Best Surf Fishing Rods of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Surf fishing rods are designed specifically for anglers who enjoy fishing in the ocean from the shore or beach. These rods are typically longer and heavier than traditional fishing rods, allowing for longer casting distances and increased sensitivity to feel the bite of larger fish. The best surf fishing rods are made with high-quality materials and feature durable construction to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. They also come in a variety of sizes and power ratings to accommodate different fishing styles and species. Whether you're targeting striped bass, redfish, or snook, a surf fishing rod is a must-have for any serious angler.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Penn Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 1
Penn Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods Cover #TOP 2
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 3
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Surf Fishing Rods

Penn Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

SQDSFIII1530S10
Titanium/Red/Gold
Penn Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Squadron III 10’ Surf Spinning Fishing Rod; 2-Piece, 15-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-5 oz. Lure Rating, Titanium/Red/Gold

This fishing rod features a graphite composite blank, graphite reel seat, and rubber shrink tube handles. The blank material is lightweight and durable, while the reel seat provides a secure and comfortable grip. The rubber shrink tube handles offer a non-slip and comfortable grip, even when wet. This 10-foot rod is medium-heavy with a 15-30lb weight capacity and is made up of two pieces for easy transportation and storage.

What We Like
Durable graphite composite blank material
Comfortable and secure graphite reel seat
Non-slip and comfortable rubber shrink tube handles
#TOP 2

Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods

LC-S-802M-1
Black/Blue/Silver
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods Cover
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods (Large, Black/Blue/Silver), 8'

The Okuma Surf Rods are designed for durability and comfort. The sensitive graphite composite blank allows you to feel the lightest of bites while having enough backbone to cast heavy baits a long distance. The aluminum oxide guide inserts are braid compatible, and the double footed stainless steel guide frames keep your line running straight. The premium cork wrapped on the butt section of the rod gives you a non-slip grip for all-day casting, and the stainless hooded reel seat keeps your reel in place as you cast and wind down on big fish. This series is available in five different lengths to fit your needs, whether you're looking for a more compact surf rod or a long rod to launch your baits from the shoreline.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite composite blank
Premium quality components
Comfortable non-slip cork grip

Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod

1121420
Multi
8 feet
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Berkley 8’ Big Game Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating

The Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod is an 8', medium-heavy 2-piece rod with an X-veil high modulus blank that provides strength and sensitivity for catching big game fish. The rod also features a Fenwick custom ergonomic reel seat, titanium guides with slim profile zirconium inserts, and an EVA and TAC split grip handle for comfort during long fishing trips. With a limited lifetime warranty, this rod is perfect for serious anglers who want a reliable and durable tool for their fishing adventures.

What We Like
High modulus blank for strength and sensitivity
Ergonomic reel seat for comfortable handling
Titanium guides with zirconium inserts for smooth line flow
#TOP 4

PENN Battalion II Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

BATSFII1530S10
Black/Gold
PENN Battalion II Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Battalion II 10’ Surf Spinning Rod; 1-Piece Fishing Rod, 15-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-5 oz. Lure Rating, Black/Gold

PENN Surf Rod is a medium-heavy, two-piece fishing rod from PENN that is perfect for surf fishing. Its graphite composite blank makes it lightweight and easy to handle, while its Fuji Alconite guides ensure that your line flows smoothly and without friction. The Fuji reel seat is durable and easy to use, making it simple to attach your reel to the rod. The rubber shrink tube handles provide a comfortable grip that won't slip even when wet. With these features, the PENN Surf Rod is an excellent choice for anglers who want a high-quality, reliable fishing rod that can handle the rigors of surf fishing.

What We Like
Lightweight
Durable guides
Comfortable grip
#TOP 5

PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod

SQDSFIII2040C12
Titanium/Red/Gold
PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod, Titanium/Red/Gold, 12' - Heavy - 2pc (SQDSFIII2040C12)

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is a durable and high-performance fishing rod designed for surf fishing. It features a graphite composite blank, PENN Dura-Guides, graphite reel seat, and rubber shrink tube handles for a comfortable grip. The blank ensures the rod is powerful enough to pull in heavy fish while remaining lightweight. The Dura-Guides are designed to reduce friction and improve casting distance, while the reel seat offers a secure fit for your reel. The rubber shrink tube handles provide a comfortable and non-slip grip even when wet.

What We Like
Durable and high-performance
Lightweight and powerful
Improves casting distance
Secure fit for reel
Comfortable and non-slip grip
#TOP 6

PENN Prevail III Surf Rod

Black/Red/Metallic
9' - Medium - 2pc
PENN Prevail III Surf Rod Cover
PENN Prevail III 9' Surf Spinning Rod; 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Durable Graphite Composite Construction, Durable Stainless Steel Guides

The PENN Surf Spinning Rod is designed to meet the needs of saltwater anglers without breaking the bank. Its 12-20LB line rating and medium power provide a responsive action, perfect for battling coastal fish. The 2-piece graphite composite construction ensures strength and flexibility, enhancing your performance on the water. With six durable stainless steel guides, this rod is built to withstand the rigors of both fresh and saltwater fishing. Additionally, the comfortable grip made from premium rubber allows you to fish all day without discomfort, while providing excellent traction during your fights with big catches.

What We Like
Durable graphite composite
Comfortable rubber grip
Responsive action
Stainless steel guides
#TOP 7

Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rods

TU-130
White/Blue
Medium
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rods Cover
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rods (Large, White/Blue)

Okuma Tundra Surf Rod is a durable fishing rod made of glass fiber rod blank construction. It features ceramic guide insets that prevent the fishing line from tangling and provide accurate casting. The stainless steel hooded reel seats offer a secure and comfortable grip, and the 13-foot length makes it easier to cast farther. With a line weight of 10-30lb and a lure weight of 2-6-Ounce, this 3-piece rod is ideal for catching bigger fish. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty that ensures quality and reliability.

What We Like
Durable glass fiber construction
Ceramic guide insets prevent line tangling
Stainless steel hooded reel seats offer comfortable grip
#TOP 8

PENN Carnage III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

CARSFIII3050S12
Silver/Black/Gold
PENN Carnage III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Carnage III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod, Silver/Black/Gold, 12' - Heavy - 30-50lb - 2pc

The PENN Carnage III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod, also known as the PENN Carnage III Rod, is a high-quality fishing rod designed for surf spinning. It features a strong and durable SLS3 Blank Construction, which provides excellent power and sensitivity for a successful fishing experience. The rod is equipped with Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides with SiC inserts, ensuring smooth line movement and reducing the chances of tangles. The Fuji DPS reel seat and the custom full rubberized shrink-wrapped handles offer a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to cast and reel in with ease. Whether you're a professional angler or a weekend warrior, the PENN Carnage III Rod is a reliable and efficient tool that will enhance your fishing performance.

What We Like
Strong and durable construction
Tangle-free guides for smooth line movement
Comfortable and secure grip
#TOP 9

Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

Black
Length: 9'
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Graphite Travel Fishing Rod (9 Feet)

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod is a 2-piece graphite travel rod that measures 9-feet in length. Its solid carbon fiber construction makes it strong yet sensitive, while the stainless steel and ceramic guide enhances smoothness and sensitivity. The non-slip rubber shrink tube handle gives a comfortable and firm grip, and the extreme exposure reel seat adds durability. It also comes with a 1-year warranty against defects.

What We Like
Solid carbon fiber construction for increased sensitivity and improved performance
Stainless steel and ceramic guide for smooth, long casts and enhanced sensitivity
Non-slip rubber shrink tube handle for comfortable and firm grip
#TOP 10

Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Carbon Travel Surf Rod 12'

Fiblink
Blue
12 Feet
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Carbon Travel Surf Rod 12' Cover
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Carbon Travel Surf Rod 3 Piece Saltwater Spinning Fishing Rod 12'

The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Carbon Travel Surf Rod is a three-piece saltwater spinning rod designed for surf anglers. The rod is built on a carbon fiber blank and features stainless steel guides, a high-strength reel seat, rubber butt caps, and a blue textured shrink tube fore and rear grip. It is sensitive and strong, specifically designed to combat fishing from the rocks and surf. The stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts make for smoother and more durable casting, and the wheel seat with stainless steel tapered hood transitions above and below the reel seat protecting cap. The comfortable grip design with textured shrink tube fore and rear grips will give you incredible grip, even when wet or covered in bait. The unique 2-piece/3-piece/4-piece construction makes for easy transport and storage, while the one-year warranty against defects and 100% satisfaction service offer peace of mind.

What We Like
Lightweight and responsive design
Sensitive and strong construction for combatting fishing from rocks and surf
Smooth and durable casting with stainless steel guides and ceramic inserts
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod?

The main difference between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod is their power and sensitivity. Casting rods are stiffer and more powerful, making them suitable for catching larger fish or casting heavier lures. Spinning rods, on the other hand, are generally more sensitive, allowing the angler to feel even the slightest nibble on the line.

2. Do you need a special rod for surf fishing?

No, you don't necessarily need a special rod for surf fishing. While some local tackle shops may recommend a specific rod length and test strength, the choice of rod depends on your fishing style and target species. A 9-10 foot light to medium light rod with 6lb test line is commonly used for surf fishing, but it's not the only option.

3. How far can you cast a 10ft surf rod?

A 10-foot surf rod is suitable for casting baits within 50 yards from the beach. If you're fishing from a distance of 50 to 100 yards from the beach, an 11 to 15-foot rod would be more appropriate. The length of the rod should be chosen based on the distance you want to cast and the location of your target species.

4. What is the minimum length for a surf rod?

For surf fishing, it is recommended to have a rod with enough height and power to cast beyond the breaking waves near the shore. An 8-foot surf rod can work well in calm water conditions, but for most surf fishing situations, a minimum length of 10 feet is preferred to achieve the desired casting distance and leverage.

Editor's Notes

During our surf fishing rod research, we found 24 surf fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,253 customer reviews through our big data system to write the surf fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose surf fishing rods with an average price of $50.42.

The surf fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of surf fishing rods, including PENN, OKUMA, Berkley, Fiblink. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.