11 Best Surf Fishing Reels In 2021 (Buying Guide)

One of the Daiwa Bg spinning reel’s most notable features is that of its Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool. Many conventional spinning reels retain a standard diameter, from one end of their spool to the other. This often leaves “dead” line buried at the spool’s core. However, the Daiwa Bg features a reversed taper spool face, which allows for 100-percent use of the reel’s overall line capacity.

The Daiwa Bg’s use of an oversized Digigear is also a nice touch. This larger than averaged Digigear allows for a greater degree of gear-tooth contact and increases the reel’s overall torque. This feature should be quite popular with anglers who pursue species of large fish on more than an occasional basis.

Many anglers are also likely to find immense favor in the HT-100 drag system utilized by all Penn Battle series reels. This drag system uses a series of carbon fiber drag washers to provide ample resistance and fighting power, while also operating in an ultra smooth fashion. This should lend itself well to the pursuit of sizable game fish species.

The Penn Battle series of reels also feature a braid-ready spool, which allows an angler to spool their reel with braided line, without the use of monofilament backing. This is a feature that should be highly appreciated by anglers who fish extensively, and maintain their reels on a regular basis.

The KastKing Sharky III’s drag system is engineered to provide the highest degree of power possible. Along with its triple disc drag capabilities, this reel also features strong precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears, and an oversized stainless-steel main shaft. This should prove to be the winning combination for boating the most sizable of trophy fish, no matter where they are found.

Most anglers should also find immense favor in the KastKing Sharky III’s Shark Fin braid ready aluminum spool. This spool can be fitted with braided line, without the use of a monofilament backing of any type, which is considered standard practice with the majority of surf fishing reels that are currently available. This has the potential to save anglers time and effort, when preparing for their next fishing trip.

The Penn Slammer III features a precisely cut, CNC machined gear set, which meshes perfectly upon every revolution of its handle. This should maximize fighting torque, eliminating the presence of binding that is all too common of other available spinning reels. The precise way that these gears are cut should also minimize premature tooth wear and extend overall longevity.

It is also worth mentioning that the Penn Slammer III utilizes a top-end drag system, which is far more comprehensive than those used by the vast majority of spinning reels on the market. This system features Penn’s Dura-Drag technology, which uses specialized disc material, much like that found within the transmissions of high-performance vehicles.

The HT-100 drag system employed by the Penn Fierce III is notable to say the least, as it utilizes a series of carbon-fiber washers to provide even line feed, and resistance. The use of this high-end drag clutch medium should alleviate overheating, minimize premature unit degradation, and provide consistent operation under a myriad of conditions.

The Penn Fierce III’s Techno-Balanced Rotor, is also of note, as it optimizes the reel’s feel during retrieval, which should further maximize an angler’s ability to produce forward progress during a fight, without unnecessary binding or resistance. This keeps an angler from fighting their surf reel, as well as their fish. This level of smooth operation is further aided by the reel’s use of 4 premium shielded ball bearings, which maximize rotational efficiency.

Many anglers are likely to find value in the Stradic Ci4+ 4000’s X-Ship gear train system. This system removes free play from the reel’s drive gears, by utilizing bearings at each end of the unit’s pinion gear. This should drastically enhance the Stradic Ci4+ 4000’s durability, while also improving its castability.

The Stradic Ci4+ 4000 also features Shimano’s proprietary Propulsion Line Management System. This system is designed to dramatically enhance the reel’s casting efficiency, while also promoting next level reliability. This is accomplished by minimizing the presence of kinks and line twist that typically serves as a limiting factor of performance, for most available surf fishing reels.

The SeaKnight Rapid is constructed in a manner that is conducive to smooth, consistent use, free of any excess friction, even when subject to a load. This is a feature that should not only make this reel’s use enjoyable but will likely provide enhanced efficiency when attempting to winch sizable game fish from the depths below. 

Anglers are also likely to find immense favor in the SeaKnight Rapid’s heavy-duty drag system. This system features a 33-pound operational capacity, which should be ample to land sizable, hard fighting game fish of nearly any variety. This should be well-received by those who find vast enjoyment in the pursuit of trophy caliber fish, no matter the body of water.

Many anglers are likely to also find favor in the Penn Conflict II’s HT-100 drag system. This drag system employs the use of specialized carbon fiber drag washers to accurately meter line control, and to provide an enhanced degree of fighting power. This feature should be well received by those who strategically target larger species of fish.

The Penn Conflict II also features a 7+1 stainless steel ball bearing system, which should provide noticeably smooth operation. This bearing system should make lengthy line retrieval a breeze, as it has been engineered to eliminate all excess resistance.

Many anglers are also likely to appreciate the Penn Wrath’s use of easy to decipher line capacity rings. These rings allow an angler to quickly and efficiently introduce line onto their reel, without being forced to guess as to where they should stop. This feature should also be helpful when fighting a fish of epic proportions, as an angler can determine how much line has been expended, in relation to the reel’s overall capacity.

The Penn Wrath also features two stainless steel ball bearings, which are sealed from elements for enhanced durability. Additionally, this reel utilizes a robust anti-reverse bearing, which prevents backfeed, and promotes more efficient hook sets. This should translate into a higher catch ratio at the end of the day.

Of all the above mentioned features, anglers are likely to find the highest degree of favor in the Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI’s sealed design. This prevents highly corrosive saltwater from invading the reel’s bearings and should extend the unit’s service life indefinitely. In fact, the Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI carries an IPX5 ingress rating, which serves as the industry standard in element resistance.

The Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI also features a set of CNC machined gears, which should offer smooth and seamless operation, while also providing next level durability. CNC machined gears tend to mesh with a high degree of accuracy, which prevents premature wear and maximizes longevity. This should be a favorite feature of those who fish extensively, and put their reels to the test under a wide variety of circumstances.

The Shimano Ultegra spinning reel features CoreProtect element resistance, which keeps saltwater, sand, and dirt away from the unit’s vital components. This should effectively extend the Ultegra’s service life by resisting the onset of corrosion, even in the harshes of all environments.

Many anglers are also likely to find favor in the Shimano Ultegra’s X-Ship technology. This feature is designed to prevent excessive play between the reel’s gears, by placing ball bearings at each end of its pinion gear. In turn, this should reduce spool shaft to gear interference and promote more efficient casting.