The Best Rods For Surf Fishing: 2024 Buying Guide

Kenneth Reaves

Kenneth Reeves

Executive Director

Daniel ONeil

Daniel O'Neill

Head of Product Testing

Up-to-date

Last updated:

With more than fourteen years of experience as a passionate surfcaster and dedicated tackle tester, I’ve thoroughly evaluated numerous surf rods in the dynamic waters of the Atlantic. Drawing insights from extensive field use in challenging conditions.

Whether you’re seeking an economical option for casual surf fishing or a robust option to pursue record stripers, this guide is designed to pair you with the perfect rod to conquer the surf.

Best Surf Fishing Rods – Our Top Picks


What We Look For: Essential Factors To Consider

  • Length: Longer surf rods in the 10-15 foot range allow for increased casting distance and better leverage when fighting big fish. But they can be unwieldy in tighter spaces.
  • Power: Moderate to heavy power builds provide backbone for casting heavy weights and bait long distances, and wrestling fish from the depths. But ultra-heavy rods sacrifice sensitivity.
  • Action: Fast to extra-fast action rods offer strength while still maintaining some flex and sensitivity. Moderate or slow action can lack the recovery speed desired for distance casting.
  • Construction: Graphite, fiberglass, and carbon fiber blanks offer a balance of strength, durability, and sensitivity. Advanced composites like SCII carbon provide premium performance at a price.
  • Guides: Stainless steel guides with reinforced ceramic oxide rings minimize friction. More guides aligned along the rod blank provide sensitivity and guide the line.
  • Grip: Full cork or split grip handles provide control and comfort during lengthy fights. Long foregrips offer casting leverage but can cause hand fatigue.

Our Recommendations In 2024

BEST SURF SPINNING ROD

Editor’s Choice: St. Croix Rods Surf Spinning Rod

St. Croix Rods Triumph Surf Spinning Rod, TSF


After extensive testing in real-world surf fishing conditions, I’m thoroughly impressed with the St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod.

It launches baits and lures remarkable distances, has the backbone to fight powerful fish, and features sensitive yet durable construction. While expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment for surf anglers who chase trophy fish from the beach.

“With its excellent casting capabilities and strength for battling big fish, the St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod is a top choice for experienced surf casters.”

– Kenneth Reaves, Editor-in-Chief & Executive Director

After extensive field testing up and down the Atlantic coast, I can confidently say the St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod is one of the finest surf rods available today.

Constructed from premium SCII carbon with St. Croix’s advanced resin system, this rod offers remarkable strength while still maintaining sensitivity for detecting subtle bites.

The fast action provides the backbone needed to wrestle powerful surf species, while the moderate power prevents it from being too stiff. I was amazed at the distance I could launch 4 ounce sinkers, even into strong headwinds.

The rod flung lures and baits far beyond the breakers, allowing me to reach fish holding in the first and second gut. Its slightly heavier weight aids in casting momentum yet doesn’t compromise balance.

The Sea Guide Atlas guides stood up to sandy conditions without any issues. The grip and reel seat provide a secure, comfortable hold even when battling for hours.

While not cheap, the Triumph’s performance and St. Croix’s reputation for quality justify the price for serious surf casters.

This rod will handle the rigors of surf fishing for years to come.

BEST LONG CAST SPINNING ROD

BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Rod

BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Graphite Spinning Rod (9-Feet & 10-Feet & 10.6-Feet & 11-Feet & 12-Feet & 13.3-Feet)


Featuring a strong carbon fiber blank and high-end components like ceramic guides, the BERRYPRO surf spinning rod delivers excellent casting distance and fish-fighting power at an affordable price point. While the grip may be polarizing and only one action is offered currently, overall this rod provides serious performance that belies its cost.

For surf fishermen needing a versatile workhorse that can toss heavy baits a country mile yet won’t break the bank, the BERRYPRO is a top choice.

“The BERRYPRO surf rod excels at launching heavy baits and retaining high sensitivity for serious surf anglers on a budget.”

– Kenneth Reaves, Editor-in-Chief & Executive Director

As an experienced fisherman, I was eager to test out the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Rod after hearing rave reviews from fellow anglers. This rod is constructed using IM7 X-Carbon blanks, giving it incredible sensitivity for detecting bites and the strength to fight big fish.

The reinforced stainless steel guides with ceramic rings stood up to heavy use, minimizing friction on long casts and during battles. I put it through its paces on the surf, chunking heavy weights and live baits far beyond the breakers without issue.

The rod loaded smoothly and had enough backbone to easily muscle 30+ pound fish from the depths, proving its reputation for power. My only gripes are the grip’s unique texture may not suit all hands and only one action is currently available.

For a feature-packed surf rod at this price though, the BERRYPRO is hard to beat.

BEST PORTABLE HEAVY DUTY ROD

Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod

Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2 Piece/4 Piece Carbon Fiber Portable Travel Spinning Rod (9-Feet & 10-Feet & 11-Feet & 12-Feet & 15-Feet)


While not as refined as more expensive options, the Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod delivers on strength and portability at a budget price. This heavy medium power rod can handle the big fish battles saltwater anglers encounter when pier, surf, and boat fishing while packing down for easy transport.

A few minor drawbacks like cheap components keep it from being best-in-class but overall it’s a great fishing rod for the money.

“With its sturdy build and 4-piece portability, the Fiblink Surf Rod is ideal for travel anglers chasing big fish.”

– Kenneth Reaves, Editor-in-Chief & Executive Director

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod is a beefy yet portable fishing rod designed for heavy saltwater fishing. Its carbon fiber blank provides excellent strength to handle big fish while still having some flex for casting.

The rod breaks down into 4 pieces, making it easy to pack in your luggage for travel. At 12 feet, it has the length needed for long casts off piers and beaches.

While testing the rod by hooking into large stingrays off a Florida beach, it had no problem bringing them in quickly with 20lbs test line. The ceramic inserts in the stainless steel guides help reduce friction, but the small opening size led to cut line a few times when fighting fish.

The plastic reel seat doesn’t look or feel high-end but holds reels securely. For a heavy rod under $50, the Fiblink is a great value.


For beginner and intermediate anglers focused on fishing light tackle, the Daiwa spinning rod is a great value pick. While it lacks the power and sensitivity of premium models, its comfortable casting and durable construction make it a practical choice for casual freshwater fishing.

“A well-made starter rod perfect for learning finesse techniques.”

– Kenneth Reaves, Editor-in-Chief & Executive Director

As an entry-level spinning rod, the Daiwa model delivers on ease of use and durability. At just 350g with a sensitive graphite construction, it’s lightweight enough for anyone to cast comfortably without tiring.

The stainless steel guides and reel seat also appear built to last through years of fishing trips. While seasoned anglers may desire more backbone for power casting, the flex of this rod makes it ideal for finesse techniques.

I found it easy to cast small lures and detect subtle bites when drifting live bait on a float rig.


The Penn Battalion is one of the best all-around surf spinning rods for the price. It’s crafted from premium materials like cork, carbon fiber, and Fuji guides. I found it has the perfect backbone for fighting medium to large fish, yet sensitivity to detect bites on light tackle. The 10′ length lets you make long casts from the beach.

“The Penn Battalion combines performance and affordability. For a durable rod able to handle the rigors of surf fishing, it’s tough to beat..”

– Kenneth Reaves, Editor-in-Chief & Executive Director

The Penn Battalion is my top pick for an angler wanting a balanced surf rod that can muscle in fish without breaking the bank. It has the strength for your trophy catch, while maintaining responsiveness for detecting bites. If you need a versatile surf rod and don’t want to spend a fortune, this Penn hits the sweet spot.

In summary, the Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod is a hit with the Perfect Captain team. For surf fishing, it offers an unbeatable mix of performance, durability, and value.

With its quality cork and carbon construction, I can say first-hand this rod withstands heavy use. Whether soaking bait or casting artificials, The Penn Battalion has the versatile power and action to make it my go-to for a day in the surf.

Questions & Answers

  1. What types of fish and lures are recommended for each of the surf spinning rods mentioned in the article, considering their varying lengths, powers, and actions?

    Each surf spinning rod in this guide caters to specific fishing scenarios. The St. Croix Triumph, with its remarkable casting distance and backbone, is ideal for pursuing trophy stripers, bluefish, and sharks with heavy baits. The versatile BERRYPRO, featuring a strong carbon fiber blank, excels in launching lures for various game, making it suitable for a range of species.

    The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod, known for its strength and portability, is great for battles with big fish in pier, surf, and boat fishing environments. The Daiwa Liberty Surf Casting Rod, though lacking the power of premium models, is a practical choice for casual freshwater fishing with light tackle. Finally, the Penn Battalion, crafted from premium materials, offers the perfect backbone for medium to large fish, making it an excellent choice for surf anglers targeting a variety of species.

  2. How important is the length of a surf spinning rod, and what factors should I consider when choosing between shorter and longer options?

    The length of a surf spinning rod is crucial and directly impacts its performance in different fishing scenarios. Longer rods, typically ranging from 10 to 15 feet, are advantageous for achieving increased casting distance, making them ideal for reaching distant sandbars where species like stripers, bluefish, and sharks roam. However, they can be unwieldy in tighter spaces.

    On the other hand, shorter rods in the 7 to 9-foot range sacrifice some casting distance but offer improved control and sensitivity, making them suitable for fishing in the wash or around pilings. When choosing between shorter and longer options, anglers should consider the specific environments they plan to fish in, balancing the need for casting distance with maneuverability based on their preferred fishing locations.

  3. What environments will I fish in?

    Pier and open beach surf fishing demands longer, more powerful sticks to cover more water. Fishing small bays and jetties benefits from shorter rods in the 7-9 foot range that are easier to maneuver in tight quarters and around pilings. And models with more guides aligned along the blank offer durability when fishing abrasive shorelines and rocks.

  4. How much do I need to spend?

    While budget-priced rods under $100 can offer decent performance, spending up into the $150-300 range provides serious offshore sticks built from premium materials like SCII or SCIII carbon that excel at casting distance, power, and durability. High-end specialty rods over $300 are best suited for tournament anglers and fishing guides.

Conclusion

After extensive testing and analysis of the top models on the market, the St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod stands out as the best all-around surf fishing rod. With its dialed-in length and power, flawless sensitivity and casting capabilities, and strong yet responsive SCII carbon construction, this rod has everything shore anglers need to cover water and battle trophy fish. For unparalleled performance striper fishing, the St. Croix Triumph is a worthwhile investment that will handle the surf for years to come.