strength and sensitivity in a light weight package making it our choice for the best lightweight surf fishing rod. Okuma has gone a unique route with smaller diameter guides than you’d expect on a surf rod, but in practice this rod casts just as well or better than the competition.
With this rods light weight, it makes a great option for anglers who intend to hold their rod or cast frequently rather than use a rod holder.
Additionally, the lifetime limited warranty and 3 year accelerated replacement program are great value adds. The 3 year replacement program allows you to trade in your rod for new for a flat cost of $50 (within 3 years of date of purchase).
6. St. Croix Legend Surf Casting Rod
- Length: 7 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: SCIV Graphite with Fortified Resin System (FRS)
- Guides: Titanium
- Warranty: 15-year transferable
- Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) & Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART)
Pros:
- The best money can buy
Our choice for the best high end surf fishing rod is the St. Croix Legend Surf. If you want the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive surf fishing rod on the market, look no further. St. Croix pulled out all the stops with the Legend Surf series of rods.
The rod features three of St. Croix’s innovative technologies.
Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) eliminates all transitional points in the rod blanks for smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.
Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude (10x) of strength with virtually no increase in rod blank diameter or weight and significantly improves the hoop strength of the blank by preventing it from deforming under severe loads (like the huge bull red you’ll be fighting in the surf)!
And last but not least, rods manufactured with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) advanced manufacturing protocol consistently test 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods.
Also, St. Croix manufactures their high-end rod lines in Wisconsin for United States based anglers looking to support local manufacturing.
With the best technology available on the market comes a high price tag which is the only downside of this incredible fishing rod.
7. Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod
- Length: 10 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: Graphite Composite
- Guides: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Budget friendly conventional rod
Our choice for the best conventional surf casting rod under $100 is the Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Rod. This rod is a great choice for anglers that prefer surf fishing with conventional reels. The Squadron III is budget friendly, sturdy, and comes the ten to twelve foot size selection is perfect for surf fishing applications.
Conventional setups are popular for surf fishing because of the comparatively large line capacity and ease of casting. For surf anglers targeting huge fish like massive sharks or bull reds, think about getting a conventional setup if only for the ability to fit plenty of large diameter line on the reel. We think the 12′ Penn Squadron III Surf rod in heavy power is a great budget friendly option for surf anglers wanting to target massive fish.
For great conventional reels to pair with conventional surf rods, check out our article on the best conventional reels.
8. Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod
- Length: 10 – 12 feet
- Rod Material: SLS3 Composite
- Guides: Silicon Carbide
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Excellent value conventional rod
Our choice for the best conventional surf fishing rod for the money is the Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional Rod. The Carnage III line is a perfect conventional surf fishing rod because of its superior strength from the composite carbon fiber and fiberglass blank and high-end components.
We prefer conventional setups for targeting huge surf species like sharks and bull reds because conventional reels fit more line and are easier to cast and manage heavy rigs than spinning reels. The 12′, heavy power Carnage III Surf Conventional Rod is an incredible value proposition for surf anglers wanting a high quality rod without breaking the bank.
For great conventional reels to pair with conventional surf rods, check out our article on the best conventional reels.
9. Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 6’6″ to 10′
- Power: Light to Heavy
- Reel Size: 1000 to 8000
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
Pros:
- Wide range of available rod and reel sizes and powers for various applications
- Great value for the price
Our top choice overall for best surf fishing rod & reel combo is the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. Heck, the Penn Battle III reel is our choice for best surf fishing reel so it’s no surprise if you slap it on a decent rod we’ll think highly of it!
The reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel, includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail.
We recently attended a charity inshore fishing tournament in Galveston where we noticed our guide, Jesse, had Penn Battle III reels on all of his rods. When asked about it, Jesse said he fishes 250 days or more a year in saltwater conditions and does next to nothing to maintain these reels. He’s had no problems with them and loves how reliable they are considering how hard he works them. We even caught a 28″ redfish which placed for biggest fish in the tournament and a 25″ speckled trout on that trip with this reel!
The rod blank is a graphite composite with either cork or eva handle depending on the model. It has plenty of backbone to reel in big surf species.
While we generally expect a rod & reel combo to skimp in quality on one of the components, we were pleasantly surprised with this pairing by Penn. This combo is great value for the price.
Check out our article on best surf fishing rod and reel combos for further reading on other great combo options.
10. Penn Squall Conventional Combo
- Rod Length: 6’2″ to 10′
- Power: Medium to Heavy
- Reel Size: 15 to 30
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
Pros:
- Excellent conventional setup for surf fishing
Our choice for the best conventional surf fishing rod and reel combo is the Penn Squall Conventional Rod and Reel Combo. The 10′ medium power Penn Squall combo is a perfect conventional rod and reel setup for surf anglers that want a conventional combo for a reasonable price.
This combo includes the Penn Squall II star drag reel without a level wind which is perfect for surf fishing. Level winds on reels are the piece that moves back and forth on conventional reels that feed line evenly on the reel as you spool line. Level winds are a great feature for most casting reels but can cause problems for surf fishing because they increase friction for both casting and reeling. This increased friction can result in reduced casting distances (critical for surf fishing) and can cause binding in the reel if you hook a truly massive fish.
Conventional setups are slightly more comfortable than spinning setups to cast heavy baits which can be a key consideration when deciding between a spinning setup and a conventional setup.
Check out our article on best surf fishing rod and reel combos for further reading on other great combo options.
Rod Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod choices.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod | 7 – 10.5 feet | Graphite | Aluminum oxide | 5 Year |
| Okuma Longitude Surf Rod | 8 – 12 feet | Graphite Composite | Stainless Steel w/aluminum oxide inserts | 1 Year |
| Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod | 10 – 15 feet | Carbon Fiber | Stainless Steel w/ceramic inserts | 1 Year |
| Penn Battalion II Surf Spinning Rod | 9 – 12 feet | Graphite Composite | Fuji Alconite | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Okuma Cedros Surf CSX Rod | 9 – 11 feet | Carbon Fiber | Stainless steel frames with zirconium inserts | Lifetime limited warranty & 3 Year Accelerated Replacement Program |
| St. Croix Legend Surf Casting Rod | 7 – 12 feet | SCIV Graphite with Fortified Resin System (FRS) | Titanium | 15-year transferable |
| Penn Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod | 10 – 12 feet | Graphite Composite | Stainless steel | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod | 10 – 12 feet | SLS3 Composite | Silicon Carbide | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
Conclusion
Surf fishing can be tough on both the angler and the equipment. Massive fish, big baits, and choppy waves demand the best equipment available. Our top choice for best surf fishing rod available is the St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod due to its portability, light weight, strength, and quality of materials for the price.
Having the right surf fishing rod is only the start. Make sure you know everything about surf fishing to increase your odds of a successful trip!
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
- Best Surf Fishing Reels
- Best Saltwater Reels
- Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
- Best Inshore Reels
- Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Conventional Reels
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Inshore Fishing Rods
- Best Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Flounder Rods
- Best Sheepshead Rods
- Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Pier Fishing Rods
- Best Trolling Rods
How to Choose The Best Surf Fishing Rod For You
While the key factor for selecting the best surf fishing rod for you should be rod length (casting distance), other factors like rod power, action, materials, and portability are important to the decision.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
The first thing many anglers notice with surf fishing rods is how LONG they are. Most normal fishing poles are 6 to 7 feet long whereas surf fishing rods are commonly 8 to 15 feet long!
Surf fishing is unique in that it requires the longest casting distances of any type of fishing. Longer rods allow for longer casts. That doesn’t mean immediately go out and buy the longest rod available! It’s important to balance your ability to comfortably handle the fishing rod with casting distance.
For most anglers, a 10 foot surf fishing rod is the perfect balance of being a manageable size while still allowing you to cast the required distance. If you know you need a little extra reach, size up to a 12 footer.
We’re partial to the 10 foot size surf rods because we are comfortable taking them to a crowded pier or jetty whereas a 12 or 15 foot rod can be somewhat cumbersome. Check out our article on how to pick fishing rod length for additional considerations.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy.
Since surf fishing usually uses large baits to target big fish, medium-heavy power is a great starting place for surf fishing rods. It is a good balance of rod stiffness while still being pleasant to handle.
For targeting the largest surf fish like bull reds, sharks, and black drum, a heavy power rod could be the right choice.
Our personal preference is medium power rods for surf fishing. Medium power rods are easier to cast and can handle lighter bait setups. Medium power is our go-to for surf and jetty fishing near Galveston because we can rig up for modest sized-keeper fish and not be forced to rig up the biggest baddest baits every trip.
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
Many surf fishing rods come in moderate to moderate-fast actions which are a perfect balance of sensitive and castability. Generally, surf rod length allows you to cast plenty far with a sensitive, moderate-fast action.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Another key factor to picking the best surf fishing rod is portability. Since surf rods are so long, they usually break into 2 or 4 pieces for transport. Imagine having to transport a 12 foot, 1-piece rod in your vehicle to the beach!
Think about purchasing a ‘travel’ version of surf rods and/or look into travel cases to help protect your rod during transport. There’s nothing worse than accidentally breaking a guide or the rod tip on the way to the beach. Four piece rods can break down into 3 foot, compact forms that fit perfectly in most vehicles.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a surf fishing rod. Common handle types are rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or neoprene. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas cork or neoprene feels better to grip and handle.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail. This can be partially avoided by rinsing rod guides with freshwater after every trip.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Blank Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your surf fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Surf Fishing Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rod is best for surf fishing?
Surf fishing is best with specialized surf fishing rods that are commonly 8-15 feet in length with medium to medium-heavy power (rod backbone). Surf fishing targets large fish species like striped bass, black drum, redfish, flounder, pompano, sharks, and corbina, which require heavier baits that the rod needs to be able to handle.
Additionally, casting distance is critical. Longer fishing rods can cast further, and surf fishing rods are some of the longest around. The extra 20+ yards of casting distance you may get with a surf rod frequently mean the difference between catching fish or not.
What reel to pair with surf rod?
Surf spinning rods should be paired with saltwater spinning reels in the 4000-6500 size range. These reels are beginner friendly, large enough to handle big surf fish species, and can hold enough line to allow surf anglers to cast as far as the long surf rods will allow. Check out our article on the best surf fishing reels for excellent options.
Conventional surf rods should be paired with conventional reels. Conventional setups are easier to cast and manage line while having comparatively larger spool capacities to hold more line of larger diameters. This can be important when casting long distances or if a huge fish takes a long run before tiring out.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment after surf fishing with a gentle freshwater rinse. Sand and salt spray gets in everything and your gear will last longer if you spray it down after each outing.
What is the best length surf fishing rod?
Ten foot surf rods are the best option for most people. It is a good middle ground of a manageable size to transport and handle while still being able to cast the long distances required for surf fishing. Most shorelines have 1-3 sandbars and guts that run parallel to the shore. You need to be able to cast the distance to these guts to catch fish. Shorter fishing rods may not be able to cast far enough.
For pier anglers, rods between 9-10 feet may be a better option if the space is crowded.
Is a 7ft pole good for surf fishing?
While you can still catch fish surf fishing with a 7 foot rod, a longer surf fishing rod can cast further which could mean the difference between casting to where the fish are feeding or not.
If your options are surf fish with a 7 foot pole, or don’t fish at all, fish with the 7 foot pole. If you have the option, bring a 9-12 foot surf rod for surf fishing to ensure you can cast to where the fish are feeding.
How many yards of line do you need for a surf rod?
Preferably 200 yards or more. Combining the facts that surf fishing rods are designed to cast extremely far, and big surf fish may make a long run with your bait, the maximum available line on your surf rod and reel is important. Swapping from mono to braid can help with this because braid has a smaller diameter meaning you can fit more on the reel spool.
Is mono or braid better for surf fishing?
Braided fishing line is preferable for surf fishing. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while surf fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements.
What kind of bait for surf fishing?
Surf fishing can be done with both live and artificial baits. The most common type of surf fishing is using live bait on a bottom rig like a fish finder rig or high low rig (check out our in-depth article on the best surf fishing rigs). Rig up a 1/2 – 4 oz weight and live bait on a circle hook and you’ll be catching fish in no time. You can catch anything from bull reds to sharks surf fishing with live bait. Common surf fishing baits are live shrimp, cut bait, squid, and crab (check out our article on the best surf fishing baits).
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
