What Are the 6 Top Surf Fishing Reels and Why Should I Purchase One
Finding the ideal surf fishing reel can be challenging. When making this decision, it's wise to do research and seek expert opinion before making your selection.
Your reel should match up well with both the class of fish you plan to pursue as well as line type you will use; naturally you should pair up this choice with an ideal rod too.
Below we present our breakdown of some top reel options; but first let's touch upon two essential considerations that must be kept in mind before diving deeper:
Appendix of Best Surf Fishing Reels
What Size Reel Do I Need for Surf Fishing?
As far as surf fishing reels are concerned, any size 2500 reel is suitable to target corbina, croaker and surfperch (1 to 5 pounds each), but many anglers opt for 2500 series reels with 8-pound mono test mono. When I target corbinas such as corbina and surfperch (1-5 pound fish), my 4000 series reel comes equipped with 15-pound test mono.
However when targeting larger targets such as halibuts (3-20lbs each), 4500 series reel with 30-pound braid test mono. When fishing for large sharks or rays, my 8000 series reel can handle 50-pound monofilament line. The type of line you use depends on the strength and behavior of the species you are targeting.
What Do the Numbers on a Fishing Reel Mean?
These characteristics to keep an eye out for include bearing count, gear ratio and maximum drag capacity - these will likely matter more the more committed an angler you are!
Bearings: The more bearings a reel has, the higher its quality will be.
Gear Ratio: This is the relationship between how much you turn the handle and how many times the spool rotates. For every turn of the handle, the bail rotates six times for each rotation of the spool. Therefore, higher number ratios indicate greater quality reels.
Max Drag Capacity: This term refers to the maximum pressure (in pounds) the reel's drag system can effectively use to restrict line from being pulled out when set at max tightness - something especially crucial when fishing shark.
I wrote an extensive piece explaining what all this means and how to select an effective reel if this topic interests you; check it out if interested!
1.) Shimano Vanford
This saltwater surf fishing reel won't let you down and is widely considered among anglers worldwide as one of the top options available today. Built to withstand intense use without ever failing you, its smooth operation remains reliable throughout its long lifespan.
Pros: It has a sealed body (though not waterproof) which does well at resisting splashes of liquids and protecting the mechanism itself, with smooth drag/retrieve action as well as being designed to optimize casting distance, since line flies off easily from it's spool.
Cons: Disassembling this model takes more effort.
2.) Penn Spinfisher VI
This reel is my go-to surf fishing reel of choice. The Penn paddle handle is a good choice because it is affordable, well-made, and durable. It is better than the Slammer in terms of quality and handling.
Reach for nothing else but the Penn Spinfisher VI for all your saltwater surf fishing reel needs - its fully sealed design offers nothing short of superior performance!
Expect nothing short of perfection when buying this reel!
Pros: An impressive sealed body to prevent salt water corrosion isn't as heavy as one might assume, with well-balanced weight distribution for smooth drag-and-retrieve. Furthermore, these units are extremely strong and durable enough for any environment or situation.
Cons: Given its superior quality, disassembling may prove complex; however, you shouldn't find this necessary.
3.) Penn Slammer
This reel is ideal for anglers seeking an upgrade from traditional (high-performance saltwater reels). As smooth and comfortable as they come, its capacity to fend off large fish makes this an essential tool in my arsenal of fish-catching gear.
Gary uses one regularly with great success. My only reservation with it would be its lack of paddle handle configuration option but nonetheless this reel remains one of the finest surf fishing reels out there!
Pros: Smooth retrieval and casting action. Fast retrieve rate with braid-ready strips built directly into spool.
Excellent durability and strength ratings make this reel an outstanding value! Plus it makes fishing effortless. It's well balanced!
Cons: Disassembling of complex disassembly may prove challenging
4.) Penn Battle II or III
I think every angler should experience Penn's Battle reel for themselves - its durability, reliability, smoothness of operation are unsurpassed and have made this my middle-of-the-road reel of choice over time - I use mine regularly without issue! For surf fishing purposes this saltwater surf fishing reel represents one of the best value propositions.
Pros: Equipped with an HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag System. Ball Bearings have been sealed off, for smooth drag-and-retrieve action and built-in braid-ready strips on its spool.
Cons: While this reel might feel slightly heavier than expected, its weight shouldn't be an issue.
5.) Daiwa BG
This Daiwa BG model is comparable to Penn Battle in both quality and feel; they both possess unique styling that may appeal more or less directly. I prefer Penn.
Pros: Equipped with an integrated braid-ready strip. Utilising smooth retrieve and casting action.
Holds plenty of line, too, which contributes to its versatility and smooth retrieval process. An iconic shark reel that packs tons of power! It stands up well when used regularly!
Cons: On the heavy side
6.) Penn Fierce III
This reel represents an intermediate step down from the Battle. As its name suggests, its smooth performance won't last as long;
nevertheless it remains an excellent saltwater reel suitable for surf fishing that if within your budget could make an excellent option.
Pros: Slick retrieval and casting action, good retrieval rate and built-in braid-ready strips make this reel durable yet strong; not to mention it being well balanced overall!
Cons: Due to its metal body construction, this reel tends to be somewhat heavier. Furthermore, too tight of drag settings could potentially lock up this reel and limit fishing possibilities.
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