8 Best Surf Fishing Rods On The Market

Surf fishing is one of the most fulfilling fishing experiences that anyone can have.

It is also the safest form of fishing because you do not have to head out into the water which is oftentimes dangerous.

However, it is the most demanding. After all, you have a limited approach toward water because you are standing on the shore and even if you step into the water you cannot go very far into the breaking waves.

Therefore it is essential to have a good surf rod, to make the most out of your fishing experience.

Most surf fishermen prefer a long rod because it can be used in all kinds of surf fishing scenarios.

In short, a good surf rod will be built to deliver long casts, have wonderful strength, and have robust durability.

But how do you find a quality rod with so many options available in the market?

Worry not because down below we have compiled a list of the best surf fishing rods.

At A Glance

Top 8 Surf Fishing Rods of 2022

As we all know that surfcasting is a distance game, all surf anglers want a rod that delivers the maximum distance.

Therefore, the best surf fishing rod in this matter is the Tsunami Airwave Series Surf Spinning Rod.

This quality surf fishing rod provides maximum performance in a strong, robust lightweight design.

These surf fishing rods come with a rod length that can range from 8 feet to 12 feet.

The 8-foot rod length is best for throwing smaller lures while the 12-foot model is best for tossing a cut bait over the outer bar.

All models feature Tsunami’s F3 Friction Fit Ferrule, which is constructed with a bare, smooth sanded ferrule that fits into the female portion.

When the two sections are pieced together the male ferrule remains exposed because it is intended to improve the fit over the course of time as it gets overused.

It assures there will always be room for a complete and firm fit.

It is extremely light and we found it to be extremely well-balanced.

It has a strong backbone to help you fight and wrestle big fish such as a striper or a slammer blue

The slender, shrink vinyl butt and foregrip, and Fuji reel seat makes it comfortable to fish with.

Pros

• Ideal rod length
• The two-piece design increases portability

Cons

• The grip is thin for some

The Tsunami Airwave Series Surf Spinning Rod is an excellent surf fishing rod and has made it to our list of best surf rods because of its excellent casting and two-piece design which provides portability.

The company uses high-pressure production techniques that yield powerful high-fiber density graphite blanks with no excess weight.

As a result, a more sensitive, and lighter weight, the high-performance rod is built for the toughest surf fishing conditions.

The rod blanks of the Airwave surf fishing rods are designed to provide fast energy recovery to transmit more power to each cast.

This gives surf anglers more distance with less effort.

Therefore, you will not be tired after using an airwave surf rod, and even if you are, it means that you caught more fish.

This simple but quality surf rod by Tsunami is an excellent example of the versatility offered by this brand.

If you are of average height and want powerful rods even in a long-distance, we highly recommend that this is the best surf rod for you.

The two-piece design of this rod would normally be a deal-breaker for many but this provides the angler portability and convenience when transporting it.

The rod has a test line feature as well but it also comes with a line weight ranging from 15 to 30 pounds which will be more than enough for the majority of fishermen out there.

However, there are certain things that users do not like about this surf fishing rod.

One of them is the diameter of the grip used on it.

Many anglers have stated that it feels off and a little bit thinner than they are used to.

However, this can be a matter of preference and we can easily overlook it.

For the money, this surf spinning rod is a pretty solid offering.

It also has a 70/30 collapsible break which is not for everyone out there.

Overall, this surf fishing rod is an amazing option by Tsunami in terms of excellent casting distance.

Moreover, its portability makes it a great choice for anyone short on storage space.

The St. Croix Avid Surf Casting Rod is a popular choice among surf anglers due to its high-quality build and amazing performance.

Most surf fishing anglers will recommend you to buy this rod if you have a budget of more than $250 because of its all-around performance.

This series of St. Croix surf rods have gone under a complete overhaul.

St.Croix has ditched the red paint on the blank, making it more moderate and giving it a desirable action.

This surf fishing rod comes with Fuji K-Series KW tangle-free guides with Alconite rings.

The Alconite rings also have corrosion control and are painted in a matte gray finish that allows braided lines to flow effortlessly.

This provides these surf rods with extreme durability in harsh saltwater conditions.

Moreover, the cork wraps on this rod provide you with a much-needed grip while you are surf fishing.

The rod is also equipped with a Fuji reel seat that has a backstop lock nut that prevents a reel from loosening while in use.

Pros

• Lightweight construction
• High sensitivity
• Excellent durability
• Strong blank that lets you fight and muscle big fish
• Good quality guides
• Excellent casting

Cons

• Pricey
• The Cork tape handle is not durable

The St.Croix Avid Surf Casting Rod is considered by us the best surf fishing rod because of its premium build quality and excellent performance.

This surf fishing rod is extremely durable and will not disappoint you in your beach fishing adventures.

This rod lives up to the reputation of its predecessors by providing top-notch quality.

Although this surf fishing rod is almost three times more expensive than other surf fishing rods, its features, build quality and performance justify this price.

The St.Croix Avid Surf Casting sports a carbon fiber blank that not only keeps it lightweight but provides it with a strong backbone.

The carbon fiber also makes the rod stiffer and sensitive therefore allowing the surf angler to feel every nibble and twitch in the water.

The rod is not only tough but it is also lightweight and has pretty much everything you would want in a surf rod.

For surf anglers who want a light rod, this St. Croix is ideal, delivering top-notch performance in a featherweight package.

This surf rod comes with 10 Fuji K guides, distributing weight along its length far better than most surf rods.

Having 10 guides is also necessary because the rod is blank is of carbon fiber and having a lesser number of guides will make the rodless durable.

However, this does not affect the casting distance of this rod because of the Alconite inserts and large stripper guide.

These allow you to throw light lures farther and if you are casting lures that are heavier you can expect them to go on even further.

The only flaw in this amazing rod is the cork tape handle, although it is smooth, comfortable, and provides sufficient grip, it will need to be replaced soon or later.

The reel seat is as awesome as you’d expect from St. Croix.

In short, the St. Croix Avid Surf Casting Rod is an amazing surf rod because of its premium quality features and reliable build.

This surf fishing rod provides value for each dollar you have paid.

We would recommend you to buy this surf rod if you want a premium option that will perform the same year after year.

This surf rod has a tough build and is supposed to perform in robust conditions making it the best surf fishing rod currently available in the market.

The Penn Prevail Surf Casting Fishing Rod is an excellent offering by Penn.

It is a great entry-level surf rod and targeted anglers that want a quality budget option.

The Penn Prevail Surfcasting rod sports a blank that is made up of a graphite composite material.

The graphite provides lightweight construction and sensitivity to the rod while the fiberglass provides strength that is necessary to catch fish such as striped bass and king mackerel.

This combination of materials is quite common these days but striking the right balance is not so easy, and Penn is the only company that has been able to do that.

Regardless of your style of surf fishing, this surf rod is capable of landing all of your favorite species such as drums, stripers, blues, and kings.

We would recommend you to pair this Penn prevail with a Penn Spinfisher reel series to get the most out of it.

This rod and reel combo will surely help you to achieve longer casts.

Pros

• Budget price
• Lightweight rod
• Value for money
• Durability

Cons

• This rod has no considerable flaws to discuss

The Penn Prevail Surf Casting Fishing Rod is on our best list because of its excellent performance at a budget price.

This surf fishing rod comes with stainless steel guides that have aluminum oxide inserts.

Allowing you to load the line more easily and cast at a longer distance.

It guides your line smoothly from the reel up through the tip of the rod.

Aluminum oxide is known for being a material that provides a very durable and smooth sliding action for both mono and braided lines.

The 2 piece graphite composite blank makes the rod extremely nimble and provides an amazing response to the slightest twitch from the fishes.

The 2 piece construction is strong and makes it easy to transport your rod to your favorite fishing destination.

Penn has used a woven carbon fiber layer on this rod blank and guide wraps to give it an extra layer of protection and durability.

This extra layer of protection acts like armor for your rod.

Penn Prevail Surf Casting Rod comes with a DPS graphite reel seat that ensures your reel is attached to the rod firmly and there is no play or wobble.

The rubber shrink tube handles on this surf rod provides an excellent grip.

It is designed to accommodate your hand in both wet and dry conditions while being durable.

Overall Penn has done an excellent job in designing this rod, it incorporates many of the same quality features you find on surf rods that are way more expensive.

We would recommend you to buy this model with a rod and reel combo to make the most out of it.

Moreover, this is a great rod for both beginners and experienced anglers that want a quality rod that will withstand the harsh saltwater conditions and stand up to even the largest ocean-going beasts.

It offers great value for the angler that is not surf fishing every day and does not want to spend more than $200 on a rod.

Therefore if you want a rod that loads nicely and is good for casting long distances then this should be your go-to option it will surely serve you for years to come on your fun fishing adventures.

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Fishing Rod is one of the best surf fishing rods currently available at an accessible price point.

It offers amazing durability and versatility at an accessible price point to anglers who are just starting their surf fishing journey.

The Squadron III Surf Fishing rod has a lightweight, graphite composite blank construction that is found on other similar options by Penn.

This particular rod is designed for surf fishing and makes it easier to cast long distances without any difficulty.

The rod has an excellent bend that forms a parabolic arc, which makes it extremely forgiving for new anglers and people who are still learning to fish.

Graphite composite blank also helps in catching fish and fighting the bigger hard-charging saltwater species.

The rod also features Penn’s virtually indestructible, one-piece, stainless steel Dura-Guides, as well as graphite reel seats and comfortable cork and EVA grips (varies by configuration) that anglers won’t want to put back down.

Pros

• Versatile Build
• One-Piece Stainless steel guides
• Graphite Reel Seat

Cons

• Some users reported breaking

The Penn Fishing Squadron III Surf Fishing rod is on our list of best surf fishing rods because of its versatility and durability at a budget price point.

This particular rod should be paired with the new Penn Battle III spinning reels.

With this rod and reel combo, you would be able to fight and perform fishing tackles with more ease.

This workhorse will be a great addition to your fishing gear and surely help you to catch more fish.

You can also pair your Squadron III surf rod with Penn’s new Squall and Fathom casting reels.

This combination will deliver the balance, actions, and durability required by seasoned anglers.

The Squadron III Surf rods, are available in five spinning and four casting configurations and have a price tag of under $100.

For those who are on a tight budget, this is an amazing rod.

It offers a decent surf fishing rod experience and comes at a very low price compared to other similarly priced options it is a great performer.

Its stand-out feature is the one-piece guides that make it lightweight and provide minimum friction.

Users using this particular rod have been reported having caught sharks and reds without any difficulty.

Most of them have found it to be living up to their expectations.

Plus, with this rod, you get super comfortable shrink tube grips and an Eva grip handle which makes holding the rod very convenient.

You cannot compare this surf rod with high-end expensive ones for an apparent reason, but this Penn Squadron does well for the price.

In short, the Squadron III Surf rods deliver you with high durability features, including graphite composite blank construction, Penn Dura-Guides, and graphite reel seat, as well as comfortable rubber shrink tube grips and EVA grips for a traditional style and feel.

If you are someone who wants a surf fishing rod that offers versatility and durability we would recommend you to look no further and buy this particular fishing rod.

It comes in a variety of models to choose from so you can either go with a spinning rod option or a casting rod option.

The BerryPro Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is specially designed to cater to the needs of every angler.

It is a rod that is best for both beginners and experienced anglers.

It has decent rod power thanks to its 36-ton heavy X carbon technology blanks that provide it with sturdiness and sensitivity to take on the big fish.

This surf spinning rod is extremely durable and strong to last you for years to come.

Advanced stainless steel has been used for making the body of the rod and the fishing rings are made from ceramic that offers a very smooth and easy performance.

Berrypro’s surf spinning rod is a cost-effective alternative to more expensive options and offers a great punch at this price point.

The 11-foot model of this series is an excellent choice because of its rod power and lightweight design, which is best for people who are not able to handle 11-footers.

Pros

• Precise and accurate casting
• Powerful and durable
• Lightweight
• Nicely balanced.
• Highly sensitive and nimble.
• It offers excellent fishing performance and is very comfortable.

Cons

• Although lightweight it can be tiring for some people

The Berrypro Surf Spinning Rod is one of the best surf fishing rods because of its great utility and robust performance at a reasonable price point.

The rod has enough backbone to catch big fish, and the fast action means that you’ll feel every nibble and twitch even from small fish.

However, this rod can be extremely fragile.

This is because of the use of graphite in this rod but we can overlook this flaw for added sensitivity and decreased weight.

As far as the guide quality goes it is very good, the stainless steel frame with ceramic inserts performs exceptionally well.

The customer support provided by the manufacturing company is outstanding, and if you do have a problem, they’ll take care of it quickly!

This surf fishing rod casts extremely well, but we think that a little bit of flexibility can improve its performance.

Moreover, this surf fishing rod boasts a very comfortable handle.

It is a long, continuous rubber shrink tube grip that provides plenty of area for your hands.

Whether you are casting or fighting a fish, it will certainly leave you impressed.

The reel seat is also well constructed so your reel remains firm and does not wobble while loading.

Overall this is a great surf fishing rod that comes with a variety of premium quality features at such a reasonable price.

The strong reel seat, EVA grips with high density, non-slipping tube design, a rod surface with good texture, and made from carbon fiber wear-resistant butt cap make this rod an amazing bargain.

These features enhance your fishing experience and make it more phenomenal as well as comfortable.

This series has been designed to have a build that ensures these surf fishing rods are highly robust and nimble.

It offers a conventional rod experience with all the modern bells and whistles.

The slim blank acts like a monster while catching big fish.

Fast action and great power, make your fishing experience imply phenomenally.

In short, this surf fishing rod is an amazing option that is pretty well built and offers great value for money to its buyers.

If you are looking to land fish with relative ease then you should opt for this surf fishing rod because it performs extremely well in all kinds of conditions.

The Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods are one of the most versatile ocean fishing rods that are currently available.

This series has a variety of rod lengths, and power options to choose from, making it an excellent choice for people who want to make the most out of their fishing adventures.

These rods are of high density and are made of graphite.

Since this series had an overhaul, the new version of this surf rod has double-footed stainless steel guide frames, aluminum oxide guide inserts, and cushions both on top and beneath the reel seat.

To keep the rod from slipping from your hand while tackling fish, Okuma has installed it with rubber butt caps.

The models are two-piece blanks, and the length sizes range from 8 to 12 feet.

This rod retails at around $50-$90 depending upon the model you choose.

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing design
• Free repairs

Cons

• Not as sturdy as expected

The Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rod is one of the best surf fishing rods because of its versatility and variety of options to choose from.

The stainless steel double-foot guides with aluminum oxide inserts give this rod high durability regardless of the type of line you use with it.

You can use Monofilament, fluorocarbon, copolymer, and even braided line with it and expect it to load effortlessly.

The aluminum oxide inserts ensure that your line comes off the spool smoothly, and doesn’t get damaged by any rough surfaces on the guides.

The cork grips provided with the rod are excellent for a comfortable and confident grip on the rod when fighting fish.

The cork grips give a more tactile and durable feel than foam grips, allowing you to enjoy the casting and reeling process all day long without tiring or blistering your hand.

The rod’s graphite blanks are used specifically on this rod because they provide strength and power while being lightweight.

We should be thankful for the recent strides in rod-making technology for developing these graphite blanks.

The use of technology has made these blanks stronger and ideal for use in robust fishing environments.

As a result, you get the flexibility and strength of glass rods, with the sensitivity of a graphite rod.

The Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite rod has many applications and can be your sole workhorse when it comes to fishing.

Ocean, surf, pier, inshore, and even freshwater fishing for channel cats are all possibilities with this rod.

The rod length of this surf series is ideal for maximum casting distances with the right lure weight range.

Moreover, these rods look aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and at this price point even we are astonished.

However, you might find these rods to snap after a few catches.

This usually happens when you have used the rod for catching a big fish and it is not able to withstand so much stress.

But worry not, because Okuma has excellent customer service that offers repair for broken rods.

And it is quite common for surf rods to break so it is really helpful to have a service center that is ready to help you out.

Therefore, if you are looking for surf rods that cost under $100 you should consider the Okuma Longitude Surf rods because they offer decent performance, are reasonably priced, and have a good-looking design.

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Spinning Rod is one of the best surf fishing rods in terms of reliability and robust performance.

In short, the Squadron III Surf spinning rods deliver you with some excellent features such as graphite composite blank construction, Penn Dura-Guides, and graphite reel seat, as well as comfortable rubber shrink tube grips and EVA grips for a traditional style and feel.

This particular rod is designed for surf fishing and allows anglers to cast the rod at longer distances with ease.

The rod is very forgiving when it comes to new anglers who are still perfecting their techniques.

The parabolic arc formed by the rod is very well balanced and provides it with enough power to handle bigger fishes.

Graphite composite blank also helps in catching fish and fighting the bigger hard-charging saltwater species.

Pros

• One-Piece Stainless steel guides
• Versatile Build
• Graphite Reel Seat

Cons

• Issues faced by some users with the build of the rod

The Penn Fishing Squadron III Surf Spinning rod is on our list of best surf fishing rods because of its versatility and durability at a budget price point.

The Squadron III Surf spinning rod has a lightweight, graphite composite blank construction that is found on other similar options by Penn.

This particular rod should be paired with the new Penn Battle III spinning reels.

With this rod and reel combo, you would be able to fight and perform fishing tackles with more ease.

This workhorse will be a great addition to your fishing gear and surely help you to catch more fish.

You can also pair your Squadron III surf spinning rod with Penn’s new Squall and Fathom casting reels.

This combination will deliver the balance, actions, and durability required by seasoned anglers.

The Squadron III Surf rods, are available in five spinning and four casting configurations and have a price tag of under $100.

For those who are on a tight budget, this is an amazing rod.

It offers a decent surf fishing rod experience and comes at a very low price compared to other similarly priced options it is a great performer.

The rod also features Penn’s virtually indestructible, one-piece, stainless steel Dura-Guides, which are a stand-out feature that makes it lightweight and provides minimum friction.

Users using this particular rod have been reported having caught sharks and reds without any difficulty.

Most of them have found it to be living up to their expectations.

Plus, with this rod, you get super comfortable shrink tube grips and an Eva grip handle which makes holding the rod very convenient.

You cannot compare this surf rod with high-end expensive ones for an apparent reason, but this Penn Squadron does well for the price.

It offers amazing durability and versatility at an accessible price point to anglers who are just starting their surf fishing journey.

This rod is for someone who wants a surf fishing rod that offers reliability and robust performance.

Therefore we would recommend this rod to every surf angler out there.

This particular rod comes in a variety of models and we would recommend you choose one that truly compliments your surf fishing equipment and your overall fishing style.

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is the best lightweight surf rod that has amazing sensitivity and nimbleness.

This rod has some of the most amazing features that are available in a rod.

It comes in a manageable size and offers really good feedback and sensitivity.

The rod is available in length that ranges from 9-12 feet, superpower, swift action, and all this makes it a true and perfect surfcasting fishing rod.

Since most of the surf casting rods have a one or two-piece collapsible design, transporting them can be challenging but this rod is exceptional, it offers great portability and is easier to transport.

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is extremely strong and lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and carry around.

It has an ergonomic design therefore is easier to handle even for people with smaller hands.

Pros

• Lightweight and strong
• Comfortable to handle
• Easier to transport
• Graphite blank offers excellent sensitivity
• Value for money
• Longer casting

Cons

• It might break easily if handled carelessly
• Suitable only for medium and heavy baits

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is on our list of best surf rods because of its lightweight and excellent performance.

This particular rod has an excellent casting distance and is best for surf fishing duty.

The graphite blank used in its construction is highly resistant to corrosion and is best for use in saltwater conditions.

It has been designed in such a manner that it offers maximum durability and sturdiness along with accurate power to weight ratio.

If you want a good casting rod along with portability that can be easily packed, then this is the one for you.

Fiblink Surf Casting Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Baitcasting Fishing Rod comes with a long handle that makes sure you have a good casting from a very long distance.

The rod also boasts five premium quality guides that are made from stainless steel and ceramic.

They provide optimal performance and reduce line drag, therefore enhancing the casting distance.

The guides are very smooth with decreased friction and enhance sensitivity by efficiently conducting the vibrations from the line to the rod through the guide and then your hand.

These guides are also perfectly aligned with the blank, making it strong and straight.

If you are someone who will be using their surf rod extensively the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod will be the best fit for you because of its carbon fiber rod blank that is very powerful and can survive every rigor it goes through while fighting the fish.

The non-slippery rubber shrink tube handle offers excellent grip and good casting experience.

The rod is very powerful and offers a lightning-fast response to surf fishermen, therefore, allowing them to choose a fishing technique that they like the most.

Since the rod can cast longer distances it is great for people who want to reach deeper waters while standing at the shore.

The ceramic inserts allow for a friction-free performance and allow the line to cooperate with the fisher.

The graphite blank offers increased sensitivity and makes it one of the best long casting rods.

The rod has a very lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around and portable for transportation during any of your fishing trips.

The increased sensitivity makes it one of the best quality fishing rods, moreover, it offers a better fishing experience at a lower price point.

Overall, this fishing rod is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a lightweight surf fishing rod with ultra-fast performance.