On the lookout for a surf fishing rod and reel combo that’ll get the job executed however gained’t break the financial institution? You’re in luck. However first, you would possibly need to take into account not buying a rod and reel combo. I do know that sounds counterintuitive, however it’s the precise factor to do.
As a substitute of buying a producer’s rod and reel combo, pair a rod and reel collectively by buying every individually. On this article, I’ll let you know why and I’ll counsel three rod and reel pairings to select from.
What Is a Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo?
First, let’s make clear that the one factor that defines a rod and reel pairing as a “combo” is that the rod and reel are bought collectively.
All this implies is the producer determined a sure rod would go properly with a sure reel. Hardly ever is the pairing “good” for the type of fishing you’re planning on pursuing. So, take into account creating your personal combo.
Extra on that later. First, I’m going to disclose the most affordable choice for a surf fishing rod and reel combo that can catch fish and deal with fish simply fantastic. No flash, no finesse. Simply bare-bones what you want.
Finest Most cost-effective Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (Grime Low-cost)
The perfect and most cost-effective rod and reel combo on the market for below $30 is the Shakespeare Tiger 7’ rod and reel combo.
If you happen to’re a surf fishing rod and reel fanatic, that is NOT for you lol.
While you’ve gotten used to prime quality gear, you sometimes can’t return. However, I’ll say, you possibly can catch simply as many fish on this rod and reel as your $300 setup.
This is likely one of the first rods I surf fished with. I caught all the things from small surfperch and yellowfin croaker to a 23-inch spotfin croaker and a 28-inch corbina on this rod (sure, 28 inches… newbie’s luck).
And imagine it or not, that was on the producer’s pre-spooled line. I even took that combo out on a kayak with my brother and landed a pair 5 to 10-pound yellowtail on it whereas fishing the Fortunate Craft FM 110. On the time, I imagine the lure was dearer than the rod.
However, tales apart and testimonials apart, in case you’re simply testing the waters to determine if surf fishing is for you, or if you wish to introduce your children to the world of surf fishing and also you don’t need to spend a lot, that is the combo to start out with. Not at all is it a “nice rod and reel combo”. It’s a rod and reel that can get the job executed.
Finest Funds Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (Below $150)
This subsequent one would possibly appear to be a steep leap, however imagine me, $150 is kind of low for what most anglers spend on a surf fishing rod and reel pairing. The place the Shakespeare Tiger lacks within the little particulars that improve your expertise, this subsequent setup is an absolute cut price!
It seems and feels excessive finish, and as talked about earlier, it can bot be bought as a “combo”. You’ll pair the rod and the reel collectively.
The Rod: Okuma Celilo 8’6″ MA
The rod is an Okuma Celilo salmon and steelhead fishing rod. For the principle type of surf fishing that I do (utilizing sand crabs and catching corbina, surfperch, yellowfin and spotfin croaker and so on.), I just like the 8’6” model with Medium motion (MA) rated for 8-17 lbs and ¼ – ⅝ oz. If you happen to like a barely stiffer rod, go along with the MH one as an alternative of the MA.
Backside line, this rod is often bought on Amazon for round $70. It’s bought nice sensitivity and it’s a top quality rod made by a top quality model.
The Reel: Penn Pursuit III 3000-4000
The reel is one I swear by by way of the very best surf fishing reel for the very best worth. The Penn Pursuit III will really feel like a $100 reel out of the field. Over time nonetheless, it can break down if not cared for correctly. That’s the place spending the cash on say a Penn Spinfisher VI pays dividends.
That mentioned, the Penn Pursuit is what I’ve most of my purchasers fish with after I’m operating guided surf fishing periods.
These reels undergo absolute hell. After getting dropped within the saltwater, then within the sand, then again within the saltwater once more and so forth, and purchasers forcing the bail to auto flip (versus manually flipping the bail) and grinding the gears and so on… they nonetheless sometimes final me at the very least 2-3 years for every reel. You’ll be able to often discover them on Amazon for between $45 and $60.
The drop off from a $300 setup to that is a lot much less noticeable than the drop from this $150 rod and reel pairing to the Shakespeare Tiger. And once more, the Shakespeare Tiger WILL GET THE JOB DONE. It’s simply not a excessive sensitivity, prime quality setup.
Finest Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Pairing (Below $300)
So, on the subject of getting a high quality rod and reel for surf fishing on a price range, look no additional than these two choices talked about above.
Determine which description matches your state of affairs finest, and go for it. However, in case you’re interested by what I particularly use now and what I’d counsel is the very best surf fishing rod and reel pairing, maintain studying.
I’ve reached some extent that I don’t see myself passing (any time quickly at the very least) by way of the style I’ve for high quality surf fishing gear. My objective has all the time been to search out the very best rod and reel for the very best worth… AKA: the very best deal.
That mentioned, there’s some extent the place the rise and/or lower in cash spent doesn’t correlate correctly to the distinction in high quality of the gear you obtain for the worth you pay. I feel I’ve reached that candy spot and located the very best deal for the very best surf fishing rod and reel pairing within the setup under.
The Rod: Okuma SST
The Okuma SST is totally good for all kinds of surf fishing (besides sharking). See the precise fashions/specs I exploit for every type of surf fishing under. I threw in my shark rod too (which isn’t an SST… It’s a Fiblink Moonsniper).
For extra on shark fishing, head over to the linked web page. The highest three rods proven under are all totally different variations of the Okuma SST and so they’re what I exploit ALL THE TIME for Carolina rig fishing, jerkbait fishing and swimbait fishing within the surf.
| Fashion of Fishing | Verify Value | Mannequin # | Line Weight | Lure Weight | # of Guides | # of Items | Size | Energy | Taper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-rig | Store | SST-S-862MA | 8-17lbs | 1/4 – 5/8oz | 8+1 | 2-pcs | 8’6″ | M | M |
| Jerkbaits | Store | SST-S-862MHA | 10-20lbs | 3/8 – 1 1/2oz | 8 +1 | 2 – pcs | 8’6″ | MH | MF |
| Swimbaits | Store | SST-S-902HA | 10-30lbs | 1/2-2oz | 8+1 | 2-pcs | 9’0″ | H | MF |
| Sharks | Store | MO-S1304 | 20-40 | 4-8oz | 5+1 | 4-pcs | 13’0″ | H | MF |
The Reel: Penn Spinfisher IV
As for the reel, all you want is the 3500 collection of the spinfisher IV and will probably be good for all the things from C rig, to jerkbaits, to swimbaits. For sharking, you’ll doubtless need a 6500 collection or greater.
The Penn Spinfisher IV is the final word surf fishing reel. It’s absolutely sealed so it can maintain as much as the weather significantly better than something beforehand talked about on this article. Moreover, the elements that make up the reel (from bearings, to gears and so on.) are of the very best high quality. It’s bearing and drag system are additionally extremely easy.
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