Best Surf Fishing Reels | Outdoor Life

To start surf fishing all you need is a small box of tackle, a long fishing rod, and a surf fishing reel. Just because it’s simple, doesn’t mean surf fishing is easy. Surf anglers face a daunting list of unique challenges. First, beach fishing puts the angler and his equipment in direct contact with sand, dirt, and saltwater. Then, reaching the fish requires the angler to make a long, accurate cast. Of course, fighting a fish while standing on shore calls for a smooth drag and powerful retrieve. Despite these challenges, surf fishing is one of the best ways to hit the water, and the key to success is reliable equipment starting with the best surf fishing reels.

How We Picked The Best Surf Fishing Reels 

Testing surf fishing reels is easy: we take them to the beach, fish hard, and the survivors win. Sand, salt, long casts, and big fish push these reels to the limit of durability and performance.

Surf fishing is often a group activity with dozens of anglers fishing the same area. With so much competition, the best surf fishing reels quickly come to the top. Not only can we test reels standing side by side with other anglers, but word quickly spreads about the best and worst reels. To win a place on this review, every aspect of the reel had to come together. Designers build surf reels with special features like a larger spool, precision casting brakes, high-speed bearings and shaft, and solid construction to shake off salt and sand. To test these reels, we hit the sand to see if the reel’s features function as advertised. For the ones in the list, the answer is yes.

The Best Surf Fishing Reels: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: PENN Fathom II 15SD

Walking through the New Product Showcase at the 2019 ICAST trade show, I stopped in my tracks, took out my smartphone and sent photos to my surf fishing buddies. “Look at this!” I texted. I was excited about the new PENN Fathom II SD15 for targeting big red drum in the surf. Red drum anglers are among the most demanding surf fishermen. They are looking for every advantage to make a long cast and beat a 50-pound fish through the raging surf. The PENN Fathom II SD15 is a high-speed conventional reel capable of producing 30 pounds of drag. After using the Fathom II for the last three years, the reel has earned a position as my go-to surf reel.

The main reason I love this reel is the magnetic casting brake. Once I set the brake with the small dial on the sideplate, the reel casts flawlessly time after time. The reel has a huge line capacity. If I break off, I don’t have to re-spool on the beach. To fight a big drum through the surfzone, the carbon fiber drag is smooth and reliable. I have pulled 50-pound drum through huge waves and strong current with the line stretched tight and the 12-foot rod heavily bent. The PENN 15SD balanced power with smooth release to give me the advantage. When I get home, the quick access side plate makes it easy to clean and lubricate the reel. Drum anglers won’t use a reel unless it is the best on the beach and the PENN 15SD has already become a classic as the best conventional reel for surf fishing.

Best for Beginners: Penn Battle IV 6000

The Penn Battle IV 6000 sits in a sweet spot for surf anglers who want a solid, dependable spinning reel but don’t have a top-tier budget. It features a full-metal body and side plate. That all-metal construction offers tons of durability, but also adds some extra heft. It does a great job at handling big plugs, heavy sinkers, and fighting strong fish like stripers and redfish. The drag is surprisingly smooth for the price point, and the retrieve speed (41 inches per turn) works well whether you’re fishing a bottom rig or working a lure. 

Straight out of the box, the Battle IV felt tight. The first few cranks were stiff. However, it smoothed out significantly after a half dozen long casts. As the reel’s thick internal grease spread out with use, overall rotation became noticeably more fluid. — Alice Jones Webb

Most Versatile: Shimano Spheros SW 5000XG

If there ever was one reel that could do it all, this might be it. I used the Shimano Spheros SW 5000XG to toss “eight and bait” to target redfish, black drum, and cobia as well as to fling bucktails and Hopkins lures at bluefish and Spanish mackerel. When paired with a 9-feet, 6-inch Shimano Tiralejo, it manages to perform both applications impeccably well. 

The all-metal reel body is impact-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around in the bed of your truck. It is also built with extra rigidity to eliminate flexing when you’re fighting big fish. 

The Spheros SW also features a drag system made of woven carbon fiber washers arranged in a crisscross pattern. The layout increases surface area and improves heat dissipation, making it harder for big fish to burn out the drag when they make powerful runs. And unlike felt drags, Shimano’s cross carbon won’t fail due to heat during a long fight. Made of woven carbon fiber, which provides a wider drag range and a nice, smooth drag release. This thing remains butter smooth under pressure. That being said, I wish the drag clicker were louder. Sometimes it can be hard to hear a fish pulling off line, particularly in conditions where the wind and surf are making a louder-than-normal racket. — Alice Jones Webb

Read our full review here.

Best Large Spinning:  Shimano Ultegra XTD

You need the best spinning reel for surf fishing to throw a big lure at trophy fish. To achieve this, Shimano’s Ultegra XTD reel uses super slow oscillation to wrap the line tightly around the spool and reduce friction on the cast. Also, a spinning reel is more ergonomic for working a plug, spoon, or jig, and the Ultegra XTD moves the reel closer to the rod for a more balanced retrieve. My favorite feature is the X-Ship gears, which are strong and stiff for more cranking power. To maximize casting distance, retrieve performance and fighting power. Shimano built the Ultegra XTD to live up to the expectations of the best spinning reel for surf fishing.

Best Small Spinning: PENN Slammer IV 3500

I love to wade the beach with a medium-action surf rod and light spinning reel casting jigs and plugs to sloughs and cuts in search of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Switching to bait, I pluck sea mullet, pompano and flounder from the shorebreak. My choice for a light tackle surf fishing combo is PENN Slammer IV 3500 matched to a eight-foot medium-action rod. PENN Slammer is an iconic saltwater spinning reel, and the fourth generation continues the family’s best traits. The main reason the Slammer IV makes my list is the sealed body and drag. The best way to prevent corrosion and damage is keeping water out of the works. To further improve durability, add corrosion-resistant stainless ball bearings, brass gears, and a full-metal body. The PENN Slammer IV isn’t a dedicated surf reel, but the sturdy construction and compact design make it my choice for the best saltwater reel for surf fishing.

Read the PENN Slammer IV review to learn more.

Best Budget: Daiwa Sealine X30SHA

My first surf fishing reel was a Daiwa Sealine X30SHA, called a “Slosh 30” by devoted surf fishing fans. The X30SHA is so reliable, that I still keep a couple as backup reels. Even though the X30SHA is a great value, it includes some of the same features on more expensive reels like a free-floating spool, sealed drag washers, and stainless steel and bronze gears. My biggest complaint is that the large reel is difficult to grip with my small hands. 

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Surf Fishing Reels

Choosing the right surf fishing reel isn’t about what looks flashy on the showroom floor or what will turn heads on the beach; It’s about finding the right reel to pair with your preferred fishing method, the species you’re after, and the environment you’ll be fishing in. Here are a few things to think through before you drop your hard-earned cash on a new surf reel.

Target Species

If you’re chasing big stripers, bull reds, sharks, or other hard-running fish, you’ll need a reel that can hold plenty of heavy line. If you enjoy the thrill of fighting these energetic fighters, look for a reel with a spool that can hold at least 200 yards of your preferred line weight. 

Drag System

When you’re surf fishing, a quality drag system is a non-negotiable. It should start smooth, stay consistent under pressure, and provide solid stopping power if you need to turn a big fish before it empties your spool. Carbon drag systems resist heat build-up and deliver more consistent performance under heavy loads than felt or other materials. As a bonus, they also require less maintenance. 

Corrosion Resistance

Saltwater is serious business. It can turn a cheap reel into a corroded mess in a quick order, so surf anglers should look for reels made from corrosion-resistant materials and sealed drag systems. Other waterproofing tech is also a boon. However, don’t lean too heavily on fancy features. Maintenance often matters more than construction, so rinse your gear after every use to keep the salt, grit, and fish slime out of critical parts. 

Weight and Reel Size

A smaller, lighter reel may be well-balanced and easier to cast, but you shouldn’t sacrifice strength or line capacity to shave off a few ounces. Match your reel size to your rod. A 4000- to 6000-size reel generally works well with medium setups. If you want to go with a heavier rig, size up to 8000 or higher.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Surf Fishing Reels

As a die-hard surf angler who targets big red drum, my choice for the best surf fishing reel is PENN’s Fathom II SD15 Casting Special. Not only does the Fathom II SD15 include all the advances that make a reel appropriate for surf fishing, but it represents an important recognition of big-game surf fishing by one of the most respected fishing tackle brands. PENN has a long history of building high-performance saltwater fishing tackle at a great price. The Fathom II SD15 takes PENN’s reputation into the toughest fishing environment.