The Best SURF FISHING ROD and REEL COMBO For The Money ([year])

The Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combo For The Money

Surf Fishing Combos (At A Glance)

I’ve been getting back into surf fishing again recently so I wanted to take some time and share with you what I’ve found to be the best surf rod and reel combos for the money.

Fact is, like most hobby’s, the majority of us have a fairly tight budget to spend on our fishing adventures. It doesn’t make any sense to buy the cheapest rod and reel combo on the market, only to have it break or the reel seize on you. Because you’ll just be spending more money buying another surf fishing setup.

So in this post I’m going to share the top 5 best surf fishing rod and reel combos for the money. This goal here is to give you the info you need to select a high quality surf fishing combo that won’t break the bank, but at the same time will give you a rod and reel that will last for a long, long time to come.

So, let’s get to it!….

What To Look For In A Good Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combo

Like anything else with fishing, all of us have our own preferences as to what we like, or what we think is “the best.”  It’s no different with surf fishing. I have my preference, and the guy next to me out on the beach has his.

Neither one of us is right or wrong.  But here’s what I look for in the best surf rod and reel combo that makes it the best one for my money.

Length Of The Rod

I prefer to fish the surf with a rod that’s 9 or 10 feet in length.  The longer rod allows you to keep the fishing line out of the surf and let you cast further.  A rod with a short “butt” end will also help you cast farther by positioning the reel closer to the end of the rod. This gives you a longer “castable” length of the surf fishing rod.

Weight Of The Rod

I also prefer to use a rod that’s lightweight. I lightweight surf fishing rod will let you detect strikes much easier as well as not wear you out after a long day of fishing the surf.

The Reel Seat

Many cheap surf fishing rods will have reel seats that are also cheaply made.  The problem is that these seats loosen over time which means your real becomes loose, which is a major problem. So make sure you buy a rod that has a secure reel seat that locks your reel in tight.

Type Of Reel

I also prefer a spinning reel over any other kind of reel for surf fishing. Surf fishing conditions can take serious wear and tear on your reel.  So make sure you select a surf fishing reel that’s designed specifically for that purpose. A good surf fishing reel will be made for saltwater, corrosion resistant, very durable and have a strong drag.

Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Reviews

1.PENN Battle II Combo (Top Pick)

The Penn Battle II is PENN’s most popular saltwater rod and reel combo. This combo has a reel with a full metal body, side plate and rotor for the durability we need as saltwater fishermen. The Superline Spool is constructed from machined and anodized aluminum and allows you to tie superlines directly onto the spool without having to use backing.

The Reel

The reel is braid ready and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity to make sure you’re aware of exactly how much line is off the spool.

The PENN Battle II drag system provides a silky smooth drag when you need it, especially under heavy loads, which is what we all are hoping for!

The fishing reel also features a fluid cranking with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing.

The Rod

The rod that’s part of this combo is a graphite composite Battle rod that features aluminum oxide guides which all types of fishing line will simply glide through.  Available fishing rod lengths are from 6.5 ft to 10 ft.

If you want the best saltwater rod and reel combo for the money, then invest in the PENN Battle II fishing combo.  For the money spent, you won’t find a better saltwater fishing combo that will last as long.

2. Penn Pursuit III Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel

PENN is unquestionably one of the best saltwater fishing reel brand out there. And their Pursuit III Rod and Spinning reel combo is a great example of PENN’s superior quality.

The PENN Pursuit III rod and reel combo is the perfect choice for surf fishing, and is in my opinion the best surf rod and reel combo.

 This surf fishing rod and reel combo combines the Pursuit III saltwater spinning reel with a graphite composite rod for an affordable setup that makes this one the best surf rod and reel combo for the money.

The Reel

The Pursuit III spinning reel features an ultra lightweight graphite body that is corrosion resistant, which means a long lifespan for this fishing reel.  The body of the reel also features an aluminum side plate which is also resistant to corrosion. The spool is made from machined and anodized aluminum.

Inside the reel is a fluid cranking with 4 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing.

The drag system on this reel is a dependable oiled-felt drag that according to the PENN website makes, “…the Pursuit II the best value for the money for saltwater anglers.”

The Rod

The fishing rod that’s paired with the Pursuit III rod and reel combo is a graphite composite rod which features aluminum oxide guides. These guides are not only resistant to corrosion, but will also allow all types of fishing line to easily glide through. The rod also features comfortable and durable EVA grips.

The fishing rod is available in lengths ranging from 7 ft up to 10 ft.

According to the PENN website, “…the Pursuit III is the best value for the money for saltwater anglers.”

3. Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods

This specific surf fishing rod isn’t a combo in the sense that it comes with a reel, but I’m so impressed with the surf fishing rod itself, I wanted to include it on this list.

 These surf rods by Okuma has a new rod technology that features high density graphite rods that have over-sized double footed aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel hooded graphite reel seats. The handle on this surf rod has soft-touch EVA cushions above and below the reel seat which makes for excellent control while standing in and around the waves. The longitude rods also features the Pac Bay rubber butt caps to prevent slipping and damage to the rod end.

These  rods are 2 piece sensitive graphite composite and are available from 8 ft to 12 ft in length. The handles are completely wrapped in cork and are nice and long to help you maintain good grip and control of the rod.

 All of the surf fishing rods by Okuma are covered by a 1-year warranty.

 The surf fishing reel I would highly recommend combining with the Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods is the Okuma Avenger.  

4. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo

This is a 10 foot surf rod and reel combo with a durable size TU-80 spinning reel which holds 260 yards of 25lb test fishing line. The spinning reel is a single ball bearing reel that’s perfect for surf fishing where large fish lie in wait.  

 The rod itself is made out of durable fiberglass and features aluminum oxide guides to prevent rust and corrosion. The EVA foam fore and rear grips will allow for excellent control of the rod while fighting waves and weather, even when they’re wet.

 The TU-80 spinning reel features a multi-disc oiled felt drag system that will instantly provide the drag you need when you need it.

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Saltwater Waders For Surf Fishing

If you don’t already have a good set of fishing waders, then you’ll need to make sure you get a set before you head out again.  

Even though you may not be up to your chest in the waves while surf fishing, you’ll still be out there up to your thighs at least.  And take it from me, those sneaker waves will find you and hit a lot higher than you think they will!

These Frogg Toggs Canyon II Breathable Stockingfoot Chest Waders are ideal for fishing the surf.  They’re not the top of the line waders that will cost you $300, but are much more reasonably priced for those of us that plan on using and abusing them in the salt and sand. 

They include an adjustable wading belt with quick-release locking buckle as well as the adjustable Y-back suspenders which also feature quick release locking buckles.

You’ll still need a pair of fishing boots to wear with these waders, but the integrated neoprene booties will be sure to keep your toes and feet nice and warm in the cold surf.

Final Thoughts

So there’s the 5 best surf fishing rod and reel combos for the money.  Even though I listed one of these not as a combo, don’t discount it, because that’s a fantastic surf fishing rod.  And if you already have a reel, then that rod would make a great companion to your reel.

And now that you’ve been shown these top surf rods, what are you waiting for?  Pick the one that works best for you, and get out there and start fishing!

If you’re looking for a good and dependable surf fishing rod and reel combo, then consider my top pick, the Penn Battle II. It’s a fine rod and reel backed by the Penn name and reputation. These things are made with the saltwater angler in mind. 

You can check it out here.