travel surf rod and reel

6 Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos (Our Custom Pairings!)

The surf, like no other fishing location, is a mecca for the most outrageous rod, reel, and rig combinations you’ll ever see. And, unfortunately, getting it wrong on the beach is a recipe for unnecessary hard work, frustration, and disappointing fishing results.

But building the best surf fishing rod and reel combo takes knowledge and experience many developing surf fishing enthusiasts simply don’t possess. So, are factory surf fishing combos the answer for the less experienced?

At UltimateFisher we don’t think so. Instead of pointing readers in the direction of standard combos, our experienced team has compiled six spin outfits. You can find them below.

Our Surf Rod And Reel Combo Process

UltimateFisher’s Mike Waltman and I have a combined surf fishing experience pushing through 60 years. We’ll keep on learning till our last cast, but we know how to match a rod and reel for great results off the beach. We’ve listened to your feedback, researched common questions, and set about making six great surf combos we would make for ourselves.  

We aimed to provide readers with easy, no-brainer choices. If the designated application of the combos below fits your surf fishing MO or desires, look no further, it’s a sure thing – just order it. Our primary considerations include  quality, performance, accessible pricing/value, and varieties of applications.  We also decided to keep it spin-based for simplicity.  

UltimateFisher’s 6 Best Custom Surf Combos

You will need to purchase the following rods and reels separately . They’re not factory/brand combos. We have matched rod to reel in order to present our surf fishing followers with combo options outside of the limited range currently available online.

Shimano Sedona FI 5000 & Okuma RA-S-1202M

Best all-purpose surf combo on a budget.

I’ve put this rod and reel combo at the top of the list for a reason. I love it. It’s proof that great surf fishing for a wide variety of targets needn’t be expensive. I’d recommend this affordable combo to anglers of all experience levels. It has fantastic versatility, performance, and durability. And with the money you’ll save, you can stock up on terminal tackle.

You have all the grunt you need to wrestle trophy drum or a stray tarpon. Yet it’s not so heavy that you can’t have a great time chasing pan-sized whiting.

Suitable for heavier surf, you can add the weight you need to keep your bait in the zone. For those who like casting metal slices at bluefish or mackerel, the 6.2:1 ratio on the Sedona reel gives you the speed you need. I’m a big fan of Shimano’s entry-level spin reels, and I believe the Sedona is the standout of the stables.

I recommend two spools, one with 15-pound mono, and the other with 25-pound braid for big targets. Fish lures, cut baits, or live baits. You're unlikely to find the equivalent quality in this price range. 

• Versatility
• Exceptional value for money
• Hagane gears & stainless steel ball bearings
• Outstanding casting distance
• Durable stainless steel guides (frames)
• Brilliant for set baits or active fishing.
• Limited heavy mono capacity

Shimano Stradic FL 3000 & ODM NXD-82 Rod 8’

Best ultra light rod & reel combo.

There is no better surf sport than working beach-side troughs and holes with super-responsive, ultra light, performance gear. While a gem for panfish of all types, this combo has refined grunt. It boasts compact power and precision that you won't find in any surf fishing buying guide. 

Cast hard bodies at trout, ladyfish, reds, and, blacks, and don’t panic should a 10 pound monster take your lure. Be patient, you’re well-armed. The FL 3000 is a very capable reel for surf fishing, and the ODM has plenty of backbone.

The Stradic FL is a phenomenal reel, with a silky smooth drag, exceptionally powerful for its size and weight. Sporting tech features originally reserved for Shimano’s flagship Stella; the FL is a premium reel for the most discerning light sport angler.

The ODM 8-footer is a masterpiece and an ideal selection for working light surf conditions. The ultimate in responsiveness and sensitivity, you can cast relentlessly for long sessions without fatigue. It casts beautifully.

I’ll spool up with 10-pound braid and flick lures, hard and soft, at whatever’s around. Recommended for the light sport surf specialist.

• Fatigue-free surf fishing
• Phenomenal power-to-weight ratio
• Premium build & components
• Refined high-end performance
• Outstanding sport fishing
• Not suitable for heavier surf conditions

Shimano Saragosa 14000 XG & St. Croix Seage 12’

Best big fish live bait combo.

The Saragosa 14000 XG is proof that you don’t need a Stella or Saltiga for heavy work in tough conditions.

For me, the Saragosa is the best-value performance spin reel in the Shimano line-up. Strapped to the superb and powerful St Croix Seage 12’, this pairing will suit surf anglers targeting trophy drum, stripers, tarpon, and others, with live baits, and big cut baits.

This combination will also cast prodigious distances that make it an awesome weapon for hurling heavy lures at mackerel and their pelagic buddies working the top water.

This is the perfect fishing rod combo for a heavy swell and current. You can load up with lead to hold your target zone. With the strength of the Seage, 400 yards of 50-pound braid, and 33 max drag, you’re hauling sharks with this combo. The Gosa has plenty of capacity to soak up the long, determined runs of toothy monsters.  

• Exceptional performance
• Outstanding build quality
• Excellent spool capacity
• Sea Guide NPS reel seat 
• Powerful, responsive rod blank with aluminum oxide guides (rings)
• A little expensive

Daiwa BG5000 & Tsunami SaltX Surf 11’

Best surf fishing allrounder.

I’m a huge fan of the Daiwa BG series. And the SaltX 11’ performs every bit as well as its head-turning profile promises. These products belong together.

The BG, with its full metal body and aluminum spool, is robust, powerful, smooth, and exceptionally capable. The BG series has been a revelation for Daiwa in a heavily contested market segment. Such is the performance and value for money, I bought two.

This pairing will suit those surf anglers looking for a highly versatile, performance, go-to allrounder, without the premium price tag. Target everything that haunts the breakers, small and large, with lures, cut baits, and live baits.

I recommend at least two spools – one with 15 to 20-pound mono, and another with 40-pound braided lines for targeting monsters. This is a classic surf outfit you’ll be proud to fish.

• Highly versatile
• Great build quality
• Robust and powerful
• Long working life in tough conditions
• Access all species the surf has to offer
• The Daiwa is a little heavier than the current industry standard

Van Staal VR151 Spinning Reel & St. Croix Seage 10’

The toughest surf combo.

A surf fishing combo list would be incomplete without Van Staal, one of the modern legend surf reels. If there was ever a military-issued spinning reel it would be the Van Staal. The VR151 is a dedicated surf all-rounder with raw power, an incredible maximum drag of 35 pounds, and excellent spool capacities.

Coupled with the Seage 10’ with its medium power, and medium/fast rod action, this combo provides access to all surf fish, but with an edge.

The Van Staal is fully waterproof, corrosion resistant, and built like a tank, It’s designed to handle being fully submerged, dropped in the sand, rinsed off, and cast. I recommend the VR to all surf anglers who are harsh on their gear, fish wet and hike through tide and dune to reach the perfect location.

This is an adventurer's reel in every way. Take a spool for whiting and a spool for 40-pound drum, and there’s nothing you can’t target. While the Van Staal might not be the smoothest reel, it’s unkillable. And it’s a reel that improves with time.

This is the perfect combination for the toughest of surf conditions. It’s ideal for lures of all types, cut baits, and live baits. While this spinning rod combo is expensive, it will pay for itself with many years of reliable peak performance.

• Waterproof design
• Unmatched durability
• Famous surf fishing reel
• Built to handle the worst fishing conditions
• Strong and powerful blank with stainless steel guides (frames)
• Not the smoothest reel at this price point

Shimano Stradic FL 5000 & Okuma Voyager Rod

Best travel rod & reel combo for surf fishing.

The four-piece 9-foot Voyager is lightweight and compact – even fragile-looking. However, it delivers high-performance access to the lion’s share of surf-dwelling species, punching well above its tiny blank diameters. Each rod piece connects hand in glove, and there’s no discernible performance decay owing to the multiple joins.

Coupled with the refined strength of the Stradic FL, you’re casting cut baits, live baits, and lures, in surprisingly troubled seas. With a 2-ounce casting capacity, you can use enough lead to hold your ground in reasonably tough conditions.

The Stradic holds 260 yards of 20-pound braid. Backed up by 24 pounds of smooth and predictable Shimano drag, you’re set to tackle your PB striper, red, or black. Change over to your spare spool loaded with 12-pound mono, and you’ll have awesome fun with porgy, whiting, ladyfish, or pompano – depending on where you’ve travelled.

This pairing suits a more discerning surf angler. The kind who takes their fishing gear everywhere, be it on a plane, train, or automobile – overnight, or extended time away.

• Lightweight & compact
• Excellent versatility
• Premium quality rod & reel
• High-Performance combo
• Fatigue free fishing
• No hard travel case supplied

What Is A Fishing Combo?

In its simplest form, a “combo” is the combination of rod and reel. But in the fishing retail market, “combo” has a more specific meaning.

A combo is a rod and reel combination matched and compiled by the manufacturer or retailer. It’s sold as a package – 1 item, not two items and usually the rod and reel are the same brands.

Experts have matched rod to reel so that the outfit is balanced - the rod suits the reel and vice versa. Both rod and reel are (theoretically) equally suitable for the fishing application for which they were designed. The experts also determined the combo with a particular application in mind.

Why Buy A Rod & Reel Combo?

The main reason for buying factory combos is that you don’t need the advanced fishing and product knowledge that’s required to match a rod to a reel - outfit to application. With combos, the reel has been matched to the rod by an expert, and it’s fit for the application intended. Often, there are attractive cost benefits also. 

A rod and reel need to complement each other in terms of weight, size, application, and performance. When a rod matches a reel, we call it a balanced outfit. If you use a rod and reel that is not balanced or unsuited to each other, you can expect a disappointing feel and performance. This might range from terrible casting,annoying knots, to a complete inability to fish with it at all.

It’s important to understand that there are degrees of balance. For some anglers, close enough is good enough. For others, fractions of an ounce can make the difference - only the perfect balance will do. At this point, however, it's become personal preference..

That’s why creating a balanced outfit requires a reasonably high level of knowledge and experience. Interestingly, there’s a huge number of experienced anglers who don’t have the knowledge to create a balanced outfit for their intended application – especially the surf. 

Final Thoughts On Our 6 Best Custom Surf Fishing Combos

If any of our combos above match your surf fishing applications, jump in and order now. In my experience, it’s particularly hard to get factory surf combos that suit you perfectly. This is compounded by surf rods going out of stock frequently.

These rod and reel pairings were compiled so that all you needed to know is your application and your budget. Quality and performance are assured. If you have any questions, drop us a mail at ultimatefisher.com, we love a chat.

Common questions

A 5000 spin reel is a brilliant surf all-rounder. Many models offer very generous spool capacities and powerful drag systems. With two spools, you can rig light for smaller fish, and heavy for surf-dwelling monsters.

Like the 5000, the 4000 size is a brilliant surf allrounder. Often you’ll find very little between the specs of 4k and 5k reels. Making a selection between these sizes will come down to your rod choice, and reel brand.

Rod length isn't a key consideration for matching reel size. A 9-foot rod could take a compact 3000 or a gamefish size 30000. Your rod’s power rating will determine the range of suitable reel sizes. Once determined, you can refine a reel choice in consideration of rod length, for optimum balance.

Long rods offer leverage in a surf fish fight, excellent casting distance, and the potential to get over waves. I never fish anything longer than 12 feet. Long rods are cumbersome and create terrible fatigue. I look for any opportunity I can to fish as short a rod as possible. This will be determined by the wave height, and distance I need to cast to hit the target zone.

There are far too many variables in surf casting to indicate a distance. Any number would be purely arbitrary, and of little to no value. It may sound flippant, but the best answer is that a well-balanced 10-foot rig will, by and large, cast as far as you need.

Anthony grew up in Newcastle, Australia and has been fishing for over 30 years. He has fished all around Australia, Asia, and Europe and specializes in rock and surf fishing.

*The information on this site is based on research and first-hand experience but should not be treated as medical advice. Before beginning any new activity, we recommend consulting with a physician, nutritionist or other relevant professional healthcare provider.

5 Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos Reviewed

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Read our review guidelines

Hey there! If you’re looking for the best surf fishing rod and reel combos, you’re in the right place.

Surf fishing rods and surf reels have to be able to withstand saltwater corrosion, cast far enough, and be strong enough to handle monster fish in the ocean. To find both a rod and reel that fits those conditions is hard, but not impossible. But even then, the rod and reel may not match. A rod and reel combo ensures that your rod and reel will work well with each other. Furthermore, it’s also often cheaper than buying a rod and reel separately.

That said, my number one recommendation is the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo . Both the rod and reel are extremely corrosion-resistant and strong enough to take on enormous fish. On top of that, the rod is long enough to cast sufficiently far to reach the largest fishes. Oh, and did I mention it’s also reasonably priced?

Of course, no one combo can satisfy everyone, so if you weren’t impressed, there’re 4 other affordable options for you to choose from. Let’s jump right in!

Best Overall

Unique smooth drag system

Very smooth reel

Overall Score: 8.9

Best Splurge

Penn Spinfisher VI

Reel is as durable as it gets

Incredibly powerful

Overall Score: 9.5

Best Budget

Daiwa D-Wave

Priced very affordably

Rod is durable

Overall Score: 8.2

Our top 5 picks.

• Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo (Overall Best Surf Fishing Combo) [8.9]
• Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo (Best Splurge) [9.5]
• Penn Battle III Fishing Rod Combo (Best Spinfisher VI Alternative) [9.2]
• Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Fishing Rod Combo (Best Surf Fishing Combo Warranty) [8.9]
• Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo (Best Budget Surf Fishing Combo) [8.2]

Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos Reviewed

Before we get started, for those wondering, these are all spinning combos. There’s a really good reason for that, and we’ll get into it later. For now, let’s get started!

1. Daiwa BG Surf Fishing Combo

Effectiveness For Task

Versatility

Customer Service

User Reviews

*Not all metrics have equal weightings. Learn more about our rod scoring system here .

*Not all metrics have equal weightings. Learn more about our reel scoring system here .

• Rod Length: 10 ft
• Power: Medium Heavy
• Guides: Aluminum Oxide
• Reel Size: 5000
• Ball Bearings: 6+1

One-of-a-kind smooth drag system

Starting the ball rolling is the Daiwa BG Surf Combo. This incredible combo is everything you could ask for in a surf fishing combo. It’s durable, sturdy, and can cast past the breaking surf.

Firstly, the guides are made of aluminum oxide , one of the most corrosion-resistant materials for guides, giving you a durable rod. The drag system is also waterproof to prevent any corrosion of the drag system, and the corrosion-resistant aluminum body can withstand saltwater conditions well. Together, these create an extremely long-lasting rod and reel combo.

Next, the medium heavy power and 22 pounds of drag enable you to take on fish that are considerably large.

Finally, the 10 ft surf rod provides plenty of torque to cast into calm waters and the size 5000 reel gives you more than enough line to face the larger fishes.

As you’ll notice though, these can all be replicated by other brands as long as they have the right materials. What really sets this surf reel apart is its incomparably smooth drag.

The Daiwa BG spinning reel features a waterproof carbon Automatic Drag (ATD) system. The system delivers a more stable and progressive drag. This greatly reduces the chances of losing your catch as the ATD adapts to every phase of the fight. At the beginning, it works faster and more progressively. Later in the middle phase, it gives you a firmer hold for cranking power. The best part? The whole drag system adjusts itself on autopilot , thus its name Automatic Drag, not to mention the 6+1 bearings for even more smoothness.

With an irreplicable drag system and amazing specifications, the only flaw with this combo is that you can’t take on the biggest monster fish. It’s strong, but not that strong.

Other than that, it’s perfect in every other aspect and you can still catch pretty big fish with it. This one-of-a-kind rod and reel combo may not be the most affordable, but for what you’re getting, it’s worth every cent.

2. Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Combo

• Rod Length: 6.5-10 ft
• Power: Ranges from Medium Light to Heavy
• Guides: Stainless Steel
• Reel Size: 2500-8500
• Ball Bearings: 5+1

Next up, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo is the most powerful, sensitive, and durable surf combo available.

This surf fishing combo boasts a staggering 40 pounds of drag and a heavy power surf rod. With this surf combo that’s unmatched in strength, you’ll find reeling in prize fish and monster fish a breeze .

But it isn’t just the giants that you can catch, you can even go after panfish. This surf combo also comes in an extra fast action option for you to feel the softest tugs of the smallest panfish.

As for durability, the Penn Spinfisher VI reel has an IPX5 sealed body and spool, using seals in key areas to keep water out. Even the stainless steel bearings are sealed. Combining these features, the result is impressive corrosion resistance and durability that beat even the Daiwa BG spinning reel. 

The aluminum oxide guides on the Daiwa BG Combo’s rod are a tad more corrosion-resistant than the stainless steel guides on the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod though. Despite this, considering both the reel and the rod, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo still beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in overall durability. This means it’ll outlive the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.

And of course, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod is also long enough to cast the distance required for surf fishing. This combo also comes with line capacity rings so you can tell how much line you have left at a glance.

Taking everything into account, the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo in power, sensitivity, and durability. It may not have the Daiwa BG Surf Combo’s state-of-the-art drag system, but you can target a wider range of fish with it and it can last longer. 

Both combos cost roughly the same, so which reel you choose depends on your personal preference. If you want a much easier time reeling in fish, you should go with the Daiwa BG Surf Combo. Otherwise, if you prefer a surf fishing combo that can accommodate a wider range of fish and can better take a beating, you’ll want to get the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.

P.S. I know there’s a Spinfisher VII , but I’ve done the comparison and even tried them both out. There’s pretty much no difference, and the VII costs 10 bucks more. That’s why I’d recommend the Spinfisher VI.

Best Spinfisher VI Alternative

3. Penn Battle III Fishing Rod Combo

Overall Score: 9.2

• Reel Size: 1000-8000

Extremely durable

Next on the list, the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo is basically a budget Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. It’s similar in almost every way and offers almost the same benefits as the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo.

Power-wise, it also has a heavy power rod option. As for the drag, its 30 pounds of drag are clearly lesser than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s 40 pounds. Nevertheless, 30 pounds of drag are enough for the biggest fishes, so both combos are equally robust and both beat the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo.

Sensitivity-wise, the Penn Battle III Combo is less sensitive. Its most sensitive option is a fast action rod while the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo has an extra fast action option. Still, the Penn battle III Combo’s fast action beats the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo’s moderate fast action.

Durability-wise, like the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, this combo has stainless steel guides and sealed stainless steel bearings. However, although it’s got a full metal body and sideplates to enhance its durability, it can’t beat the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s sealed body and spool. As such, it’s less hardy than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo’s rod.

Other than these, both combos also have the same number and type of bearings and range of rod lengths.

All in all, the Penn Battle III Spinning Combo is in essence, a less pricey Penn Spinfisher VI Combo. It isn’t as durable or responsive as the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo, but it still allows you to take on a slightly wider range of fish than the Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo and can outlast it.

Just note that the packaging is trash and the combo is just put in a big box with no bubble wrap or cushioning. Given the amount of abuse it might take during shipping, you should be prepared to contact customer service for a replacement if it arrives broken.

Best Warranty

4. Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Fishing Rod Combo

• Power: Ranges from Medium to Medium Heavy
• Reel Size: 5000-7000
• Ball Bearings: 1+1

Rod is as durable as it gets

Lengthy rod warranty

When it comes to warranty, Ugly Stik is unbeatable. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Combo is a functional surf fishing combo that comes with a 7-year warranty.

Notice that I said it was a functional combo, not a great one. Here’s why.

Ugly Stik is known for making indestructible rods. Like all Ugly Stik rods, this surf rod was made with Ugly Tech Construction for legendary toughness. Nonetheless, the 1+1 bearings are really glaring. The scarcity of bearings makes retrieval with this reel quite a chore. Furthermore, the only protection the reel has against corrosion is its aluminum spool. This pales in comparison to the advanced technology that the previous 3 combos employ.

That said, it’s still a usable surf fishing combo, as it’s long enough to achieve the casting distance needed and possesses adequate power.

For those looking for a surf fishing combo with a longer warranty for peace of mind, this is a decent choice. Moreover, it’s less than half the price of any of the other combos on the list.

5. Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo

• Rod Length: 7-10 ft
• Power: Medium
• Reel Size: 4000-5000

If none of the above combos appealed to you, I’m guessing it’s a matter of price. That’s why I included the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo. This is by far the most affordable combo that can stand up to surf fishing conditions.

Notwithstanding its unbelievable price, this rod and reel combo will still allow you to get started surf fishing. The surf rod goes up to 10 ft so you’ll have no trouble casting far enough. The aluminum oxide guides and stainless steel ball bearings can also handle saltwater corrosion, albeit with more maintenance. And last of all, the medium power at least enables you to fish panfish and slightly larger fish.

Of course, at this price point, compromises have to be made. Not only is it the weakest rod and reel combo, but it also only has 1+1 ball bearings. Still, you get what you pay for. If you’re on a really tight budget, the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo is your best bet.

What To Look For In Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combos

Wondering how to judge whether a surf fishing rod and reel combo is good? Here’s everything you’ll need to consider.

The longer your fishing rod is, the further you’ll be able to cast. To cast far enough into calm water, you’ll want a fishing rod that’s at least 8 ft in length. 

Most surf rods are 8-12 ft. 

8 ft rods are best for fishing panfish nearer to shore as they offer the best sensitivity and you won’t need to cast too far.

10 ft rods are ideal for casting further to reach medium sized or larger fish.

12 ft rods are for those looking to cast the farthest to reach the monster fish.

Rod action is determined by how low down your fishing rod bends when you apply pressure to the tip. 

Rod action ranges from slow to extra fast. The closer to the tip your rod bends, the more sensitive it is and the faster the action is.

For action, it depends on the size of the fish you’re targeting. 

Ideally, your fishing rod should be fast or extra fast action to be able to feel the tug of even tiny fishes. ‘

However, if you’re targeting fishes that are medium sized or bigger, you can get by with less sensitivity. This means a moderate action rod will be fine for medium sized fish and a slow action rod will work for big fish. 

Notwithstanding that, more sensitivity can’t hurt and will allow you to go after a wider range of fish, so do get a more sensitive rod if possible.

Your rod’s power is, as the name suggests, its strength. This is also commonly referred to as stiffness.

Rod power ranges from ultra light to extra heavy.

Like length, the right rod power is decided by the size of the fish you’re targeting. Naturally, the smaller the fish you’re targeting, the less power you’ll need.

For panfish, an ultra light rod will suffice for smaller fish like trout. However, even panfish can grow to be relatively sizeable, so I’d recommend getting a medium power rod for fishing panfish.

If you’re targeting the medium sized fish, you’ll want to get a medium heavy rod. Likewise, if you’re intending to go after the largest fishes, you should consider getting a heavy or extra heavy power rod. 

Blank Material

The 3 materials used to make fishing rods are carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite.

Carbon fiber (aka graphite) is the lightest and most sensitive material for rods. This makes it the best material for fishing panfish as you’ll have a weak but very lightweight surf fishing rod.

Fiberglass is the least sensitive and the heaviest. However, it’s the strongest. As such, a fiberglass rod is a great choice for going after monster fish.

Composite is a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Composite is a fairly sensitive and tough material, giving you the best of both worlds. The best composite rods are extremely sensitive and sturdy, making them suitable for both prize fish and panfish. In other words, high-end composite rods can be used to fish any species of fish.

Most fishing rod handles will be made of either cork, EVA foam, or rubber shrink tubing.

Cork is a type of wood. Cork handles tend to feel smooth to the touch and offer a fairly secure grip.

EVA handles are usually the most comfortable to hold, especially for long periods of time.

Rubber shrink tube handles aren’t the most comfortable, but they provide the most secure grip.

Generally, guides hold up pretty well most of the time because guides are almost always made of metal. 

That said, look out for aluminum oxide, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and ceramic guides. These are the smoothest and most corrosion-resistant materials and they tend to last the longest. Also, titanium alloy in particular is the most resistant to rust.

You’ll notice that the surf fishing combos are all spinning combos. There aren’t any baitcaster combos on this list, and for good reason. 

The fact is, the majority of people who get rod and reel combos are just starting out. This is because more experienced anglers will prefer to choose a rod and reel individually so that the surf rod and surf fishing reel will be more to their taste. 

Moreover, beginners don’t usually know how to match a reel to a rod, which is why they’re getting rod and reel combos. Since seasoned anglers are unlikely to have trouble with this, they’re much less likely to get rod and reel combos. This is why most people who get rod and reel combos are new to fishing.

While both spinning and baitcasting reels each have their advantages, baitcasting reels are difficult to use. It’s best for beginners to start with spinning reels which are much easier to use.

Line Capacity

Line capacity refers to the amount of line that a fishing reel can hold. Naturally, the bigger the reel, the more line capacity you’ll have.

Luckily, this is one aspect that you won’t have to worry about. 

This is because surf fishing rod and reel combo manufacturers will ensure that the reel has the right line capacity for the rod. 

For example, a 10 ft rod would require more line capacity than an 8 ft rod since you’ll be casting further and taking on larger fish. 

Manufacturers know this and will automatically pair the right reel for you. 

Still, it can’t hurt to have more line capacity. So if you see that there are a few reel options for the same length, you might want to get the largest size reel.

The drag system is a pair of steel plates in your reel that will prevent your spool from releasing line.

The drag is adjustable, and when a fish pulls harder than the drag that you’ve set on your reel, your spool releases line. This prevents your fishing line from snapping from a fish that pulls too hard.

To handle bigger fish, you’ll need stronger line, which means your drag weight needs to be heavier too.

The general rule of thumb is to set your drag to 1/3 or 1/4 of your line’s pound test. So if you were using a 60-pound line, you would set your drag to 15 or 20 pounds.

For panfish, a max drag weight of 10 pounds is enough.

For medium sized fish, I’d go with 20 pounds, and for the largest fishes, you’ll need at least 30 pounds of drag.

For those who still have lingering doubts, here are some commonly asked questions.

What if I don’t want a rod and reel combo?

If you don’t want a fishing rod combo, we’ve actually compiled the best surf fishing rods and surf fishing reels. Here are the lists of the best surf fishing rods and best surf fishing reels .

Can I use a saltwater fishing rod for surf fishing?

Saltwater rods are by definition resistant to corrosion, which means they already satisfy the criteria of corrosion resistance. This means all that’s left is to check whether your saltwater rod is long enough and strong enough to handle your target fish. 

That said, I would recommend staying away from rods that are priced too low unless you’re sure they can get the job done. For example, cheap surf fishing rods may not be such a good idea, but the Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo’s rod is an exception.

What other surf fishing gear should I have?

When you go beach fishing, you’ll often see seasoned surf anglers with a few other items other than a rod and reel in their surf fishing setup. These include a fishing cart , rod holder , and sometimes even a cast cannon . They aren’t a must, but these additional gear will give you the best surf fishing experience.

Rod and reel combos ensure that you have a rod and reel that can work together smoothly. They’re also usually less expensive than getting a rod and reel separately.

For surf fishing, your rod and reel combo has to be corrosion-resistant to stand up to saltwater, strong enough for the monsters in the deep, and long enough to cast past the breaking surf. And there’s no rod and reel combo that fits the bill better than the Penn Spinfisher VI Combo .

With that, happy surf fishing!

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Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Randy tucker.

• January 12, 2023

With five oceans and hundreds of thousands of miles of beach to choose from, finding the best surf fishing rod and reel combo is something many saltwater anglers look forward to. Matching your favorite reel to the best rod you can afford is a process that many surf fishing enthusiasts undertake each season.

The veterans of the sport have it figured out, they know what they’re looking for in performance, reliability, durability, and ease of use. Hopefully, we can help you in deciding those factors for your own surf casting experience in the reviews written below.

We will review the 10 best surf fishing rod and reel combos . Some will be from different manufacturers, combined for the best product, and the same company will package others. A few of the surf fishing rod and reel combos on this list will sell for less than one hundred dollars, and at least one will cost you several thousand dollars to purchase. All in all, you need to pick one as a starting point and go surf fishing, you will become addicted, trust me.

The Winner for Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

The 310-yard capacity with 30-pound braided line, coupled with that 50-pound drag provides the versatility you’re going to need to get in trophy-sized catches from the pounding waves.

Made of Devious Red “S” glass composite blanks, these rods are used by surfcasting anglers in longer lengths, but have the raw power and stability that deep-sea fishermen need in battling Marlin, Tarpin, and other large species.

Rarely does one sporting goods company totally dominate an industry, but Penn has accomplished that when it comes to saltwater fishing. Penn is the undisputed leader in saltwater spinning reels.

The nod for best surf fishing combo goes to the Penn Slammer III 8500 pair with the Hercules rod.

Penn makes six models of the Slammer III in sizes from 3500 to 10500. The 8500 is a great, heavy-duty reel that gets the job done without worrying about breaking line if you hook a big fish, or wearing yourself out handling a heavier reel like the 10500 which weighs almost three pounds.

PENN typically ranks high on anyone’s list for the best rod and reel combo , including ours.

When coupled with the nine-foot version of the Seeker Hercules Spinning Rod, you have a surf fishing rod and reel combo that can’t be beaten for almost any surf fishing adventure. The reel has a capacity of 310-yards of 30-pound test braided line, and the heavy-duty Hercules surf fishing rod has the rod length to cast a long way, and the flexibility and sensitivity to feel those strikes in the surf.

What is Surfcasting?

As simple as the name sounds, that’s what you’re doing when you fish from the beach, you are casting into the surf. That’s where the simplicity ends.

The casting technique you prefer, whether it be overhand, underhand, sidearm, or even those wild CO2 frozen bait launching systems that propel your line hundreds of yards offshore, determines what type of surf fishing combo to use.

Surf Fishing rods can measure up to 15 feet (4.57 m) and beyond. A surf fishing reel is generally a spinning reel but in the 8000 to 14000 range. To get an idea of the size difference, most freshwater anglers fish with reels in the 2000 to 4000 range.

You can find surfcasting anglers with reels weighing three pounds or more that can hold 500 yards of braided line.

You’ll be casting live bait a long way offshore with heavy sinkers. The total weight hook, bait, and lead sinkers can weigh several ounces to over a pound. That amount of weight, multiplied by the force of your cast, puts a lot of stress on a surf fishing rod, much more than you’ll find in any other style of fishing.

Deep-sea anglers use heavy, stiff rods and 6000 to 10000 series spinning reels, or large, oversized baitcasting reels , but they don’t put the quick-snap style force on their equipment, even when battling giant sailfish and heavy tuna, like a surf caster does on ever cast.

How Was the Best Determined?

When you have a surf fishing combo review, you have to look at both the reel and the rod. Penn, along with Daiwa, and Shimano have a corner on the fishing reel market, but surf fishing rods are a wide-open, heavily debated subject.  We’ve included a lot of different varieties of rods, along with a few different reels, in our review.

The Saltiga 5000 is top of the line, no question. The Magsealed protection on the spool shaft and line roller is just the start of the amenities with this reel.

The Penn Battalion II is a solid, heavy-duty two-piece 12-foot rod that delivers quality performance with just about any 5000 series or larger spinning reel. 

A 10-foot Okuma rod combined with a 55 series (5500) Okuma reel is a low-priced alternative for the novice or weekend warrior who just wants to try their hand at surfcasting.

Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Reviewed

1. penn slammer iii 8500/ seeker hercules shs-90h spinning rod.

Penn delivers in all the reels they manufacture. They’re specially designed to handle the rigors of salt, sand, UV radiation, and salt spray that surfcasting brings to the sport. A lesser reel won’t last long with clogged gears, worn mechanisms, and buildup that can’t be eliminated, even with regular cleaning.

The Penn Slammer III – 8500 is a hefty 30.8-ounce reel with a respectable 50-pound drag. It has a slow, powerful 4.7:1 gear ratio. The lower gear ratio of the larger Penn reels is purely power-based. You don’t need the control of a bass fishing reel, or the fast retrieve needed for crankbaits, you need raw, horse-cranking power when you tie into a big fish in heavy surf. The 4.2:1 acts almost like a winch when bending your surf fishing rod over, pulling it back, and taking in the slack during a battle with an ocean-going monster.  The 310-yard capacity with a 30-pound braided line, coupled with that 50-pound drag, provides the versatility you’re going to need to get in trophy-sized catches from the pounding waves.

The Seeker Hercules Surf Spinning Rod is strong. Made of Devious Red “S” glass composite blanks, these rods are used by surf fishing anglers in longer lengths but have the raw power and stability that deep-sea fishermen need in battling Marlin, Tarpin, and other large species.

The solid titanium frame guides are 60% lighter than stainless steel, and the proprietary Nanolite rings eliminate corrosion. Black over metallic gray guide wraps accentuates the rod.

The reel seats and gimbals are composite and gunmetal gray aluminum.

This is one surf fishing rod that might wear you out before you return the favor.

2. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel/ Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Spinning Rod

The Daiwa reel is light for a 6500 series spinning model at just a pound. It’s rated for only braided line, but it handles a lot of it, 550-yard of 50-pound test, a quarter-mile of 65-pound, and an impressive 330-yards of heavy-duty 80-pound test.

This two-piece, heavy-duty 12-foot round weighs just a one-and-a-half pound, but it's durable grip, touch and can handle the challenges presented in landing a big fish in the surf.

Mix a couple of well-known angling companies, and you’re bound to get a top-notch combination. That’s what you’ll find when you take a 12-foot, two-piece Ugly Stik and attach a Daiwa 6500 BG spinning reel to it. This is a strong contender for the best surf fishing combo.

The Daiwa reel is light for a 6500 series spinning model at just a pound. It’s rated for only braided fishing line, but it handles a lot of it, 550-yard of 50-pound test, a quarter-mile of 65-pound, and an impressive 330-yards of heavy-duty 80-pound test.

It comes with an Infinite Duel Anti-Reverse, a waterproof drag system with a maximum setting of 33-pounds, and a quick 5.6:1 gear ratio.

The fishing line rolls in at a very fast 48.7 inches per crank.

Corrosion-resistant, this reel is ready for the challenges of ocean, bay, and pier angling.

Six ball bearings and one roller bearing provide smooth action and a hard body, and all-aluminum housing resists the damaging effects of saltwater.

What can you say about an Ugly Stik? They get the job done. This two-piece, heavy-duty, 12-foot round weighs just one-and-a-half pounds, but it’s a durable grip and touch and can handle the challenges presented in landing a big fish in the surf.

A clear tip design delivers added responsiveness and strength.

Casting distance is a great feature of this combination. With this surf fishing rod and reel combo in the hands of an experienced angler, you can get your bait well into the ocean, to the offshore depth you need to find hard-fighting game fish.

3. Penn Battle II 8000/ St. Croix Rods Mojo Musky Casting Rod

The 8000 series is a brute, and when coupled with a 9-6 Mojo Musky Rod you have a shorter, more powerful combination, that still features a very smooth action with the six-ball bearing Penn design.

The rod comes with a five-year warranty, and the black cherry metallic finish combined with the black and gold design of the Penn reel adds a little pop to your fishing environment.

The predecessor to the Penn Battle II remains a contender and a popular reel among saltwater anglers. The 8000 series is a brute, and when coupled with a 9-6 Mojo Musky Rod you have a shorter, more powerful combination, that still features a very smooth action with the six-ball bearing Penn design.

The reel works equally well with monofilament or braided lines and has good capacities for both types. In monofilament, the reel packs 340 yards of 20-pound, 310 yards of 25-pound, and 230 yards of the 30-pound test line. As usual, the braided line capacities are substantially larger, with a capacity of 345 yards of heavyweight 80-pound test braid, 390 yards of the six-pound test, and 475 yards of 50-pound test.

The 8000 has a powerful gear ratio of 5.3:1, allowing slower, more controlled retrieve, an important feature if you’re trying to get a large striper ashore.

A solid metal reel made of heavy-duty aluminum, it is resistant to the damaging effects of sun, sand, and surf.

The multi-anti-reverse design helps set the hook and keep the line taut on returns.

St. Croix makes a variety of versatile rods. This version features a split grip, premium SCIII carbon construction, and high-modulus SCIII carbon for strength and durability. This surf fishing rod comes in lengths from 6-10 to 9-6 and in power settings from medium/fast to heavy/fast.

For this combination, we’re going with the heavy/fast version.

The rod comes with a five-year warranty, and the black cherry metallic finish combined with the black and gold design of the Penn reel adds a little pop to your surf fishing environment.

4. Penn Clash II Lightweight Saltwater Shore and Kayak Fishing Reel/ Fiblink Surf Fishing Rod

The 5000 has a 38-inch per crank line retrieval rate, a 5.6:1 gear ratio, and a 20-pound drag system. It is rated for 240-yards of 40-pound test, 300-yards of 30-pound, and 420-yards of 20-pound test braided line.

The two-piece Fiblink carbon fiber travel rod is a perfect addition for easy transportation of rod and reel to the water. The 13-foot two-piece version of the rod provides strength for the whiplash effect of long casts with heavy bait and weights.

Penn takes three of the top four spots in our reviews with the Class II Lightweight reel. It’s designed for shore fishing in the 5000 series but works well in smaller versions with kayak enthusiasts.

The two-piece Fiblink carbon fiber travel rod is a perfect addition for easy transportation of a surf fishing rod and reel combo to the water. The 13-foot two-piece version of the rod provides strength for the whiplash effect of long casts with heavy bait and weights. Its carbon fiber construction offers incredible toughness along with finely-tuned action that allows you to feel strikes, even in strong cross currents.

A non-slip rubber shrink tube handle offers extra grip in the often-changing conditions of surf fishing on days that aren’t exactly sunny and bright, the kind of conditions that often produce tremendous catches.

Add the powerful, all-black full, metal Penn reel with an impressive eight-ball-bearing and one-roller-bearing design, and you’ll be the envy of your friends as your bait sails far beyond the casts they can make.

A clutch armor system, CNC gear technology, and HT-100 carbon fiber drag add versatility to an already reliable Penn platform.

The 5000 has a 38-inch per crank line retrieval rate, a 5.6:1 gear ratio, and a 20-pound drag system. It is rated for 240 yards of 40-pound test, 300 yards of 30-pound, and 420 yards of 20-pound test braided line. It handles monofilament well too, with capacities of 225, 200, and 135 yards in respective line weights of 12, 15, and 20-pound tests.

This combination isn’t as large or as heavy as other competing surf fishing rod and reel combos, but the mix of these two outstanding products produces a viable contender in the harsh conditions of surf cast angling.

5. Alwonder Saltwater Spinning Reel / Daiwa Beefstick Surf Rod

Alwonder is a relative newcomer that offers big features at a modest price in a pair of reels on the larger end of the scale at 10000 and 11000 size respectively.

At the lowest price of any of the combinations reviewed here, this is a pair you should consider if you’re working on a limited budget.

We have a surprise contender with an inexpensive surf fishing combo.  The Daiwa name is well known in all aspects of angling, and their Beefstick, two-piece surf fishing rod is no surprise. However, Alwonder is a relative newcomer that offers big features at a modest price in a pair of reels on the larger end of the scale at 10000 and 11000 sizes, respectively.

The Daiwa two-piece rod is very light at just 8.78 ounces (0.33 kg), but delivers a whip-like action on casts in its 12-foot rod length.

Fans of the Daiwa Beefstick relayed experiences of tossing four-ounce weights a long distance and the rod having no problem in reeling in 30-pound game fish from the surf.

The Alwonder reel features entirely stainless steel construction in both left and right-handed versions. Its incredible 13-ball bearing, one roller-bearing design, has the most rolling parts of any reel reviewed here. The 14-total bearings create an incredibly smooth action at an incredibly low price.

Weighing a fraction under two pounds, the reel has one of the lowest gear ratios on the market at just 3.8:1 This ensures increased torque in battles with hard runner stripers, sea bass, or while cranking in the barn door style fight of a large halibut.

The drag has a 35-pound maximum, but with such a low gear ratio, you’ll be able to compensate well.

Designed only for the rigors of salt and sand, the 10000 series handles 460 yards of a 17-pound test, 295-yards of 25-pound, and 195 yards of 40-pound test braided line. The 11000 series has a slightly larger spool and can take 545 yards of 17, 350 yards of 25, and 230 yards of 40-pound test braid.

6. Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel /  Tica UGSA Series Surf Fishing Rod

All stainless steel ball-bearings, a stainless outer body, and a sealed line roller and main shaft make the Saltist a worthy opponent against the marine forces of sand, salt and sun.

A non-slip cork handle, custom, handmade diamond wraps, and an eye-catching multi-color pattern make this an attractive mid-priced rod.

The two-piece Tica USGA is a 10-6 rod rated for 12 to 30-pound test braided line.  Constructed of high modulus TC3 graphite, with Fuji Hardloy ring guides, and a Fuji DPS reel seat, this rod is made for heavy-duty surf fishing!

Tica recommends using it with one of their Talisman series reels, but we’ve found a better combination in the Daiwa Saltist 6500.

The Saltist is available in smaller sizes, with models in 2500, 3000, 4000, 4500, and 5000 sizes. You could surf cast with the 5000 series reel, but it would be on the small side.

The 6500 fits the bill well with this Tica rod. A 5.3:1 gear ratio combined with an ample spool generates 48.7 inches of line retrieve per crank. The reel weighs a solid 29.6 ounces and has a reliable, strong drag with a maximum resistance of 33 pounds.

Wound with monofilament , it can take 370 yards of 20-pound, 310 yards of 25-pound, or 260 yards of 30-pound test line.

The braided capacity is truly impressive for a 6500 series reel. Wound with 50-pound test braid the reel holds 550-yards of line. With 65-pound it still can take a quarter-mile of braid, and at its heaviest recommended braid weight, 80-pounds, it still holds 330 yards of line.

All stainless steel ball bearings, a stainless outer body, and a sealed line roller and main shaft make the Saltist a worthy opponent against the marine forces of sand, salt, and sun.

7. Daiwa 15 Saltiga 5000 Spinning Reel / Penn Battalion II Surf Fishing Rod

The two top rivals in saltwater fishing are back at it again, but this time they’re working together to produce a truly remarkable light surf fishing combo. Put a quality Daiwa reel with a top-of-the-line Penn rod, and good things are bound to happen.

The Penn Battalion II is a solid, heavy-duty two-piece 12-foot rod that delivers quality performance with just about any 5000 series or larger spinning reel. Constructed of a graphite composite blank, with Fuji stainless steel guides, a Fuji reel seat, and weather-resistant rubber shrink tube handles, this surf fishing rod is the perfect partner for Daiwa’s Saltiga 5000 reel.

A warning about this reel before you read any further, this is the most expensive reel in this group of reviews.

The Saltiga 5000 is top-of-the-line, no question. The Magsealed protection on the spool shaft and line roller is just the start of the amenities with this reel.

Other reels set the bar high, Daiwa moved so high they might not see the competition for a while, but once again, it comes at a price.

An ABS aluminum spool, custom machined aluminum handle, a Zaion air rotor, and a hardbody design add an indestructible element to the Saltiga 5000.

A 4.4:1 gear ratio is one of the strongest in the industry, set with 13 stainless steel ball bearings and one stainless steel roller bearing, and a maximum drag of 33 pounds gets your attention.

The retrieval rate is a powerful 36 inches per crank.

Carrying Daiwa’s legendary workmanship, this reel will last you a long time and send your bait flying far out to sea with each cast.

8. Okuma Tundra Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Moving from the highest-priced reel with the Saltiga 5000, we now take a look at the least expensive combination you’ll find that still gets the job done on the beach.

The Okuma Tundra is a surf fishing rod and reel combo with the decisions already made for you.

A 10-foot Okuma surf rod combined with a 55 series (5500) Okuma reel is a low-priced alternative for the novice or weekend warrior who wants to try their hand at surf fishing.

The white/blue synthetic surf rod is combined with an aluminum reel that holds 290 yards of monofilament line. A multi-disc oiled felt drag system with ceramic guide inserts works well with the fiberglass fiber rod.

You won’t have a lot of amenities with this surf fishing rod and reel combo, but you could purchase 30 of them for the price of the most expensive reel we’ve reviewed.

9. Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

The ambidextrous reel is a watertight design intended to keep salt and sand away from the inner workings. Five stainless steel ball bearings, a stainless steel roller bearing, and a durable full metal body side plate, rotor, and aluminum bail wire continue the effort at limiting corrosion.

Remaining in the realm of combinations from the same manufacturer, we find the Penn Spinfisher VI.

The sealed HT-100 Slammer drag system offers smooth but strong drag settings.

The reel has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and the aluminum spool can handle 390 yards of the four-pound test, 250 yards of six-pound, and 210 yards of eight-pound test line.

This surf rod is seven feet long, and when you see the recommended four to eight-pound test line for this combination, you’re not going after the denizens of the deep with this setup. You will, however have a great surf fishing rod and reel combo for catching lightweight species from shore, and the durable, sun, salt, and sand-resistant construction will give you years of performance.

10. Eagle Claw Surf Beast Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

The 10-foot spinning rod carries the ergometric efforts of generations of Eagle Claw engineers. You may find rods with better action, and stronger resistance, but there is a feel to an Eagle Claw rod that separates it from the others.

No review of rods or reels is complete without at least mentioning Eagle Claw. This established company is one of the old guards in the world of fresh and saltwater fishing.

They’ve combined a pair of their durable products into an inexpensive combination that offers a lot of versatility from shore for novice and experienced anglers alike.

The 10-foot spinning rod carries the ergonomic efforts of generations of Eagle Claw engineers. You may find surf fishing rods with better rod action and stronger resistance, but there is a feel to an Eagle Claw rod that separates it from the others.

The two-piece fiberglass surf rod is easy to transport and is rated at medium/heavy action. It contains five-rod guides, plus the tip, and each one has aluminum oxide guides to aid in casting and retrieving without impeding your line.

The reel is a 50 series (5000) Eagle Claw spinning reel that comes pre-spooled with line.

This combination is ready to go right out of the box.

Buying Guide For The Best Surf Fishing Combo

You’ve just read about the 10 best surf fishing rod and reel combos ranging in size from 5000 to 11000 series spinning reels. You’ve also learned about surf fishing rods that start at seven feet and move up to 15 feet in size. That’s a lot of information.

We’ve recommended combinations for you that work well together, but personal preference is key in surf casting or in any other angling environment.

You can test the combinations suggested in this review, or you can pick and choose from the products listed above, the choice is always yours.

Just because we suggested a Daiwa reel and a Penn rod doesn’t mean it fits you. It works for many anglers, but everyone likes to tweak a product to fit their unique style of surf fishing.

Some of these combinations lend themselves to overhand casting, while others work better with a sidearm or even an underhand technique.

If big fish, long casts, and heavy surf are in your realm, but the bigger reels combined with, the longer surf fishing rods.

If you’re just surf fishing for fun, catching small fish a few yards offshore, you won’t need the big rigs, a 5000 series reel and a seven-foot rod will give you years of excitement and quality performance.

As always, it’s best to get your hands on a surf fishing combo before just buying one online or purchasing one after reading a review.

There is no substitute for touch, feel, and action. That’s why retail sporting goods stores continue to thrive in the world of online shopping.

Part of the fun of surfcasting is the impressive distances you achieve in tossing surf fishing lures hundreds of yards out to sea.

There are other methods of casting vast distances that people have used since the early 20 th century.

The Joys of Surfcasting

As a teenager, I often fished for stripers and the occasional sand shark on the approach to San Francisco International Airport. The area in San Francisco Bay near the main runway was a prime spot for all kinds of fishing action.

We fished from shore using my uncle Quentin’s unique “build-up bait” process. He would grab green tomato worms (really caterpillars), and we’d toss them out about 40 yards. The bullhead catfish swarmed over these green squirming larvae.

The bullheads were the bait we used for sand sharks. We’d take smaller eight to 10-inch bullheads, hook them with a 4-0 hook and a two-ounce triangular sinker, then throw the whole assembly as far out into the bay as we could. At 13, I was getting out about 120 yards with an old Shakespeare reel and a seven-foot fiberglass rod. Quentin tossed his another 60 to 80 yards beyond mine. We almost always pulled in a two to five-foot shark on our outings.

Stripers came in on a minnow that my uncle brought with him or sometimes hunks of foul-smelling shrimp.

I don’t get many chances at surf fishing from my home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in central Wyoming. But I do have a 40 Pflueger President (4000 series) that I used with a 10-pound test braided line to catch carp in Boysen Reservoir and Ocean Lake, both about 20 miles from my house.

The action on those big 10 to 15-pound carp is great, but the eating, not so much, so we fight them, throw them back in and try again.

I can get my line out about 130 yards with a one-ounce weight and a nightcrawler on a number-two hook. I use a one-piece custom rod made in Riverton, Wyoming by TB Custom fishing rods. It’s as close to saltwater fishing as you’ll ever find at 5000 feet (1.52 km) in elevation.

As a youngster, we lived on the west coast of Puerto Rico. My dad was a surfcasting enthusiast, and we always caught something on our many adventures on the beach.

He used a nine-foot, two-piece, black fiberglass rod and a big Shakespeare reel, but the native Puerto Rican fisherman had a different method. They wrapped monofilament around a quart-sized Coke bottle, tied their bait and lead weights on the line, and spun the line around their head at high velocity before releasing the line. It sailed as far or farther than my dad could cast with his nine-foot rod.

It was an impressive thing to watch.

Surf fishing is as old as mankind and will continue to be a popular sport for anyone living near the ocean or that has the wherewithal to make the trip to the big water.

Bringing the proper equipment ensures you’ll have a fighting chance at catching saltwater fish, but even if you don’t the experience is worth the effort.

For more guides on choosing your next rod, reel, or combo, check out our other articles below-

• Best Surf Fishing Rods
• Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
• Best Inshore Spinning Rods
• Best Baitcasting Rods
• Best Ultralight Fishing Rods
• Best Spinning Reels

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Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

It can be confusing when picking the right surf rod and reel if you’re new to the game.

The best surf fishing rod and reel combo will be determined by your target fish and how you like your setup once you’ve tried a few out. Here’s our guide to help you find the one that’s right for you (everything from the Ugly Stik GX2 to something more advanced).

8 Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos For 2023

• Best Combo for Beginners – Penn Battle III Combo
• Best Budget Surf Casting Rod and Reel Combo – Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo
• Shimano Symetre Spinning Combos
• Daiwa BG Surf Combo
• Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
• PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

1. Penn Battle III Combo

Best combo for beginners .

The fishing rod and spinning fishing reel combo from Penn are great for facing the saltwater gamefish when surf fishing. It features and ensures exceptional durability with its high-quality materials.

The Penn Battle III has a full metal body, side plate, and rotor. It also has a machined and anodized Superline spool made of aluminum, allowing you to tie directly to the spool without backing.

With its HT-100 drag system, even heavy loads get a smooth drag.

The Battle surf fishing rod and the reel seat are made from graphite composite with aluminum oxide guides. It has a 4-10 lb line capacity rating and 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings.

Adding the surf fishing rod and reel combo to your surf fishing gear setup works to get you your target gamefish.

If you’re interested, also check out our Penn Battle 2 review .

2. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo

Best budget surf casting rod and reel combo.

This 10-foot rod and reel fishing combo by Okuma is made with highly durable material to withstand surf fishing with big fish. It features a multi-disc drag system that is oiled-felt.

Plus, it boasts a durable glass fiber rod blank construction that will suit your surf fishing needs. The Okuma combo’s graphite spool is corrosion-resistant, and its ceramic guide inserts offer long-lasting quality. This rod also allows fairly long casts with minimal effort for beginning anglers.

Its EVA foam fore and rear grips ensure comfort during surf fishing. 

3. Shimano Symetre Spinning Combos

The high-quality spinning combo from Shimano features a graphite blank and stainless aluminum oxide guides.

Surf anglers love this rod and reel combo as it is versatile and lightweight, with its graphite G-Free body enhancing its balance. It has an advanced propulsion line management system to increase your accuracy and casting distance.

4. Daiwa BG Surf Combo

The spinning combo of Daiwa BG can haul you the catch of your trip. Heavy-duty fishing is possible as Daiwa features durable graphite composite blanks lined with cut-proof aluminum oxide guides.

Its cork grips give you firm handling, and the EVA foam grip for comfort. The spinning reel has six stainless steel ball bearings and an ABS aluminum spool.

5. Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo

The Ugly Stik spinning rod and reel combo will benefit anyone new to the surf fishing scene. It features a lightweight and durable material with stellar sensitivity.

Its material is graphite and fiberglass construction with an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system for power without sacrificing smoothness.

Comfort is from the lightweight EVA foam grips catering to smaller hands. A smooth operation is ensured with the machined aluminum spool plus one ball bearing. 

6. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

This Surf Fishing Combo features a hard and durable fishing pole of high-density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass. When saltwater fishing, you need the best corrosion-resistant fishing gear you can afford.

Plusinno offers a stainless steel hooded anti-corrosion reel seat. This rod and reel combo provides comfort with its EVA fore grip and convenience with its telescopic fishing rod and closed-length design.

The power drive of this fishing reel has high-strength components with an instant anti-reverse bearing. Plus, it has a short body with a large spool and large line capacity—one of the best gifts to give to almost anyone interested in surf fishing.

Best Surf Fishing Combo Options

Over the years, we have gone surf fishing to many beaches, cliffs, and surf areas, using different combos to get that monster catch.

Here are a few of the best combos of rods and reels from different brands that other gear experts recommend you use on your next surf visit.

1. St. Croix Mojo Surf Fishing Rod + Penn Spinfisher VI Reel

This combo provides a lightweight and versatile rod and reel set up to target gamefish like the corbina and other monster catches.

The St. Croix Mojo Surf fishing rod suits anglers who love and prefer a high-performance rod that doesn’t cost a fortune.

It has mid-modulus graphite fiber makes the rod lightweight and durable, offering a sensitive and firm grip.

The Penn reels are a few of the best reels in the market. The Spinfisher Vi has an excellent seal against water or sand, plus stellar drag power. Many surf anglers recommend this to beginners and veterans, as it’s worth it.

2. Star Paraflex + Shimano Baitrunner

The Star-Shimano combo is a heavier setup for a heavier catch.

The Star Paraflex provides a heavier and sturdier backbone to tackle larger sharks, rays, and other big game fishes.

The bait running feature of the Shimano reel is a useful tackle when you plan on deadsticking baits to your shark. Plus, it allows free spooling of the bait for a more natural effect.

3. Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Spinning Rod + Shimano Baitrunner

Most powerful and smooth combo.

Tsunami thickens the rod’s walls for a stronger yet lighter weight. Plus, a tangle-free casting is a feature with its Fuji K-frame guides made for braid.

The baitrunning switch engages the spool spin in a controlled free spool with the closed bail. The Shimano baitrunner has power and smoothness in reeling in your big catch.

If you want to customize your combo and choose your gear separately, check out our guides so you can make a well-informed decision.

• Best Surf Fishing Rods  
• Best Surf Fishing Reels

But before you buy a bunch of gear, it could be helpful to start with some predetermined rigs. Then you can mix and match as you progress into surf fishing .

The first set of recommendations is for fishing rod combo options that’ll get you up and running quickly. The second set of recommendations is for the more adventurous types.

Listen to more surf fishing tips on the Cast & Spear Podcast

How Do I Choose a Rod and Reel Combo?

When choosing a rod and a reel or even a combo, you need to make sure it covers the kind of surf fishing you will do. The little details will come into play in choosing the best combo for your adventure.

It would help to consider the casting distance, which should affect your rod of choice in length and action. Your target fish, like bass, and its size matter in choosing between heavier, medium, and lighter sticks.

Also, your preferred or favorite lures or bait to use affects your choice as you want them to perform well with your rod.

Lightweight plugs or small spoons can pair with light rods, and the heavier baits can also pair with heavier sticks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re fans of the Breakaway LDX or HDX paired with a Daiwa BG.

7-10 feet is great for fishing close to shore. 12-15 feet is great for long-distance casting.

Striper fishing requires an ability to cast far beyond the breakers. Try a 12-15 foot rod like the Breakaway LDX or HDX.

This article contains incorrect information

This article is missing information that I need

We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better fisherman.

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8 Good Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

Last updated on June 20th, 2023 at 04:24 pm

If you are looking to give surf fishing a try , or maybe considering adding another rod/reel to your gear, there are some good rod and reel combos matched just for surf fishing . If you’re on a budget, or new to the sport, this can be a great way to get your feet wet, so to speak. 😉

Spinning or Casting Combo?

Best beginner combos:.

Surf fishing rod and reel combos come in either Spinning, or bait casting versions. Bait Casting combos are not as numerous or as popular. There are many more surf spinning rod and reel combos available.

The popularity of the surf spinning combo is likely related to its ease of use. Beginners will find spinning gear much more user-friendly. They cast long distances with relative ease, and don’t have the backlash issues of a bait casting set up.

Bait casting surf fishing rod and reel combos are available and are a great choice. They are not as beginner friendly, on average will be more expensive, and there are not as many to choose from generally. We will focus therefore on the saltwater spin cast surf fishing rod and reel combo.

Essential Surf Fishing Gear:

• Surf Fishing Rods , surf rods are typically longer and heavier duty than standard rods. – read more.
• Surf fishing Reels , larger and stronger with greater line capacity to handle big fish. – read more.
• Surf fishing Rod and Reel Combos , pre-matched rod and reel set ups for surf fishing – read more.
• Sand Spike Rod holder , holds your rods securely while you wait for that big bite. – read more.
• Surf Fishing Rigs, terminal tackle for fishing the surf. – read more.
• Surf fishing Carts, for beaches that won’t allow vehicles you need a way to carry your gear – read more.
• Rod Racks for Vehicles , carry your rods out of harms way and easy to access- read more.
• Beach Camping Gear , in case you want to fish all night or for several days – read more.

What makes good Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos?

We’ve covered what makes a good surf rod previously. You can check out the article “ Surf Fishing Rods “.

We also reviewed some very good surf fishing reels recently ” Surf Fishing Reels “. Now we will look at some surf fishing rod and reel combos that are offered.

These combinations are selected by the manufactures to match the rod size and length with an appropriately sized spinning reel.

They are set up for saltwater surf fishing and will be made of corrosion resistant materials, with large line capacities and strong drag systems.

They need to have rods in the 10 – 12 ft range, both for casting distance and to help keep the line up out of the wave action when in the rod holder.

Some Good Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos.

There are many good surf spinning combos available. They come in a wide variety of manufactures and price ranges. For the beginner, we will cover some budget friendly options here as well. The higher priced models will have the latest high tech materials and drag components with more ball bearings for smoother operation. Brand name will affect price as well, but in this day and age, even the “Cheap” surf fishing rod and reel combos will do a good job.

1. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo

Okuma-Tundra combo TU-1002-80 is a 10 foot combo with a sized 80 spinning reel. Has a one ball bearing reel and durable glass fiber rod blank construction. This highly durable spinning combo has aluminum oxide guides, EVA foam grips and reinforced double footed guides.

• 1BB ball bearing drive for smoothness
• Corrosion resistant graphite spool
• Multi-disc oiled-felt drag System
• Multi-disc oiled felt drag system
• Durable glass fiber rod blank construction
• Ceramic guide inserts
• Comfortable EVA foam fore and rear grips
• Rod is 10 foot and 80 size spinning reel holds 260 yards 25 lb test

2. Penn Spinfisher VI Surf Spinning Combo

The PENN Spinfisher V combo uses the Spinfisher V reel with a factory Matched Spinfisher V rods. With a assortment from inshore to boat, there’s something everyone. Featuring our Award winning Spinfisher reels and their water tight design which uses seals in key locations to keep water out, and our powerful slammer drag system, the Spinfisher V combos are complete fish catching package.

Installation Instruction: Kindly hold the upper portion of the reel in place (Rotor and Bail wire assembly) and slowly screw the reel in handle in the opposite direction of the retrieve.This could be clockwise or counter clockwise depending on the side you are installing the left or right hand side. By holding the upper section of the reel in place this will allow the handle threads to catch

• Line, 5BB + 1RB, 6.2: 1, alum spool, 390/4, 250/6, 210/8, 7′
• Watertight spinning reel performs reliably in saltwater and sand environments
• Durable construction with full metal body, sideplate, and rotor and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
• Sealed HT-100 Slammer drag system provides robust, silky-smooth drag, while friction trip ramp prevents premature bail trip when casting
• Fluid cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing
• Durable, ultra sensitive rod with tubular glass blank construction and stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
• EVA grips (split EVA grips on surf models)

3. Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Surf Spin Combo

• Gyro spin balanced rotor
• Smooth ball bearing drive
• Aluminum oxide guides

4. Penn Pursuit III Saltwater Spinning Combo

The PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is great for inshore, boat, and surf fishing. This combo combines the Pursuit III spinning reel and a graphite composite rod for an affordable and durable fish-taming set-up. The reel features an ultra lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body, and houses our powerful HT-100 drag system, making the Pursuit III a great value for the money for saltwater anglers.

The shielded stainless-steel ball bearings ensure smooth operation and the line capacity rings let you know how much line you have out. The smooth and lightweight Pursuit III is a dependable reel, making it an ideal choice for the beginning saltwater angler.

• HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant graphite body
• 4+1 stainless steel bearing system

5. Eagle Claw Surf Beast Spinning Combo

Get the most bang for your Buck…Eagle Claw spinning combos! Surf Beast 10′ Spinning combo rod and reel features: – Each Eagle Claw Specialty rod has been designed with years of experience to target a specific fishing technique or species – actions are custom tailored to provide ease of use and the high performance that anglers have come to expect from Eagle Claw.

Rods feature durable EVA foam handles for all day fishing comfort and a secure grip, aluminum oxide guides and graphite reel seats – downrigger rods feature a slick butt to make removal from rod holders quick and easy – combos feature designed reels that are made with durability and performance in mind. Most reels come pre-spooled with the right line for the technique and species of fish that they have been designed to target

• 2 Piece Glass Blank
• Aluminum Oxide Guides
• 5 guides plus tip
• Medium Heavy Action
• Size 50 reel prespooled with line

6. Shakespear Ugly Stik Big Water Spinning Combo

Defined by toughness and dependability, the Bigwater series features Ugly Tuff guides that provide excellent corrosion resistance and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. Anglers around the world choose Ugly Stik Bigwater rods to haul in their trophy fish.

• Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for extra strength
• Ugly Tech construction with a combination of Graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
• Ugly Tuff one piece double-footed stainless steel guides provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs
• Durable EVA grips
• Graphite spinning reel with oversized handle knob

7. Daiwa BG5000/1002MH Daiwa, BG Saltwater Pre-Mounted Combo

• ABS Aluminum Spool
• Twist Buster II
• Aluminum Body
• 6 + 1 Bearing, Spinning, 10′, 2 Piece, Medium Heavy

Rugged aluminum construction reel with 6 stainless ball bearings and Graphite Composite Rod with EVA Foam grips.

8. Hurricane Seahawk Surf Spinning Combo

Hurricane offers a broad selection of rods, reels, combos, tackle and accessories that saltwater anglers turn to for high-quality, great performance, and exceptional value. We combine high-end technology and countless hours of on-water experience to meet the specific needs of the inshore, back country, offshore and Blue water anglers.

• Fiberglass rod blank; Ceramic guides
• Graphite reel seat; EVA handle
• Bearing drive; Graphite spool
• Pre-spooled 20 lb. mono; T-grip handle
• Rod size: 12′; Pieces: 2; Action: Medium/Heavy; Line weight: 20-40 lb.; Lure weight: 1.5 – 4 oz.; Reel size: 70; Line capacity: 15/304, 20/195, 30/135

How to Choose A Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo?

What you choose will depend on what fish you’re targeting, what are the surf conditions you’ll be facing and of course what will your budget allow:). Surf fishing rod and reel combos are available at most tackle shops and online stores.

If you’re fortunate enough to live close to the coast, you should visit some local tackle shops. You can actually get your hands on the rods and reels and try them out for yourself. See how they feel, how smooth are the reels, how heavy, what quality etc. Plus, at a local tackle shop you can get some good advice and experience from local people that use the rods and reels themselves int the local conditions.

You may pay a few dollars more than you would online, but you won’t know what you’ve bought until the delivery comes.

There are some very good online tackle suppliers, if your local tackle shop doesn’t carry saltwater surf fishing gear.

Offshoreangler.com , is the saltwater division of bass pro shops, they have a good selection of Surf Fishing Gear. Tackle Direct ( tackledirect.com ) is a very good tackle suppler for everything from Perch to Marlin and has some very good surf fishing rod and reel combos at great prices.

Breakaway USA ( breakawaytackleusa.com ) is a great option that is dedicated to surf fishing and casting. Mr. Nick Meyer of Breakaway USA , has decades of experience fishing the beach front and is a long distance casting instructor ans well. His website has a ton of free videos on surf fishing gear, techniques and casting . Nick can hook you up with some great surf fishing rod and reel combos.

Pick One and Go Fishing!

There is no wrong choice. It’s an individual decision and tackle manufactures have produced some really good equipment at reasonable prices.

Surf Fishing doesn’t have to break the bank. There are higher priced options however. They will have all the latest bells and whistles, technologies, high tech materials, well know brand name and lots of advertising dollars behind them.

If that’s what you like, by all means buy it. You’ll get some great equipment. As always, be safe, enjoy the journey, please leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Till next time, good luck and good fishing.

A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.

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• Surf Fishing
• Best Rod And Reel Combo For Surf fishing

Best Surf Casting Rod and Reel Combos: Tested and Reviewed in (2024)

Anglers on a budget, or fishermen who are just looking for tackle for a vacation, often take a hard look at combos - rod and reel pairings offered by the same manufacturer.

When done well, these combos are a thing of beauty: excellent reels matched to capable rods - the complete package, so to speak - without breaking the bank.

But when not executed properly, you typically end up with a good reel or a good rod, but not both, leading to plenty of frustration.

If you’re in the market for a surf fishing rod and reel combo, we’ve covered all the bases and done the research. Below, you’ll find reviews that separate the wheat from the chaff, letting you know what to consider and what to skip.

Quick look at the best surf rod and reel combos:

PENN Battle III Surf Fishing Combo

• Excellent build quality
• Superior drag system that’s sealed
• Excellent casting
• Lots of torque and power
• Great rod that casts well
• Strong backbone
• Good guides

Daiwa D-Wave Combo

• Awesome price!
• Durable rod that casts heavy lures
• Good blank that loads well and provides plenty of casting distance
• Plenty of backbone for larger fish

Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo

• Excellent reel
• Loads of torque and a great drag
• Impressive speed
• Awesome anti-reverse

Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

• Rod loads and casts well
• Rod is very, very durable
• Excellent guides
• Lots of backbone and plenty sensitive

Table of Contents (clickable)

• 1.1 PENN Battle III Surf Fishing Combo - Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
• 1.2 Daiwa D-Wave Combo
• 1.3 Daiwa BG Surf Spinning Combo
• 1.4 Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
• 2.1 Be Realistic
• 2.2 The reel should offer smooth, long casts
• 2.3 Excellent drag
• 2.4 Capacity
• 2.5 A word about surf casting rods
• 2.8 Blank Material
• 2.9 Rod Components
• 2.10 Handle
• 2.11 Guides
• 3 Our Pick - PENN Battle III Surf Fishing Combo!
• Top Surf Fishing Rods
• Top Surf Fishing Reels
• Best Surf Fishing Rod Spikes
• Best Surf Fishing Carts

Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Reviewed

Penn battle iii surf fishing combo - best surf fishing rod and reel combo.

Penn Battle III 5000 Maximum drag : 25 lbs. Gear ratio: 5.6:1 Capacity: 15/200 (mono) Weight:  Bearings: 5 + 1 Length: 8’ Action/power: medium heavy Material: graphite composite Handle: continuous EVA foam with rubber shrink tube wrap Guides: one-piece Penn Dura-Guides Line weight: 12 to 25 lbs. Lure size: ¾ to 2 oz. Pieces: 2

While the Penn Battle III may not be the best the brand has to offer, I’ve been in love with the Battle series for a long time, and they just keep getting better.

This particular combo unites the big 5000 reel with a capable rod, making it the best of the surf casting combinations on the market.

Let’s take a closer look at why that is.

The Battle III runs the same incredible HT-100 drag system that’s at the heart of the much more expensive Spinfisher, and from super smooth release to ultra-durability to automatic let-off as line really starts to be taken out, there’s probably no better drag on the market.

Capacity is pretty much industry standard for size, with nice indicator lines to let you check where you are at a glance.

Torque and power are delivered in spades, and this is a great reel to fight mean fish all the way up to small sharks.

Paired with an eight-foot medium-heavy rod, you’ve got plenty of sensitivity from the graphite composite and lots of backbone. You can really “lean into” this rod, and it won’t let you down.

There’s plenty of fight and cast in that long, long handle.

Most combinations skimp on one component or the other, with the reel companies delivering less than impressive rods and the rod companies offering minimal reels.

In this case, Penn gives you a winning pairing, and it’s one every serious angler should consider.

Amazon  

Maximum drag : N/A Gear ratio: N/A Capacity: 14/410, 17/310, 20/240 Material: N/A Weight: N/A Bearings: 1 Length: 9’ Action/power: medium/moderate fast Material: fiberglass Handle: continuous EVA foam Guides: stainless steel with aluminum oxide inserts Line weight: 12 to 30 lbs. Lure size: 1 to 5 oz. Pieces: 2

Every saltwater angler is familiar with the Daiwa brand, and though the name is synonymous with quality and the price that buys that performance, they also offer surf fishing combos that are remarkably affordable.

Keep in mind, however, that at this price point, compromises must be made, and this combo is a better buy for a beginner or occasional angler than a die-hard fisherman.

Let’s look at why I say that.

This Daiwa rod measures a full nine feet, and the fiberglass blank is plenty strong and very durable. It leads well and casts effectively, too, but I wouldn’t put it up against Penn’s combos in terms of casting performance. Nevertheless, that fiberglass blank lets you cast surprisingly heavy lures without worrying that you’ll break your rod on the forward snap.

Medium power is plenty for most things you’ll catch from the surf, and from snook to specks, reds to blues, you’ll be pleased at the fight this rod has once you really start to engage the backbone.

So far, so good.

But Daiwa’s not talking a lot about this reel, and clearly, this is the low end of the reel line-up. While the capacity is fine, and while the drag supplies ample tension that’s smooth enough, when you do hook a big fish, you’ll feel the reel working hard to produce enough torque to win that struggle.

That’s just a hard fact of pricing, making this combo a good buy at the price, but not serious competition for some of the more expensive offerings on our list.

• Don’t expect a miraculous reel for this price

Daiwa BG 4500 Maximum drag : 22 lbs. Gear ratio: 5.7:1 Capacity: 14/350 (mono) Weight: N/A Bearings: 6 + 1 Length: 9’ Action/power: medium heavy/moderate fast Material: graphite composite Handle: split EVA  Guides: stainless steel with aluminum oxide inserts Line weight: 14 to 20 lbs. Lure size: 1 to 4 oz. Pieces: 2

Daiwa is a reel manufacturer, first and foremost, and their BG Surf Spinning combo demonstrates that.

The Daiwa BG 4500 is simply an awesome inshore reel, providing the kind of performance you hope to get when you lay down your hard-earned cash.

The drag on the BG 4500 is very, very good, delivering smooth, predictable performance across a wide range of settings. Offered with a maximum of 22 pounds, you can run some very heavy braid to a mono leader and tackle big reds and small sharks if you know how to fight them.

I’m not sure if Daiwa runs carbon fiber discs in these reels--I’ve never disassembled a BG--but I can tell you that whatever the components, the drag works like a charm. You won’t experience binding or skipping--just smooth, continuous, fight-winning resistance.

Daiwa knows that fights are won with drag and torque, and they’ve equipped the BG with solid metal gearing with massive teeth. The result is greater surface area, more traction, and torque delivery that makes a HEMI envious.

The teeth on the BG are strong, delivering loads of torque.

So far, we’ve got a real winner on our hands, and anyone who’s fished a Daiwa BG knows it's a great reel.

But when you look at pricing, you’ll notice that the reel itself is almost as much as the combo together, and that tells you something right away about the rod.

With nine feet of graphite composite blank, armed with stainless guides with aluminum oxide inserts, the stats describe a capable rod that’ll work well with the excellent reel in wears.

In the real world, that rod tends to break pretty easily toward the tip, and the guides tend not to be nearly as durable as you’d like. 

It casts efficiently, however, and loads well.

You’ll find plenty of backbone for a fight about 1/3rd from the tip, and it’ll handle pretty much anything you manage to hook well enough.

But consider that this is probably a $20 rod on a much, much better reel.

• The rod is nowhere near the quality of the awesome BG reel

Reel size: 50 Maximum drag : 25 lbs. Gear ratio: 5:1 Capacity: 14/215 (mono) Weight: N/A Bearings: 1 + 1 Length: 7’ Action/power: medium  Material: graphite/fiberglass composite Handle: continuous EVA foam  Guides: Ugly Tuff guides Line weight: 10 to 25 lbs. Lure size: ¾ to 3 oz. Pieces: 2

Shakespeare’s Ugly Stiks are known for their nearly indestructible build, and I own two, fish them both, and can attest that they perform at a much higher level than their price point suggests.

But Shakespeare is known for its Stiks, not its reels, and that’s pretty much immediately evident.

The size 50 reel that comes with this combo isn’t going to impress. Yes, it’ll cast, has a drag lever, and will crank and retrieve line, but it tends to rust, has problems with the bail breaking loose, and performs like the $10 reel that it is, if we measure by the price of the rod versus the combo.

These Ugly Tuff guides are real winners.

But the rod itself is a real winner, offering plenty of sensitivity and fight-winning power. It also loads and casts like a dream, and those Ugly Tuff guides - which I’ve put to the test repeatedly - really do work like a charm.

Much like the Daiwa BG combo - but in reverse - you’re getting one great component paired with another that you’d rather be without.

• Almost any reel is better than this

What We Look for When Buying a Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Be realistic.

Right off the top, if you find a combo that retails for $200, and the reel alone typically goes for $180, you can bet that the rod will be disappointing.

Don’t expect pricing miracles, and be realistic about what a good rod and reel should sell for.

The reel should offer smooth, long casts

Most reels cast pretty well. After all, there’s not much to make a spinning reel cast correctly, and they’re the preferred choice in the wind, an omnipresent force of nature at the beach, because they don’t tangle and backlash like baitcasters.

That’s why you’ll find every combo wearing a spinning reel rather than a baitcaster.

But to get the most from your reel, you need to spool it properly, and if you need a refresher on how this is done, check out this video:

Excellent drag

A good drag system cushions your line against sudden shocks to prevent breakage, and it helps to tire a fish during a long fight.

Spinning reels typically offer a drag knob on the front of the spool, and by turning that knob, you can loosen or tighten your drag. An ideal place to start is about ⅓ of your line’s rated test strength, and typically, drag systems work best around the mid-range of the maximum setting.

Some drag systems previously used oiled felt to provide friction on the spool, but newer technology employs carbon fiber discs that work better and last longer.

Among the best systems available is Penn’s HT-100. It’s simply an awesome drag system, making the Penn Battle III combo a very good buy.

Capacity is important, both because you'll be making long casts, and because if you do tie into a big fish after that launch, you’ll need plenty of line in case it runs.

We’ve listed capacities for each reel for nylon monofilament. If you need more line on your reel, consider switching to braid with a mono leader.

A word about surf casting rods

Surf casting rods aren’t just overgrown spinning tackle. Instead, they’re custom-designed to provide ultra-long casting and tremendous strength. And whether you’re hunting for bluefish, throwing for specks, or hoping for a shark, they’ve got to deliver across an incredible range of conditions and species.

Unfortunately, you'll often find internet sites recommending inshore tackle for surf casting, and while these otherwise excellent rods will work, they won’t cast like the real thing or handle the heavyweights you’ll need to keep your terminal tackle in place.

To better understand what sets these rods apart, let’s begin by breaking down the most basic elements of a surf casting rod.

A rod’s action describes where on the blank you’ll begin to feel its backbone, that is, where along its length it really starts to become stiff.

For instance, a fast action rod will remain stiff though most of its length, usually bending about a fifth to a third from the end. By contrast, a slow action rod will bend along most of its length, forming a long arc that begins very near the handle.

Power is a measure of how much force it takes to begin to bend a rod. Whereas action tells you where it will bend, power tells you how much it will bend under a given load.

Power and action together describe how a blank behaves. Fast action, heavy rods take a lot of strain to bend, and most of their length will remain straight. On the other hand, a medium action, heavy rod will take the same weight, but it’ll start bending nearer the handle. You can keep combining action and power terms--running through all the possible combinations--and in each case, you’ll have a good sense of what a rod with those descriptions will do.

This matters for determining how a rod will behave in a fight as well as how it will load and cast.

Virtually all surf casting rods will be medium power and heavier, though action varies quite a bit.

Blank Material

Three materials dominate the surf casting rod market: fiberglass, graphite, and carbon fiber.

• Fiberglass - is generally heavier, tougher, and less expensive than graphite. Indeed, its chief advantage is strength and durability, and rods like Shakespeare’s Ugly Stiks, legendary for their toughness, are composed of fiberglass. Fiberglass also flexes more easily than graphite, which can be a good thing when you need a rod to load well or cushion a hookset on a treble-hooked lure.
• Graphite - is generally lighter, less durable, and more expensive than fiberglass. It’s very stiff and sensitive and allows large, heavy rods to maintain a good feel. Many rods are now made from graphite, ranging from whip-like ultralights to heavy bass rods.
• Carbon fiber - is the lightest, strongest, and most expensive rod material you can find. Ultra-light and incredibly stiff, it makes a great rod if it can be made sufficiently durable and perfectly flexible through the addition of fiberglass.
• Composites - some rods combine a graphite or carbon fiber core with a fiberglass wrapping, using both materials to draw out the advantages they offer. Ideally, the result is a rod that’s strong and sensitive, that loads well, and that’s tough as nails.

Surf casting rods are subjected to extreme stress with every cast, and unless the blank is very well made, they have a tendency to break. This is a common failing--even on expensive rods.

Rod Components

Surf casting rods experience incredible stress on the cast, as the heavy weights used to keep your bait put in tide and wave place enormous forces on the rod as you snap it forward after loading it.

And to create the kind of casting distance surf anglers demand, these rods feature some unusual design parameters that separate them from inshore tackle.

You’ll find that all surf casting rods have extra-long handles.

Two reasons necessitate this.

First, when you do hook a monster, you’ll need that length to fight, and longer handles mean greater leverage. Second, the long handles allow you to place your hands far apart, using a technique known as snap casting to launch a lure incredible distances.

Handles are generally composed of one of three materials: cork or EVA foam, and some are covered in rubber shrink tubing.

• Cork - is warm to the touch, often attractive, and generally more expensive. It’s typically not quite as durable as synthetics, nor can it offer as sure a grip as rubber shrink tubing.
• EVA foam - is a tough, durable synthetic that provides a thicker grip than rubber shrink tubing.
• Rubber shrink tubing - is a common--and excellent--choice for surf rods. No slip, it provides grip as well as continuously uninterrupted territory for your hands. It’s durable, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive, too.

It’s difficult to overemphasize the importance of guide quality on a surf casting rod.

Guides distribute the strain of a big fish along the length of the blank, but they also create friction during casting and add weight to the rod. Surf casting rods sport far fewer guides than other styles of tackle, typically just 5-6, regardless of length. 

That may seem strange to anglers who are used to a more-or-less standard rule of one guide per foot, but it helps when you’re looking for ultra-long casts from the beach. The downside? Surf casting rods are a little more prone to breakage under a heavy load, as that force isn’t as evenly distributed along the blank.

These rods require a large “stripper” guide--the first guide after the reel--to accommodate big spinning reels and avoid the line slap that impairs casting. Typical diameters for the stripper guide are 40mm, and any smaller than that risks shorter casts.

They also need to be strong enough to take a beating on the beach and in transit without breaking.

But guide material is important for more than durability: this component has work to do!

During a fight, your line will be forced against and through the guides. This generates friction, and even a little heat will quickly break heavy line! Smooth guides that provide as frictionless a surface as possible are ideal, and ceramics and silicon oxide inserts are common at the high-end.

But I’ve tested stainless steel guides, and when well-made, they’re very, very good, too.

An easy way to check guide quality is to saw at the largest one with some 6- to 8-pound mono. 

If it breaks, take a pass on that rod!

I’ll be sure to assess guide quality carefully in each review.

Our Pick - PENN Battle III Surf Fishing Combo !

The weakness of rod and reel combinations is that the quality of one (or sometimes both!) components is going to suffer to keep price down, meaning that good reel manufacturers (Daiwa) will give you a great reel, but the rod will be far less impressive.

By contrast, great rod manufacturers (Shakespeare) will offer a tough as nails surf casting rod, but pretty much any reel you already own will outperform the one they’ve paired with their rod.

And that’s where Penn really excels. 

The Battle III Surf Fishing Combo pairs the excellent Battle III 5000-series reel, armed with the amazon HT-100 drag, plenty of capacity, and torque to spare with an eight-foot medium-heavy rod that’s made from sensitive graphite composite.

That’s just a winning combination right out of the box, and the other combos on the market just can’t touch this pairing.

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Juran Adventures

Updated 12/29/2023

Looking for the best surf fishing rod and reel combo available on the market today? Look no further. I’ve done the hours of rod and reel research and testing on weight, strength, durability, and materials so you don’t have to.

Surf fishing  can highlight some of the most challenging fishing conditions around. Huge fish doing their best to snap your rod in half, long casting distances, waves battering your equipment and salt eating away at the rod components all tax surf rods and reels to the limit.

Check out our top recommendations by category to have the best surf rod and reel combo for the job.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Our Top 7 Picks

• Best Overall : Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
• Best Purchased Separately : St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod & Penn Battle III Reel
• Best Under $100 : Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
• Best Under $200 : Daiwa BG Saltwater Combo
• Best for Beginners :  Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
• Best High End : Penn Spinfisher VI Saltwater Rod & Reel Combo
• Best Conventional : Penn Squall Conventional Rod & Reel Combo

The 7 Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos

Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best overall surf fishing rod and reel combo as well as budget, upgrade, beginner, and splurge options!

1.  Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo

• Rod Length : 6’6″ to 10′
• Power : Light to Heavy
• Reel Size : 1000 to 8000
• Ball Bearings:  5+1
• Wide range of available rod and reel sizes and powers for various applications
• Great value for the price

Our top choice overall for best surf fishing rod & reel combo is the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. Heck, the Penn Battle III reel is our choice for best surf fishing reel so it’s no surprise if you slap it on a decent rod we’ll think highly of it!

The reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel , includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail.

We recently attended a charity inshore fishing tournament in Galveston where we noticed our guide, Jesse, had Penn Battle III reels on all of his rods. When asked about it, Jesse said he fishes 250 days or more a year in saltwater conditions and does next to nothing to maintain these reels. He’s had no problems with them and loves how reliable they are considering how hard he works them. We even caught a 28″ redfish which placed for biggest fish in the tournament and a 25″ speckled trout on that trip with this reel!

The rod blank is a graphite composite with either cork or eva handle depending on the model. It has plenty of backbone to reel in big surf species.

While we generally expect a rod & reel combo to skimp in quality on one of the components, we were pleasantly surprised with this pairing by Penn. This combo is great value for the price.

Check out our article on best surf fishing reels for further reading on why we like this reel so much.

2.  St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod & Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

• Rod Length : 7′ to 10’6″
• Power : Medium to Medium-Heavy
• Best bang for your buck
• Similar high build quality between rod and reel

A great way to upgrade from our best overall choice for a surf rod and reel combo is to purchase the components separately. We love the Penn Battle III combo for our best overall choice, but we think the rod has room for improvement. Our recommendation for best value is by pairing a Penn Battle III reel with a St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning Rod. This rod and reel are our separate picks for best surf fishing rod and best surf fishing reel, so why not combine them!

St. Croix’s Triumph Surf Rod is our overall top surf fishing rod choice for good reason. It nails that perfect mix of features and value that we’re always looking for in fishing equipment. This really is a premium rod at a manageable price point. We’ve fished extensively with our 10′ Triumph Surf and love its castability and transportability over the other rods on this list.

For further reading on why we like this equipment, check out our in-depth review of the St. Croix Triumph Surf Fishing Rod !

3.  Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo

• Rod Length : 7′ to 10′
• Power : Medium
• Reel Size : 4000 to 5000
• Ball Bearings:  1+1
• Budget friendly!

Our choice for the best surf fishing rod and reel combo under $100 is the Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo. This combo is a perfect budget entry point into surf fishing without sacrificing quality.

The rod is fiberglass and is heavier than most other choices on this list. That said, it’s plenty strong to reef in huge surf fish! Both the rod and reel are rated for saltwater and will have reasonable corrosion resistance. The components at this price point will not be super-high-end so we recommend to take extra care with a freshwater rinse after any fishing excursions to minimize saltwater damage.

Don’t think twice about getting this combo for a budget friendly option!

4.  Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo

• Rod Length : 10′
• Power : Medium-heavy
• Reel Size : 5000
• Ball Bearings: 6+1
• Fantastic reel for the price

Our choice for the best surf fishing rod and reel combo under $200 is the Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo .

The Daiwa Black Gold (BG) reel is one of our favorite saltwater spinning reels due to its rugged construction, smooth action, and excellent reliability for its price.

The Daiwa BG combo is perfect for surf anglers wanting a ready-to-go setup right off the shelf. Ten feet long is the perfect length, reel size 5000 is excellent for most types of surf fishing, and medium-heavy power can handle almost all surf fish species.

Check out our article on our favorite saltwater spinning reels for a deeper breakdown on why we like the Daiwa BG reel.

5.   Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod & Reel Combo

• Reel Size : 5000 to 7000
• Great Warranty (7 years for rod)
• Heavy duty equipment that’s beginner friendly
• Good starting point to try it out (then upgrade reel later)

Our choice for best beginner surf fishing rod & reel combo is the Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Rod & Reel Combo. This combo is great for beginners due to its forgiving price point, heavy duty construction, and great rod warranty.

This rod is plenty sturdy. It’s heavier and less sensitive than other similar class rods but is nearly unbreakable! The first thing we noticed when we ordered a 7 foot, medium-heavy power Ugly Stik Bigwater is how solidly built it is. The blank itself is so strong we could barely bend it by hand and the Ugly Tuff guides have much more metal used in their construction than the normal guides we’re used to.

The reel is more on the budget end of equipment. We recommend beginners to get this combo, try it out for a bit, then upgrade the reel to a better option (like the Penn Battle III we discuss in items 1 & 2!).

6.  Penn Spinfisher VI Saltwater Rod & Reel Combo

• Power : Medium-Light to Heavy
• Reel Size : 2500 to 8500
• High quality rod & reel for great price

Our choice for best high end surf fishing rod and reel combo is the Penn Spinfisher VI Saltwater Rod & Reel Combo. This rod and reel are the top end of available pre-made rod and reel combos.

Penn’s Spinfisher VI is a workhorse surf and offshore fishing reel. Featuring an IPX5 sealed body and spool, full metal body/side plates, and a 5+1 sealed stainless steel bearing system, the Spinfisher VI has great durability and strength. The larger models have incredible max drag capabilities of up to 50 pounds which is more than enough for the largest surf species.

The rod is comfortable with a full cork handle and surprisingly good quality as a combo rod. This combo is a great splurge option to dip your toes into surf fishing. We recommend to grab this combo then later on upgrade the rod to a higher-end choice.

7.  Penn Squall Conventional Combo

• Rod Length : 6’2″ to 10′
• Power : Medium to Heavy
• Reel Size : 15 to 30
• Ball Bearings:  6+1
• Excellent conventional setup for surf fishing

Our choice for the best conventional surf fishing rod and reel combo is the Penn Squall Conventional Rod and Reel Combo . The 10′ medium power Penn Squall combo is a perfect conventional rod and reel setup for surf anglers that want a conventional combo for a reasonable price.

This combo includes the Penn Squall II star drag reel without a level wind which is perfect for surf fishing. Level winds on reels are the piece that moves back and forth on conventional reels that feed line evenly on the reel as you spool line. Level winds are a great feature for most casting reels but can cause problems for surf fishing because they increase friction for both casting and reeling. This increased friction can result in reduced casting distances (critical for surf fishing) and can cause binding in the reel if you hook a truly massive fish.

Conventional setups are slightly more comfortable than spinning setups to cast heavy baits which can be a key consideration when deciding between a spinning setup and a conventional setup.

Check out our article on our favorite conventional reels for reading on other great conventional setups.

Combo Comparison Table

Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod and reel combo choices.

Surf fishing rod and reel combos are a great one-stop-shop way to get into surf fishing for a reasonable price. Generally, combos will have either a lower quality rod or reel to keep the manufacturing cost down. This doesn’t mean rod and reel combos aren’t a solid option.

We recommend newer anglers grab a combo with a solid reel (like our top choice Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo ) then upgrade the rod later.

Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods when it’s time to upgrade:

• Best Surf Fishing Reels
• Best Saltwater Reels
• Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
• Best Conventional Reels

Check out our related rod articles:

• Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
• Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
• Best Inshore Fishing Rods
• Best Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout
• Best Flounder Rods
• Best Sheepshead Rods
• Best Surf Fishing Rods
• Best Pier Fishing Rods
• Best Trolling Rods

How to Choose The Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combo For You

Choosing the best surf fishing rod & reel combo should account for factors like rod size, power, action, and materials plus reel size, line capacity, and drag capabilities. Anglers should also consider their target fish species because this can affect which fishing technique is best.

Baitcasting vs Spinning vs Conventional Setups

Surf fishing can be performed with baitcasting reels, spinning reels, or conventional reels. The best setup depends on the target fish species and fishing technique.

Most techniques for targeting smaller saltwater fish can be done with either spinning or casting setups. Spinning reels are better for beginners because they can’t backlash like baitcasting setups. Spinning reels are generally preferred for bottom rig fishing live bait or super light setups. Baitcasting setups allow for more accurate casting and improved casting comfort but can be more difficult to use.

If getting one reel to do everything, we recommend a spinning setup to start. If grabbing an additional rod and reel to cast lures, soft plastics, or about anything that requires frequent, short casts, we recommend baitcasting setups.

For surf fishing for huge fish, conventional reels are a great option because they have the largest spool capacities, highest drag ratings, and features to catch huge fish.

Surf anglers should pick rod length based on what type of fish they are after and what kind of fishing they intend to do. Generally, longer rods can cast further, and shorter rods are easier to maneuver, cast accurately, and are sturdier.

Surf fishing off the beach requires long distances casts so most surf rods are over 10 feet long. A rod between 10 to 12 feet is a great option for surf saltwater fishing.

Inshore saltwater anglers should pick a rod around 7 feet long. This is a great length to be able to cast relatively far but still have the accuracy to pinpoint cast to a specific spot.

Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy. Medium power is a great all around choice for saltwater fishing.

Saltwater species are generally larger and stronger fighters than many freshwater species, so we recommend rods from medium to heavy for saltwater surf fishing. If targeting huge species like bull reds or sharks, size up to a heavy rod. If targeting reds, speckled trout, or striped bass size fish, medium power is perfect.

Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).

The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).

Surf rods with moderate to fast actions are ideal. They provide a balance of accurate casting and sensitivity.

Portability

Another key factor to picking the best surf fishing rod and reel combo is portability.

Seven foot long rods fit in most vehicles and boat rod holders. Much longer and you may run into problems. Make sure you check if your rod can fit in your vehicle before you make a purchase!

Since surf rods are so long, they usually break into 2 or 4 pieces for transport.

Think about purchasing multi-piece ‘travel’ versions of rods and/or look into travel cases to help protect your rod during transport. There’s nothing worse than accidentally breaking a guide or the rod tip on the way to the beach.

Handle Material

Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a surf fishing rod. Common handle types are rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or neoprene. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas cork or neoprene feels better to grip and handle.

Rod Guide Material

Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail. This can be partially avoided by rinsing rod guides with freshwater after every trip.

The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.

Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.

For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail .

Rod Blank Material

Rod blank material affects how rod strength and how it deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod blank materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.

Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.

Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.

Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.

Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.

Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.

Reel Line Capacity

Line capacity refers to how much fishing line fits on the reel. The total spool capacity is specified by mono vs braid and line strength as pound test. An example line capacity would be “200 yards of 20-pound test braid”.

Braid is smaller diameter than mono at the same line strength which means you can fit more braid on a reel. Also, higher pound test line is larger diameter and will take up more space on the reel spool.

Since surf fishing requires long casting distances and large diameter line, line capacity is an important consideration. When I pick a surf reel, I make sure it can fit 200+ yards of braid at the strength I want. I usually put 20-40 lb braid on my surf reels. Some people will size up to 80+ pound test if targeting huge species like sharks.

Reel Ball Bearings

Ball bearings in fishing reels are small, spherical bearings that reduce friction and increase smoothness of a reel’s operation. They are located within the internal mechanism of the reel and allow the reel’s moving parts to rotate smoothly against each other.

Most quality reels have at least four ball bearings. More ball bearings is  usually  better because the higher the number of ball bearings, the more friction is reduced and less wear and tear on the internal reel components. That said, ball bearing quality and material choice is also important. I would rather have four high-quality ball bearings than ten low quality bearings.

Most ball bearings are stainless steel but can also be ceramic. Many reels list something like “5+1 bearings” – this reel would be five ball bearings plus one roller bearing.

Reel Drag System

Drag systems on fishing reels provide resistance to the spool as line is retrieved. A loose drag makes it easier for the spool to spin freely and a tight drag makes it difficult to rotate the spool.

Drag systems work using a series of washers or disks pressed together by a drag knob or level (usually on the top of spinning reels). As the drag is tightened, the drag washers are pressed together which increases resistance on the spool. Drag should be set to match the strength and size of the target fish species.

Setting the drag properly is an art. You want the drag tight enough to reel in the fish, but not tight enough where a strong pull could snap your line or cause your fishing knot to fail. When the drag is properly set, a strong pull from a fish should be able to pull some line from your reel.

Pro tip for setting drag when surf fishing – if you place your rod in a rod holder, drastically loosen the drag. If the drag is tight, a big fish could pull your whole rig into the water! Not a good day!

The two popular types of drag are lever drag and star drag.

Lever drag reels use a lever on the side of the reel to the drag. These reels have preset drag positions that usually include free spool, bait, strike, and max settings but also allow for micro adjustments to really dial-in the drag. Lever drags are best used when targeting the largest fish, 30 lbs or larger, because drag settings can quickly be set for each phase of the catch. The common wisdom is the strike drag setting should be one third of the strength of the line. For example, 60-lb line should have a 20 lb strike setting.

Star drag reels can be identified by the star-shaped drag adjustment wheel just inside of the handle. They allow for on-they-fly adjustment and are a good option when it’s possible to hook into a variety of fish sizes that require different drag settings. Star drag reels are considered to cast slightly better than lever drags, but that’s usually not a big issue on high-quality reels. If targeting smaller fish, under 30 lbs, with a conventional reel, we recommend leaning towards a star drag. One downside of star drag reels is you can’t tell what the drag setting is just by glancing at the reel like you can with lever drag.

Reel Gear Ratio

The gear ratio on a fishing reel refers to the relationship between the number of turns on the spool for every turn of the handle. For example, a gear ratio of 5:1 means the spool rotates five times for every turn of the handle.

Gear ratio is an important consideration when selecting a fishing reel because it affects the speed at which you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio is better for situations where you need to reel long distances or require fast bait presentations. A lower gear ratio is preferred for situations where a lower retrieval rate is desired, like when using finesse techniques.

Most reels have a gear ratio between 4:1 to 7:1. Many medium size reels are around 6.2:1 gear ratio which is a great for most applications. Higher gear ratios are preferred for surf fishing due to the long reeling distances.

Reel Material Quality

Material quality is an important consideration for picking a surf reel. Surf fishing reels are typically made of a combination of metal, rubber, and plastic parts. The body of the reel is usually made of aluminum or another type of metal to provide strength and durability. Plastic is used for many of the peripheral parts like the handle or drag knob because it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Rubber seals may be used to protect against water, dirt, and sand ingress. High-end reels may have ceramic bearings or higher quality metal components.

Look for reels made of high-quality materials with solid, durable construction.

Reel Brakes

Baitcasting reels have reel brakes. When you make a cast with a baitcasting reel, the momentum of the bait pulls line off of the spool. The spool rotates fastest at the beginning of the cast when forces are the highest. The reel brake slows down rotation of the spool to keep the fishing line tight on the spool and stop a backlash mess.

Brakes are important because if the spool rotates faster than the speed your bait is pulling out line, your reel will become a huge backlash mess.

A level wind conventional reel is a reel that has a mechanism that evenly distributes line on the spool as the angler reels in. Most low-profile baitcasting reels having a built-in level wind system. Conventional reels can come with or without.

Level wind reels have pros and cons. The advantages of having a level wind reel is they are easier for beginners because the angler doesn’t have to manually distribute the line on the reel. The cons are, level wind systems can bind when reeling in massive fish and tend to have shorter casting distances than their non-level wind counterparts because of the friction caused through the level-wind mechanism. Also, when casting long rods like 10-15′ surf rods, the best practice is to “bundle” line evenly on the reel because it will come off the spool smoother when high-speed casts quickly rip line off the reel. Birds nests also tend to be worse on level wind reels than on non-level wind reels.

For surf reels, we prefer not having a level wind because it maximizes casting distance. That said, this isn’t a deal breaker and you shouldn’t be afraid to get a conventional reel with a level wind!

Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combo Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rod is best for surf fishing.

The  best rod for surf fishing  for most people is a 10 to 12 foot surf spinning rod with medium to medium-heavy power and moderate to fast action. This type of rod can cast far enough to reach the current troughs in the surf that fish frequent, and have enough backbone to reel in big surf species.

What reel to pair with surf fishing rod?

Since most anglers looking for rod and reel combos are just starting out, we recommend focusing on spinning reels because they are more beginner friendly and can do any fishing technique needed.

Saltwater surf fishing rods should be paired with saltwater rated reels. Surf fishing reels are built with corrosion resistant parts and hold up much better to the corrosive salty conditions. A 4000 size spinning reel is a great all around choice for common species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Size up to 6000 or larger for offshore or surf fishing for species like bull reds, sharks, and grouper.

Check out  our article on best surf fishing reels  for further reading.

Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment after surf fishing with a gentle freshwater rinse. Sand and salt spray gets in everything and your gear will last longer if you spray it down after each outing.

What is the best length surf fishing rod and reel combo?

Ten foot surf rods are the best option for most people. It is a good middle ground of a manageable size to transport and handle while still being able to cast the long distances required for surf fishing. Most shorelines have 1-3 sandbars and guts that run parallel to the shore. You need to be able to cast the distance to these guts to catch fish. Shorter fishing rods may not be able to cast far enough.

Additionally, some piers have a rod length limit of 10 feet.

How many yards of line do you need for a surf fishing rod and reel combo?

Preferably 200 yards or more. You want plenty of line to make long casts. Also, large fish may pull a bunch of line if they make a run for it. Swapping from mono to braid can help with this because braid has a smaller diameter meaning you can fit more on the reel spool.

Is mono or braid better for surf fishing?

Braided fishing line is preferable for surf fishing. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while surf fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements.

What kind of bait for surf fishing?

Surf fishing can be done with both live and artificial baits. A common type of surf fishing is using live bait on a bottom rig like a fish finder rig or high low rig (check out our in-depth  article on the best surf fishing rigs ). Rig up a 1/2 – 4 oz weight and live bait on a circle hook and you’ll be catching fish in no time. You can catch anything from bull reds to sharks surf fishing with live bait. Common surf fishing baits are live shrimp, cut bait, squid, and crab (check out our  article on the best surf fishing baits ).

Artificial lures like  soft plastic baits on jig heads  or shrimp under a  popping cork  as also popular.

Written By: Andrew Juran

Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of surf fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.

For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram

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Rockaway Travel Surf Rods

Brand: Okuma

Product Code: RST-S-863MH

Availability: In stock

Okuma has expanded its acclaimed Rockaway series to bring you the Rockaway Travel Surf Rods. These new rods are specifically designed to cater to all your travel fishing needs, ensuring that you have the right gear on hand to snag that next personal best no matter where your adventures take you.

Rockaway Travel Surf Rods boast several exciting features that make them stand out from the competition. Crafted from premium quality 24-ton carbon fiber material, the rod blanks in the Rockaway Travel Surf Rods are not only incredibly lightweight but also remarkably strong. This results in a durable and responsive rod that can withstand the rigors of fishing while reducing fatigue during prolonged casting and retrieving. Additionally, the rods are equipped with UFR-II technology, providing the ultimate flex reinforcement in the rod tip.

When it comes to components, XQ series angled Sea Guide 316-Stainless steel frames with Zirconium inserts offer compatibility for both braid and mono while the 3-pcs blank construction with tip over butt ferrule connections makes it easy to pack and transport the rods wherever your travels take you. The tapered shrink tube grips offer a non-slip surface and durability, while the rounded EVA butt cap provides improved leverage when casting. The Rockaway Travel Surf Rods feature five total spinning models in a medium-heavy rod power. The rod lengths will range from 8-foot sixinch to twelve-foot and will feature either a medium-fast or medium rod taper.

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• Extremely lightweight and responsive 24-ton carbon rod blanks   
• UFR-II: Ultimate Flex Reinforcement rod tip technology   
• XQ series angled Sea Guide 316-Stainless steel frames   
• Zirconium inserts offer compatibility for both braid and mono  
• 3 -pcs blank construction with  tip over butt f errule connections   
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Recommended Rod and Reel Combos for Surf Fishing

Russ is a professional fisherman with over 20 years of experience. He has fished all over the world for more than two decades, primarily for saltwater game fish but also for local trophy fish. Russ comprehensively tests and reviews all his fishing gear to help others achieve their own fishing goals. There is nothing he prefers than heading down to his local tackle store, buying the latest fishing reel, and taking it to the water to test.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The best surf fishing rod and reel combo should have a reel with a high gear ratio, sturdy drag system, and corrosion-resistant construction. The rod should be long (9-14 feet), have medium to heavy power, and medium to fast action. Graphite rods are generally lighter and more sensitive.

Daiwa BG Combo

• Smooth Digigear technology
• 1-piece, 100% graphite rod blank
• Traditional cork handles

Penn Pursuit IV Combo

• Solid construction
• Handles heavy lures
• Good value for money

Penn Squall Conventional Combo

• Dura Drag Washers
• Lightweight Graphite Frame
• Stainless Steel Gears and Guides

Table of Contents

1. Daiwa BG Surf Combo

Daiwa is a reputable brand, and the BG Surf Combo lives up to their standard. I’ve experienced its exceptional durability while handling some serious surf fish species. The rod offers excellent action and sensitivity, perfect for detecting subtle bites amidst the rough surf.

I remember the first time I tackled the surf with the Daiwa BG combo. The rod felt substantial in hand and easily cast my bait beyond the breakers. I was impressed by the reel’s sturdy construction and smooth drag system. With this combo, you can confidently handle a range of surf species and enjoy long casting distances.

Specifications

• Gear Ratio: 5.7:1
• Ball Bearings: 6+1
• Line Capacity: 470 yards of 14 pound mono
• Max Drag: 22 pounds
• Rod Action: Moderate Fast
• Rod Power: Medium Heavy
• Length: 9 to 10 feet
• The reel’s build is robust, suitable for handling saltwater environments and big catches.
• High sensitivity and action of the rod offer great feedback and better hook sets.
• The casting range is impressive, reaching beyond the breakers with ease.
• I found the combo to be heavy after prolonged use.
• Daiwa’s premium quality comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it’s an investment that’s worth every penny.

2. Penn Pursuit IV Combo

• Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction
• Durable one-piece stainless steel guides
• 7-year warranty
• Comfortable EVA handle

I found the Penn Pursuit IV combo to be a sturdy and reliable choice. It’s a well-balanced rod and reel, ideal for hurling heavier lures or bait into the surf.

Using the Penn Pursuit IV combo has always been a satisfying experience. This combo truly shines when casting heavy lures into the surf, thanks to its stiff rod and reliable reel. With it, you can expect an impressive performance that exceeds its price tag. It’s especially effective when targeting larger species, but it might take some time due to the rod’s stiffness.

• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
• Ball Bearings: 4+1
• Line Capacity: 135 yards of 20 lb mono
• Max Drag: 20 lb
• Length: 8 to 9 feet
• Solid construction ensures longevity, especially when frequently exposed to a harsh saltwater environment.
• It handles heavier lures exceptionally well, making it great for targeting larger surf species.
• It offers good value for money, considering its performance and durability.
• I found the rod a bit stiff, affecting sensitivity to smaller bites.
• The reel’s drag system could be smoother to fight fast and powerful fish better.

3. Penn Squall Conventional Combo

If you’re looking for a rod and reel combo to tackle monster fish in the surf, the Penn Squall Conventional Combo is a go-to choice. I’ve found its ability to handle heavy lines and big fish unmatched.

The Penn Squall combo is a powerhouse. I could feel its strength and resilience the first time I used it. When you’re targeting larger, harder-fighting fish, this combo will not disappoint. It requires some practice to handle, especially if you’re new to conventional reels, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s an absolute beast.

• Gear Ratio: 4.9:1
• Ball Bearings: 3+1
• Line Capacity: 315 yrds of 20 lb mono
• Max Drag: 33 lb
• Rod Action: Fast
• Rod Power: Medium to Medium Heavy
• Length: 6 to 7 ft
• Its high power and durability make it perfect for hunting big game in the surf.
• It boasts a high line capacity, essential for long fights with large fish.
• The robust construction of the reel ensures it can handle the strain of heavy catches.
• It’s a bit heavy and isn’t ideal for prolonged fishing sessions.
• The conventional reel setup can be difficult to cast long distances for beginners.

4. Shimano Spheros SW Surf Spinning Combo

• Excellent build quality
• Smooth drag system
• Sensitive rod

The Shimano Spheros combo stands out with its exceptional build quality. I’ve experienced the smooth drag system first-hand, which effectively handles those quick, powerful runs by surf dwelling species.

My outings with the Shimano Spheros combo have always been marked by its smooth operation and superior build quality. The reel’s drag system is a dream to operate, offering just the right amount of resistance against aggressive surf dwellers. With this combo, you can expect a premium experience with fantastic sensitivity and casting distance.

However, remember that it requires careful maintenance to keep it performing at its best.

• Line Capacity: 250 yards of 16 lb mono
• Max Drag: 29 lb
• Rod Power: Heavy
• Length: 9 ft
• It features an excellent build quality, ensuring long-lasting performance even in challenging saltwater conditions.
• The drag system is among the smoothest I’ve used, making it easier to fight powerful fish.
• The rod is sensitive and provides ample casting distance, crucial for successful surf fishing.
• It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but the quality justifies the investment.
• The rod’s durability could be improved to withstand the demands of surf fishing better.

5. Ugly Stik Bigwater Surf Spinning Combo

• Extremely durable design
• Can handle rocks and saltwater
• Affordable price tag

When it comes to durability, the Ugly Stik Bigwater combo has often been my trusty companion. Its ability to withstand rough conditions and intense battles has often been tested and never found wanting.

The Ugly Stik Bigwater combo has seen me through some rough conditions. The durability of this combo is unmatched. If you plan to fish in rough surf or rocky areas, this combo will withstand the abuse. It may not be the most sensitive, but its toughness more than compensates for it.

• Gear Ratio: 4.1:1 to 4.9:1
• Ball Bearings: 1+1
• Line Capacity: 220 yards of 17 lb mono
• Rod Power: Medium to Medium-Heavy
• Length: 8 to 10 ft
• The reel and rod are extremely durable, perfect for surf fishing where gear often takes a beating.
• It’s designed to handle rough conditions, whether it’s rocky terrain or high surf.
• It provides a reliable performance at an affordable price point.
• It may not offer the best sensitivity, making detecting smaller bites challenging.
• The combo is a bit on the bulky side, which might affect ease of handling.

6. Okuma Tundra Combo

The Okuma Tundra combo has often been my recommended choice for beginners in surf fishing. It’s a great stepping stone to understanding the basics without being overly complex or expensive.

I often recommend the Okuma Tundra combo to those getting their feet wet in surf fishing. It eased my transition into the sport with its simple operation and reliable performance. You can expect a decent casting range and the capacity to handle light to moderate surf fishing demands.

Just bear in mind, this combo does lack enough power if you’re targeting larger species.

• Ball Bearings: 1
• Line Capacity: 360 yards of 20 lb mono
• Rod Power: Medium-Heavy
• Length: 10 to 12 ft
• It offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
• The rod offers a decent casting range, allowing newcomers to effectively reach the surf zone.
• It can handle moderate surf fishing demands, perfect for starting on smaller species.
• The reel could use a bit more refinement, especially in terms of smoothness of operation.
• It is not the ideal choice for targeting larger surf species.

7. Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Spinning Combo

• Easy to use

The Daiwa D-Wave combo is another affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s well-suited to surf fishing novices and those working within a budget.

The Daiwa D-Wave combo has often surprised me with its performance despite its affordable price tag. I’ve enjoyed many outings with it, particularly when targeting smaller to medium-sized species. It offers a user-friendly experience, ideal for beginners or those looking to practice their surf fishing skills without breaking the bank.

Just remember, like any other fishing gear, regular maintenance is key to ensure its longevity.

• Line Capacity: 350 yards of 12 lb mono
• Length: 7 to 10 ft
• Despite being affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance, making it suitable for most surf fishing situations.
• The reel offers smooth performance, making casting and retrieval a breeze.
• Its user-friendly nature makes it suitable for beginners and intermediate surf anglers.
• The rod might lack the power to cast heavier lures or battle larger fish.
• The combo may not be as durable as other high-end models when frequently exposed to harsh saltwater conditions.

Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Buying Guide

When it comes to surf fishing, I’ve found that the right rod and reel combo can be the difference between a frustrating day on the beach and a productive, memorable outing. Over the years, I’ve been through the wringer with various surf fishing combos and have learned a thing or two about what to look for.

So let’s tackle this together and break down what you should consider when buying a surf fishing rod and reel combo.

The first factor I look at is the brand. Reliable brands such as Penn , Okuma, and Daiwa have never let me down and have a solid reputation for durability and performance. I still remember the time when I took my first Penn Battle combo for surf fishing. The heavy-duty performance was just outstanding.

Types of Reel

Baitcasting reel.

These reels are popular with experienced surf fishers, but I’ve found they can be tricky for beginners due to the risk of backlash. However, they do offer excellent control for accurate casting.

Spinning Reel

Spinning reels are a staple in my surf fishing gear. They’re versatile, easy to use, and handle many bait sizes and types. A well-crafted spinning reel, such as the Penn Battle or Okuma Tundra, delivers an impressive performance and durability in saltwater conditions.

Conventional Reel

This type of reel is perfect for those looking for serious power. Conventional reels have a steeper learning curve when casting but, in my experience, once you get the hang of it, you can fight even the largest saltwater species.

Surf Reel Criteria

The next thing to look at is the surf reel ‘s specifications.

For surf fishing, I prefer a reel with a medium to high gear ratio . A higher ratio means faster line retrieval, particularly useful when dealing with fast-swimming fish or when reeling in from long distances.

Drag System

When I battled my first big fish, I learned the importance of a strong drag system. It’s the brake of the reel, preventing the line from being pulled out under too much pressure. A smooth and reliable drag system is crucial when fishing in the surf, where large, strong fish are common.

Construction Material

Reels designed for surf fishing need to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. Therefore, I always use reels made from corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or stainless steel.

Surf Rod Criteria

Now, let’s look at the surf rod .

In surf fishing, length does matter. The longer the rod, the farther you can cast. I usually opt for rods between 9 to 14 feet depending on the surf conditions and target species.

The power of a fishing rod refers to its resistance to bending. For surf fishing, medium to heavy power rods are best. They can handle large bait and have enough backbone to fight strong saltwater fish.

Rod action determines how and where a rod will bend when pressure is applied. I’ve found that a medium to fast action rod works best in surf fishing, providing a good casting distance and better control when fighting a fish.

Graphite or Fiberglass

The choice between graphite and fiberglass usually comes down to personal preference. In my case, I lean towards graphite rods because they are lighter and more sensitive than fiberglass. However, a fiberglass rod might be your best choice if durability is a concern.

Remember, the best surf fishing rod and reel combo is the one that fits your specific needs and conditions. The factors I’ve reviewed here have served as a solid guide for my purchasing decisions over the years, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.

• Field Test Results for The Most Popular Spinning Reels
• 10 Best Surf Fishing Rods for the Money + Buying Guide
• Ranking the Top Fishing Rod and Reel Combos of All Time
• Recommendations for Baitcasting Rod and Reel Combos

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The Best Travel Fishing Rods of 2024

By Pete Robbins

Updated on May 24, 2023 5:36 PM EDT

13 minute read

Best for Bass

Abu garcia i.k.e. signature series travel casting rod, best budget, shakespeare ugly stik gx2 travel spinning combo, best premium, megabass triza travel rod.

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Travel fishing rods are easy to pack for a trip, and the good ones fish like a one-piece rod. Over the past several decades, rods have gotten longer because more length typically equals better casts and more leverage on big fish. For example, the 5-foot 6-inch pistol grips that dominated bass fishing into the 1980s have been replaced almost entirely by rods that are 7 feet and up. Unfortunately, luggage costs and rules have also exploded at this same time, meaning that it’s not always feasible to take an oversized 7- or 8-foot rod tube on distant trips. That’s doubly true if you’ll be getting on a floatplane or your luggage size is otherwise restricted.

Travel rods aren’t solely for air travel, though. If you’re an urban angler getting on a subway, they may be your best choice. If you want something to keep in your car or backpack in case you pass by a tasty-looking fishery, they’re prime choices. In the past, the options were often limited. Either manufacturers took an existing blank and added rudimentary ferrules, or it was a bargain basement combo that required a staple remover to get out of the package and that couldn’t stand up to farm pond bluegills. Fortunately, many manufacturers have recognized the need for better travel tools, and they’ve heeded the call. 

I get to do a lot of traveling with fishing rods as a writer and host of exotic fishing trips. I’ve been to the Alaskan wilderness, through the Amazon jungle, and on every major bass lake in the U.S. and Mexico. Those destinations require a plane ride, and while I don’t always pack multi-piece rods, it’s given me the chance to test out many of the best. Here are my picks for the best travel fishing rods.

• Best for Bass: Abu Garcia I.K.E. Signature Series Travel Casting Rod
• Most Innovative: Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Casting and Spinning Rod
• Best for Inshore: Falcon Traveler Coastal Spinning Rod
• Best Budget: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo
• Best Finesse: Wild Side Light Spinning Rod
• Best Premium Casting: Megabass Triza Travel Rod  
• Most Versatile :  Toadfish Travel Spinning Rod
• Best Bait Finesse :  KastKing Kestrel 3-Piece Rods
• Best Premium Spinning : Shimano Zodias 5-Piece Travel Spinning Rods

How I Tested the Best Travel Fishing Rods

I’ve taken these travel rods all over the globe and all over the country, fishing for species both exotic and mundane. More importantly, though, I’ll admit that I’ve abused them. They’ve been shoved in suitcases, walked through dense forests, and used for lures outside of their supposed range. That’s the nature of the travel game. Coming home from Mexico, officials forced me to check a carrying case that I’d carried on for the trip South of the Border, and my rods returned in one piece—or rather in their original configurations of multiple pieces. When possible, though, I like keeping them at my side, and I’m usually able to do so. It also enables me to bring a rod and reel or the occasions when I travel for a non-fishing purpose but might be able to sneak away to make a few casts.

Best Travel Fishing Rods: Reviews & Recommendations

Key Features

• Length: 7 feet
• Packed Length: 28 inches
• Three pieces
• Comes with both medium (1/4-3/4 ounce lures) and medium-heavy (3/8-1 ounce) tip sections
• Soft travel case included
• Versatility means you only need to carry one rod
• Comfortable E.V.A. handle
• Great value
• Included case isn’t crushproof; should not be checked on airlines

Abu Garcia, worked with Bassmaster Classic champion Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, to design the Ike Signature Series Travel Rod. Ike is known for his wins on the pro bass circuit, but he’s also known for his urban angling adventures. Traveling by bus, bike, plane, and train to those urban fishing spots were the inspiration for his travel rod. 

The best feature of the rod is the included interchangeable tip sections that provide different actions. They are a tremendous value, since the rod doesn’t sacrifice on components. They include 36-ton graphite blanks, stainless steel guides, and a premium Fuji reel seat. Ike carried this rod worldwide on his television fishing exploits for a wide range of species, but his heart remains with bass, and that’s where this rod excels, for everything from soft plastics to crankbaits to spinnerbaits . Anglers who expect to use finesse presentations can buy the spinning version.

• Length: 7 feet 
• Handle converts from spinning to baitcasting
• Three-piece rod, includes six total pieces 
• Lure Weights: ¼ to 1 ounce 
• Extreme versatility
• Handles wide range of lures
• Sensitive yet strong graphite construction
• Included case not crushproof; should not be checked on airlines

Daiwa has built a rod—and specifically, a rod handle—that will accommodate both spinning and baitcasting reels when configured appropriately. That means you don’t have to choose one or the other when you’re limited to one travel rod. What’s most impressive is that they’ve somehow developed a blank that doesn’t feel awkward in either role. It includes X45 graphite construction that prevents blank twisting and truly performs like a one-piece. I took this rod to Zambia for tigerfish, where it performed admirably with a baitcasting reel, and then used it at home to skip Senkos under docks with a spinning rod. It’s not truly a finesse spinning rod, but could handle light baits with plenty of backbone to extract hard-pulling bass from gnarly cover.

• Medium action
• Lure weight: ¼ to ½ ounce 
• Bargain priced
• Durable full cork handle
• High-quality components
• Some anglers may not like the moderate action

If you’re chasing redfish or speckled trout on the Gulf Coast, or bonefish and snook in the Everglades or Keys, you need a rod that will simultaneously make pinpoint presentations that also has the heft to muscle outsized, super-strong fish away from cover. This rod is light but mighty and fits the bill. The Coastal Traveler series also has a baitcasting model in the lineup. They’ll both do double-duty in freshwater, although Falcon also provides Lowrider series travel rods for that purpose. All of them include cork handles (full in the case of the Coastal, split-grip on the Lowriders), Fuji K-Frame tangle-free guides, and a blank through reel seat. All come with a crushproof, three-section Cordura-coated case with the rod’s specifications printed on the outside.

• Lengths: 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 6 inches 
• Comes with matching reel
• Three or four pieces
• Rod and reel packaged together for the price of one
• Four-bearing spinning reel
• Strong guides will stand up to braided line
• Cloth rod and reel travel bag cannot be checked

The Ugly Stik brand has been synonymous with strength and value for decades, and Shakespeare continues to refine the products while keeping them at rock bottom prices. These three spinning combos—one light action, two medium action—all come with a four-bearing reel and rods that combine graphite and fiberglass construction. While the cloth carrying case may not be crushproof, this combo will stand up to just about anything you can dish out. That makes it a great option for kids or beginners, but you’ll be surprised at the wide range of species it can handle across the globe without any fear of failure.

• Length: 6 feet 3 inches
• Packed Length: 22 inches
• Action: Light
• Five pieces
• Ultra compact 
• Innovative ferrules maintain one-piece feel
• High modulus graphite

Wild Side’s U.S. distributor Arundel Tackle claims that this rod is “made for the overhead bin, NOT baggage claim.” It comes with a rectangular carrying case that weighs a mere 2 ounces and will slide easily into your carry-on. More importantly, they’ve somehow taken a five-piece rod and eliminated any traditional multi-piece imprecision. That might be because they use refined spigot ferrules that do a solid job of maintaining a one-piece flow. This has become a go-to Ned Rig rod when I’m bass fishing at home, but it has so many other uses where it’ll excel. These include stream trout fishing, pan fishing, and light saltwater use. The high-quality cork and E.V.A. split handle are comfortable for all day fishing and match up with any lightweight spinning reel.

Best Premium: Megabass Triza Travel Rod  

• Lengths (casting): 6-feet, 6-inches; 6-feet, 8-inches; 6-feet, 9-inches; 7-feet; 7-feet, 2-inches   
• Available in five baitcasting and two spinning models
• Lure Weights: 1/32 ounce to 3 ounces
• Wide range of actions for a full range of techniques
• Built one at a time for attention to detail
• Gorgeous peacock wood reel seats and hand-drawn graphics

Megabass makes everything from the best swimbaits to some of the nicest production rods available. The Triza Travel Rod has typical Megabass quality in a rod that fits in a backpack. Megabass has a lot of experience making travel rods for their Japanese customers, who are often more constrained in terms of space and transportation, and therefore demand them. These premium travel rods are now widely available in America and cover just about every bass fishing technique under the sun—while at the same time being superior for some saltwater and multi-species use. They’re a gorgeous piece of art that would look great displayed, but they’re too solid to sit on the sidelines. Megabass claims they are constructed to their “Triangle” ideal—with a tip section that maximizes tension, a belly section that maximizes torque, and a butt section that maximizes torsional rigidity. These are workhorses that present like show horses.

Most Versatile:  Toadfish Travel Spinning Rod

• 7 feet 2 inches
• Medium/Medium heavy action
• Interchangeable mid and tip sections
• Incredible versatility
• Kigan tangle free guides
• Extremely durable
• Included case is strong but quite heavy

This rod comes with one handle section, two mid-sections, and two tip sections, allowing for five different configurations, making it the most versatile travel rod on the market. That uniqueness is also a huge bonus if you slam a section in a car door or otherwise break one – you lose a bit of that trademark versatility, but you’re not completely out of luck. What’s also nice is that it comes with extremely durable components, including soft-touch rubber handle inlays and a handle that will stand up to the most you can dish out, including saltwater exposure. It’s fairly sensitive for a five-piece rod, and the spigot ferrules hold well. The case may be heavy, but you can check it through on the airlines without worrying about damage.

Best Bait Finesse:  KastKing Kestrel 3-Piece Rods

• Light-fast action
• IM8 ultra-high modulus graphite blank
• Extremely reasonable price
• One of the few rods in its category
• Very sensitive IM8 high modulus graphite blank
• No case included

The biggest problem with many travel rods is that they’re too vanilla – understandably made to cover a wide range of conditions and species. That’s fine if you just want one for random use, but it doesn’t help anglers with specific needs. KastKing has entered the market with a lot of BFS options and wisely chose to build a three-piece rod in that category. It can handle lures as light as 1/10 ounce, yet, with a balanced baitcasting reel, still has the winch-like power that spinning cannot provide. The rod comes with quality components, including American Tackle Ti forged guides with aluminum oxide Duralight rings, so whether you’re chasing panfish, Alaskan trout, stream smallmouths, or light saltwater species, it’s meant to stand up to a beating. In Asia and Japan, manufacturers have historically made a wider range of multi-piece rods than they do in North America, so it’s a good sign that KastKing is willing to take a calculated risk on this specialty stick.

Best Premium: Shimano Zodias 5-Piece Travel Spinning Rods

• Medium-Light – Fast
• 1/8 – 7/16 ounce lures
• CI4+ Reel Seat maximizes ergonomic comfort
• Fuji guides hold up to the rigors of travel and different kinds of line
• At 5 pieces, incredibly transportable
• Rod case not included

Shimano and brand partner G.Loomis have dipped in and out of the travel rod market for years, producing some top-notch products. Shimano’s bargain-priced Convergence Series is a great value and quality product, but the Zodias will fill the needs of more demanding anglers. It looks and feels like an expensive JDM product, and despite the multiple ferrules functions like a one-piece rod. I liked the Carbon Monocoque grip, and felt that it enhanced sensitivity, even with light lines. It’s also available in a baitcasting rod if that’s your stylistic preference, or if you want to use heavier lines on bigger fish.

While most standard rods are one or possibly two pieces, most travel rods are three or more pieces. Alternatively, they may be telescoping. Either way, they “collapse” or “compress” or “break down” to lengths that will fit in a suitcase or in a small separate carrying case. That makes them easy to take on a plane or stuff under the seat of your vehicle for impromptu fishing adventures.

Many anglers believe that one-piece rods are superior in all instances and will do whatever they can to take them on long-distance fishing trips. Of course that is possible, and there are hard-sided carrying cases that extend up to nearly 10-feet long to transport them. One problem, however, is that the airlines are increasingly restrictive on checking such bags. Even when they allow it, they may be costly. Furthermore, rough baggage handling may result in destruction of or damage to your valuable gear.

Typically commercial airlines will not allow you to carry full-sized rods on airplanes, but they’ll often allow you to carry properly-cased and appropriately-sized travel rods on board. In fact, the T.S.A. guidelines explicitly state that fishing rods are permitted in carry-on and checked bags but note that “passengers should check with the airline to confirm that the fishing rod fits within size limitations for carry-on items.” Some foreign airports and foreign carriers will not allow the same, so be sure to check ahead of time and carry a crushproof case that can be checked if necessary.

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Fishing Rod

What will you be fishing for.

The same travel rod that excels for panfish might be a liability chasing big saltwater fish in the surf. Today there are enough specialized options that you should be able to cover most extremes and many technical presentations. The trouble comes when you need to do double duty. That may require the purchase of a second rod, or perhaps even making compromises—using a single rod that is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

How compact must it be?

Fewer ferrules or connectors usually (but not always) means better performance. However, the ideal travel or “pack” rod will fit into a small case, which may or may not need to fit within your suitcase. Take careful measurements of your possible dimensions, adding a slight bit for the padding of the case and any internal rod sock that protects your tool.

How will I carry my travel rod?

The best possible scenario is to keep your rod or rods with you at all times, in a padded, crushproof case. That reduces the chances of loss and breakage. However, in the instance that you need to check it, make sure it fits in your other luggage or run the risk of paying a surcharge. Many of these rods come with tubes or cases. Some are better than others, so don’t hesitate to invest in an aftermarket product for peace of mind.

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Fishing Rods

As I’ve amassed an arsenal of travel rods over the past several years, I’ve seen a shift in my thinking. Previously, I reserved them exclusively for exotic travel to places like Zambia, Mexico, Brazil, and Alaska, and then relegated them to a garage shelf when I returned home. Increasingly, however, I’ve found myself using some of them in my day-to-day angling, in places where I could still take a 7- or 8-foot one-piece rod but now choose instead to take the multi-piece tool. 

Many of the more inexpensive multi-piece rods are still notably less fluid than their one-piece counterparts, but that’s not always the case. Furthermore, if you’re a one-piece snob, you may be surprised at how refined these options have become.

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The Best Surf Fishing Rods of 2024

Surf fishing is an exciting experience, but you’ll need the right rod to get in on the action

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Whether you ply the suds in search of striped bass or venture beyond and abroad for exotic monster fish, you want to do so with a good surf fishing rod. However, with all of the advancements in surf fishing technology, it can be hard to select the right tool for your arsenal.

My fishing colleagues call me “ Crazy” Alberto “, because of the drive that forces me to fish the non-human-hours deep into the night. I am a multi-species surfcaster specializing in trophy fishing; known for all-night marathons where I catch the fish of dreams while most people are dreaming. After 50-plus years of land-based angling and surfcasting, I’ve learned a thing or two. In that time, I’ve caught over 10 striped bass exceeding the magical 50-pound class and plenty of tarpon over the 100-pound mark—all from terra firma.

I’ve watched the evolution of fishing rods , specifically surf rods, firsthand—and even had the opportunity to help with development. From bamboo and sections of tapered wood wrapped with horsehair glass fibers to boron and graphite composites, I’ve seen it all through the years. I had the pleasure of working with the founder of Lamiglas rods, the great Mr. Dick Posey, to develop my own signature series of surf rods in the late 1990s.

This article will help you pick one of the best surf fishing rods and may even give you the fishing gear knowledge you need to become a better surfcaster.

• Best Beginner: St. Croix Mojo Surf Spinning
• Best for Plugging: St. Croix Legend Surf Spinning
• Best for Chunking: St. Croix Avid Surf Casting
• Best Budget: Tsunami Airwave

How We Picked the Best Surf Fishing Rods

We are unquestionably living in the golden age of surf rod technology, with advancements in rod blanks driven by elaborate space age fiber, lightweight aluminum alloy reel seats, and high-tech ceramic and titanium guides. It’s no wonder the majority of today’s anglers are easily infatuated by the latest and the greatest in surf fishing equipment to hit stores. There are just too many variables to mention, but with a little guidance from yours truly we can get you pointed in the right direction.

In a nutshell, identifying the best surf rod depends on the type of fishing you are planning to do and the performance of the rod. Some rods have slow to medium actions, which are well-suited to live and chunked baits. Others are fast to extra fast, which excel at tossing lures and bucktails. Some are more parabolic than others, with the bend occurring all the way from the tip to the butt section. The deep bend allows the pressure to build slowly and steadily, so you won’t pull the bait or lure away from the fish but can provide enough hook-setting power to keep a big fish tight all the way into shore. If you’re hunting trophy fish, the C-shaped bend of a parabolic rod is probably the way to go.

I have great admiration for brands such as G Loomis, Shimano, Penn, Tsunami rods, and the ever-popular St. Croix Rods, which bear the “Best Rods on Earth” motto. I can even appreciate value brands like Tica, Ugly Stick and Okuma. Obviously, some are built with price in mind to keep the cost of admission low for entry level anglers. There are also high-end / top-tier rods, built on customized blanks with specific actions to meet specific needs. Avid and more seasoned anglers value these rods because of their higher quality components, type of action and the warranties they usually carry. Meticulous and demanding surfrats even opt to have custom surf rods built to fit their style of fishing and for maximum performance. 

Best Surf Fishing Rods: Reviews and Recommendations

Fishing the surf is very rewarding, but it can seem daunting to a beginning angler. Figuring out the tides, learning about the baitfish present, and learning to read the beach can keep anyone’s hands full. They also need to figure out if they prefer fishing bait, fishing lures , or both. So, anglers just starting out should pick up the best surf fishing rod for beginners that can handle a variety of techniques while they figure out their niche. A spinning rod around 10 feet long, capable of throwing up to six ounces is a good starting point.

The Mojo series from St. Croix Rods offers both beginning and more seasoned anglers excellent value. The 10-foot, six-inch medium heavy/moderate fast St. Croix model is a good starting point for a variety of species, though there is a St. Croix nine-footer for those that prefer a shorter stick. Both lengths are easy to transport and store, thanks to their two-piece construction. Specialized, weight-saving surf guides with zirconium rings and black frames wrangle braid and keep tangles to a minimum. The X-wrap handle is comfortable, and ensures you maintain a strong grip on your fishing rod even in breaking surf. Despite the budget price, St. Croix backs this rod with a five-year warranty.

Make no mistake about it, there is absolutely nothing better than fooling a fish with an artificial lure. You studied the fish’s habits, and you know exactly what your prized fish are feeding on in. You have just the right lure that imitates the bait’s profile and movement. But you must reach them, often at great distances. You need the best surf fishing rod for plugging that provides the proper casting distance, the power to subdue your catch, and allows the perfect required presentation.

St. Croix’s 11-foot Legend Surf Spinning rod in medium heavy is the best surf fishing rod for plugging, and an overall great spinning rod . The moderate fast action rod can handle lures from three to eight ounces, and the 11-foot reach gives them plenty of distance. Despite having enough backbone to stop the most powerful surf dwellers, the rod only weighs 13.8 ounces. And you won’t have to baby this stick either: The Legend Surf is built on a high modulus/high strain SCIV graphite blank, with nearly indestructible (and corrosion-proof) titanium guide frames.

Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish add protection. A custom neoprene handle seems to provide more grip the wetter it gets, offering comfort and durability. The off-set, slim profile ferrules on two-piece models give the rod one-piece performance. And should the unthinkable happen (like a car door), the built-in-the USA Legend Surf is covered by St. Croix’s 15-year warranty.

It’s no secret when fish are finicky, homed in on specific baits, or when the water is muddy, chunking is the alternative to getting your line tight. Tossing the heavy payload of bait and sinker at distant rips, pockets, coves, cuts and breakers is best accomplished with a conventional or casting rod. Long casting rods have the sensitivity needed to feel the slightest finicky pickup and provide direct and stronger hook setting power and fighting leverage

My recommendation is to use a 10- to 12-foot conventional rod with ability to handle a long shock leader, and to cast bait and sinkers anywhere from six to 16 ounces. My preferred choice for best surf fishing rod for chunking is in St. Croix’s Avid series. The 11-foot conventional model can chuck three to eight ounces of bait and sinker out past the breakers. Titanium guide frames shrug off the rigors of saltwater, and soak up the bumps and bruises that can occur when anglers do battle in the surf zone. A classic cork tape handle is comfortable in-hand but is slick enough to easily slide out of sand spike at the first sign of a strike. St. Croix Avid series rods are designed and handcrafted here in the United States.

Today’s fishing rod technology is rapidly changing for the better, giving surfcasters even more value for their dollar. Surf anglers can get a well-balanced rod with quality components, built by a reputable manufacturer, and backed by a premium warranty for short coin.

Tsunami Airwave Rods delivers the best bang for the buck surf fishing rod. They are built using strong and powerful high-density blanks, with braid-proof guides. The tough Fuji Hardloy guides provide extreme sensitivity and more resilience to transmit more power to each cast. Those looking for versatile rods should check out the 10-foot medium heavy model, which can handle a variety of plugs, tins, and lures up to four ounces. There’s also an 11-footer that can toss plugs and bait up to 5 ounces. Durable, non-slip, textured vinyl grips provide traction even when wet. Tsunami rods also offer a flexible warranty service when needed.

Q: What is the best rod and reel for surfcasting?

The best rod and reel combo for surf fishing is extremely durable and able to withstand the saltwater environment. Maintenance is important, but your casting rod and reel will be exposed to elements which can cause rust that and other malfunctions. A sealed reel, like those offered by Van Staal, prevents sand and saltwater intrusion. High performance rods such as the St. Croix Legend Surf series can deal with the rigors of pounding surf. Both rod and reel companies are backed with stellar warranties and customer service when needed.  

Q: What is the best fishing rod for beach fishing?

When it comes down to high performance in casting and premium components like titanium guides, the 12-foot St. Croix Surf Legend surf rod is hard to beat. The two-piece rod fishes like a one piece, but it breaks down easily to serve as a travel fishing rod. As for chunking, my 12-foot St. Croix Avid is light and handles up to 16 ounces. This enables casting that can reach great distances with ease. These rods are also accompanied with 15-year warranty, making them my reliable fishing tools of the trade.

Q: What color line is best for surf casting?

The thin diameter of today’s advanced braided lines give surf anglers the ability to reach distant honey holes like offshore bars and deep pockets where fish feed. But these areas often draw crowds, and braided lines can tangle easily. When fishing in a congested spot, highly visible lines such as yellow or orange are desirable because they can easily prevent line crossing and untangling. Solo trophy hunters such as I favor low-visibility line (preferably moss green) because it is stealthier and minimizes the chance fish will see it. The use of fluorocarbon shock leader can be critical and necessary when fishing in gin clear water conditions where finicky, shy fish can see your line. Fluorocarbon’s invisibility and high abrasion resistance make it an excellent choice.

Best Surf Fishing Rods: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I’ve provided insights to choosing the best surf fishing rods and wish everyone much success in their surf fishing run. Should you wish to extend your surfcasting experience, there are great opportunities in Florida where your surf fishing gears will be great for bull reds, Snook and even the magical Silver King. With that, tight lines and wishing good fishing!

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daiwa tatula travel rod review

Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod Review

Welcome to my review of the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod ! In this article, I will give you an in-depth look at this high-end finesse rod and share my thoughts on its performance, features, and overall value for money. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod could be the perfect addition to your fishing gear collection.

When it comes to finesse fishing , sensitivity is key. The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod excels in this department, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. Its impressive sensitivity makes it perfect for fishing with wacky rigs or bottom-contact presentations, giving you an edge in challenging conditions. Say goodbye to missed opportunities and hello to more fish in the boat.

Comfort is essential during long days on the water, and the Tatula Spinning Rod doesn’t disappoint. With its Portuguese natural cork handle , you’ll experience all-day comfort without sacrificing performance. Unlike cheaper handles, this one is durable and offers a secure grip, enhancing your fishing experience.

Durability is a crucial factor when investing in a fishing rod, and the Tatula Spinning Rod is built to last. Equipped with Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides , this rod can withstand the rigors of rigorous fishing conditions. From accidental drops to inadvertently stepping on the guides, this rod can handle it all. Fish with confidence knowing that your equipment won’t let you down.

Despite its high-quality construction, the Tatula Spinning Rod remains lightweight and well-balanced . Its sleek design rivals that of more expensive rods, providing you with accurate and comfortable casting. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the lightweight feel of this rod will make a noticeable difference in your fishing experience.

One of the standout features of the Tatula Spinning Rod is its versatility . It performs exceptionally well in various fishing techniques and applications, making it a go-to choice for many anglers. From finesse fishing to using moving baits, this rod delivers outstanding results. Experience the flexibility and reliability that the Tatula Spinning Rod has to offer.

Don’t just take my word for it – customer reviews speak volumes about the quality and performance of the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod. With no negative reviews found online, it’s clear that anglers are highly satisfied with this rod. Many compare it to higher-priced options and find that it performs just as well if not better. Join the ranks of happy customers and elevate your fishing game with the Tatula Spinning Rod.

Key Takeaways:

• The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod offers exceptional sensitivity , allowing you to detect even the subtlest bites.
• With its Portuguese natural cork handle , this rod provides all-day comfort without compromising on performance.
• Equipped with Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides , the Tatula Spinning Rod is built to withstand the toughest fishing conditions.
• Despite its high-quality construction, this rod remains lightweight and well-balanced , making it a pleasure to cast.
• The Tatula Spinning Rod is highly versatile and performs well in various fishing techniques and applications.

Sensitivity

The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is renowned for its exceptional sensitivity, making it a top choice for finesse fishing enthusiasts. The rod allows anglers to detect even the most subtle bites, giving them a significant advantage in challenging fishing conditions. With this level of sensitivity, anglers can feel minute changes in the water and bottom composition, helping them locate prime fishing spots.

Its superior sensitivity also helps prevent premature hooksets, allowing anglers to wait for the perfect moment to set the hook and maximize their catch. Whether you’re fishing with wacky rigs or bottom-contact presentations, the Tatula Spinning Rod’s sensitivity ensures that you won’t miss any potential bites.

The rod’s finesse capabilities and high sensitivity have earned it a solid reputation among anglers who rely on feeling the lightest nibble or movement. Its ability to amplify subtle bites makes it an ideal choice for finesse fishing techniques, giving anglers the confidence to finesse fish with ease and precision.

When it comes to fishing, comfort is just as important as performance. The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod excels in providing a comfortable fishing experience, thanks to its Portuguese natural cork handle . This high-quality handle offers all-day comfort, allowing anglers to cast and retrieve without strain or fatigue. Unlike cheaper cork handles that can crack or chip easily, the Tatula’s cork handle is durable and long-lasting.

The natural cork material also adds a touch of elegance to the rod’s overall design. It provides a soft and grippy surface, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions. Additionally, the cork handle is easy to clean, allowing anglers to maintain its pristine appearance. Whether you’re spending a few hours or an entire day on the water, the Tatula Spinning Rod’s comfortable cork handle will enhance your fishing experience.

Testimonial

“I’ve been using the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod for a while now, and I have to say, the comfort it provides is unmatched. The natural cork handle feels great in my hands, even during long fishing trips. It doesn’t get slippery when wet, and it’s easy to clean. I can focus on fishing without any discomfort or distractions. Highly recommend!” – John, avid angler

Comparison Table: Comfort

In a comparison of handle materials, the Daiwa Tatula’s Portuguese natural cork handle stands out for its durability , comfort, and easy maintenance. Unlike synthetic cork or EVA foam handles found on competing rods, the Tatula’s cork handle offers excellent comfort and grip, making it the preferred choice for anglers seeking a comfortable fishing experience.

The durability of the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is unmatched, making it a reliable choice for anglers who face tough fishing conditions. One of the key features that contributes to its durability is the inclusion of Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides . These guides are highly resilient and can withstand accidental drops or even being stepped on without suffering any damage.

Anglers have reported using the Tatula Spinning Rod in various rugged environments, and it has consistently performed without any loss of performance or structural integrity. This level of durability ensures that anglers can rely on the rod for years, knowing that it will hold up even in the harshest fishing conditions.

“The Tatula Spinning Rod has been my go-to rod for several seasons now, and it has never let me down. I’ve accidentally dropped it on rocks, stepped on the guides, and it still performs like new. The Fuji Fazlite K-Guides are incredibly tough and have proven their durability time and time again.”

In addition to the Fuji Fazlite K-Guides, the Tatula Spinning Rod is constructed with high-quality materials that are built to last. From the sturdy reel seat to the well-crafted cork handle, every component of the rod is designed with durability in mind. Anglers can fish with confidence, knowing that their Tatula Spinning Rod is up to the task, even in the most demanding fishing conditions.

Comparison of Durability

The table above provides a comparison of durability features between the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod and two competitor models. It is clear that the Tatula Spinning Rod has superior components, such as the Fuji Fazlite K-Guides and the sturdy reel seat. These features contribute to its exceptional durability, giving it an edge over its competitors.

Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod: Lightweight and Well-Balanced

When it comes to the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod, anglers have been pleasantly surprised by its lightweight design and excellent balance. Despite its affordable price of $149.99, this rod rivals more expensive options in terms of performance and feel. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Tatula Spinning Rod offers a weightlessness that enhances accuracy and casting comfort.

The lightweight construction of the Tatula Spinning Rod allows for effortless handling and reduces fatigue during long fishing sessions. Its well-balanced design ensures optimal control and sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest bites. With this rod in hand, you can confidently target your intended catch without compromising on performance.

To further illustrate the lightweight and well-balanced nature of the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod, take a look at the comparison table below:

As shown in the table, the Tatula Spinning Rod weighs an impressive 3.9 ounces, making it one of the lighter options on the market. Additionally, its balance point of 12 inches from the butt ensures optimal control and casting accuracy.

Overall, the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod’s lightweight and well-balanced design make it a top choice for anglers seeking exceptional performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re finesse fishing or casting with moving baits, this rod delivers a satisfying fishing experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Versatility

The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is a true all-round fishing rod , offering exceptional versatility for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re finesse fishing with wacky rigs or using moving baits, this rod delivers outstanding performance in various fishing techniques and applications. Its flexibility makes it a reliable choice for anglers looking to tackle different fishing styles and environments.

With the Tatula Spinning Rod, you can effortlessly transition between finesse techniques and more aggressive presentations. Its sensitivity allows you to detect subtle bites and feel bottom transitions, giving you a competitive edge in locating fish. Additionally, the rod’s well-balanced design and smooth action make it easy to cast accurately and with precision.

Anglers have praised the Tatula Spinning Rod for its ability to adapt to different fishing conditions and preferences. Whether you’re targeting bass in freshwater or pursuing inshore species, this versatile rod can handle the challenge. Its durability ensures it can withstand rigorous fishing conditions, making it a reliable companion for your fishing adventures.

Table: Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod Versatility

Experience the versatility of the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod and unlock your full potential on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to expand your fishing techniques or a beginner exploring different approaches, this rod will provide you with the performance and adaptability you need to succeed.

Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod Customer Reviews

When it comes to customer reviews , the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod receives nothing but praise. Anglers from all skill levels have shared their positive experiences with this high-end finesse rod, highlighting its exceptional performance, sensitivity, and overall value for money.

“I’ve been using the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod for months now, and it’s hands down the best rod I’ve ever owned. The sensitivity is unreal, allowing me to detect even the slightest bites. It’s also incredibly lightweight and well-balanced, making it a joy to fish with all day long.” – John, experienced angler

Customers love the Portuguese natural cork handle, which provides all-day comfort without compromising the rod’s durability. The handle’s comfortable grip enhances the fishing experience, allowing anglers to focus on their technique without worrying about hand fatigue.

“I can’t believe how durable the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is. I’ve accidentally stepped on the guides and dropped the rod multiple times, and it still looks and performs like new. For the price, it’s an absolute steal!” – Sarah, beginner angler

Overall, the customer reviews for the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod are overwhelmingly positive. Anglers have compared it to higher-priced rods and found that it performs equally well or even better. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality spinning rod, the Daiwa Tatula is a top choice.

Aesthetics and Function

When it comes to the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod , aesthetics and function go hand in hand. Its unique design not only catches the eye but also enhances the rod’s performance. The harder material placed above the foregrip improves feel and vibration transmission during retrieves, allowing anglers to detect even the most subtle changes in bottom composition and lure movement. This design not only adds to the overall appearance of the rod, giving it a high-end look but also enhances its functionality.

“I was blown away by the sensitivity of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod ,” says avid angler Mark Johnson. “I could feel every little bump and vibration, giving me the confidence to make precise casts and feel even the slightest nibble. It definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of both aesthetics and function .”

Whether you’re finesse fishing or casting fast-moving reaction lures, the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod delivers exceptional sensitivity and performance. The blank-through reel seat design , another standout feature, allows for direct contact with the rod blank, further amplifying sensitivity and maximizing your chances of a successful hookset. While some anglers may find the trigger a bit large for extended use with jerkbaits, it offers excellent comfort and control, ensuring a comfortable grip throughout your fishing adventures.

If you’re looking for a casting rod that not only performs but also stands out on the water, the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod is an excellent choice. Its aesthetically pleasing design and functional features make it a standout option in the market. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this rod will impress with its aesthetics , function , and overall performance.

Daiwa Exclusive Reel Seat Design

The Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod stands out with its exclusive reel seat design . The blank-through reel seat enhances sensitivity by allowing direct contact with the rod blank. This amplifies the feel of bottom-contact baits and fast-moving reaction lures. While some anglers find the trigger a bit large for extended use with jerkbaits, it provides excellent comfort and control. Overall, the reel seat design contributes to the rod’s sensitivity and performance.

The unique design of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod’s reel seat sets it apart from other rods on the market. The blank-through design allows for direct contact with the rod blank, increasing sensitivity and giving anglers a better feel for what’s happening beneath the water’s surface. This is especially beneficial when using baits that require a sensitive touch or when fishing in situations where bites might be subtle.

While some anglers have commented that the trigger on the reel seat is larger than they’re accustomed to, most find it comfortable and easy to use. The larger trigger provides a solid grip and allows for better control, reducing the chances of the rod slipping during critical moments. Overall, the reel seat design of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod adds to its sensitivity and performance, making it a top choice for anglers looking for a high-quality rod.

The benefits of the Daiwa Exclusive Reel Seat Design:

• Enhanced sensitivity for better feel and control
• Direct contact with the rod blank for improved responsiveness
• Amplified feel of bottom-contact baits and fast-moving lures

Grip Quality

When it comes to the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod, one aspect that stands out is its exceptional grip quality . The rod features high-quality EVA-style split grips that not only provide comfort but also enhance performance. These grips have been designed to withstand prolonged use and hooksets, without crumbling or leaving stains on clothing. Anglers have praised the solid hold provided by these grips, ensuring a secure grip in various fishing conditions.

The grip quality of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod enhances the overall fishing experience. The well-designed grips offer exceptional comfort and allow anglers to maintain control of the rod, even during long fishing sessions. Whether casting with finesse or power, the grip quality ensures a comfortable and secure hold, allowing anglers to focus on the task at hand.

Furthermore, the EVA-style split grips on the Tatula XT Casting Rod contribute to the rod’s overall aesthetics. They complement the sleek and high-end look of the rod, making it not only a high-performing tool but also a visually appealing one. The attention to detail in the design of these grips showcases Daiwa’s commitment to providing anglers with both function and style.

Overall, the grip quality of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod is a standout feature that adds to its overall value. Anglers can trust in the comfort, durability, and performance of these EVA-style split grips , making this rod a reliable choice for their fishing adventures.

After extensive testing and analysis, I can confidently say that the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod and Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rods are exceptional fishing gear options. These rods have consistently received positive reviews from anglers, highlighting their impressive performance and value for money.

One of the standout features of the Tatula series is their sensitivity. Anglers have reported being able to detect even the most subtle bites, allowing for more successful hooksets and increased catch rates. Whether you’re finesse fishing or using moving baits, these rods deliver unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy.

Comfort is also a priority with the Tatula rods. The Portuguese natural cork handle provides all-day comfort, ensuring you can cast and retrieve without any fatigue or discomfort. Additionally, the EVA-style split grips on the XT Casting Rod offer a secure hold and excellent control in various fishing conditions.

When it comes to durability, the Tatula rods are built to withstand rigorous fishing conditions. The Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides and exclusive reel seat design on the XT Casting Rod contribute to their long-lasting performance. These rods can handle accidental drops, bumps, and even being stepped on without compromising their functionality.

Overall, the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod and Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rods are highly recommended for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Their exceptional sensitivity, comfort, durability, lightweight design, and versatility make them worthy investments in your fishing gear arsenal. Experience the outstanding performance and reliability of the Tatula series, available exclusively at TackleWarehouse.com.

Is the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod sensitive?

Yes, the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is incredibly sensitive, allowing anglers to detect even the most subtle bites.

What kind of handle does the Tatula Spinning Rod have?

The Tatula Spinning Rod features a Portuguese natural cork handle that provides all-day comfort.

Are the Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides durable?

Yes, the Tatula Spinning Rod is equipped with Fuji Fazlite Tangle-Free K-Guides that are highly durable.

Is the Tatula Spinning Rod lightweight?

Yes, despite its high-quality construction, the Tatula Spinning Rod remains lightweight and well-balanced.

What fishing techniques is the Tatula Spinning Rod suitable for?

The Tatula Spinning Rod is versatile and suitable for various fishing techniques, including finesse fishing and moving baits.

What do customers say about the Tatula Spinning Rod?

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Tatula Spinning Rod for its performance, sensitivity, and value for money.

What is unique about the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod’s design?

The Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod features a unique design with a harder material above the foregrip, enhancing feel and vibration transmission.

How does the reel seat design contribute to the Tatula XT Casting Rod’s sensitivity?

The blank-through reel seat design allows for direct contact with the rod blank, amplifying the feel of bottom-contact baits and fast-moving lures.

Are the EVA-style split grips on the Tatula XT Casting Rod comfortable?

Yes, the high-quality EVA-style split grips on the Tatula XT Casting Rod offer exceptional comfort and performance.

What is the overall verdict on the Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod?

The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is highly recommended for its exceptional performance, sensitivity, and value for money.

Daiwa Tatula Review

By: Author David Edwards

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2022

The Daiwa Tatula was introduced into the marketplace in 2013 under a very creative marketing campaign called “Project T” and with it came three models.

The three different models share many of the same attributes, with the flagstone being the T-Wing Levelwind System or TWS as Daiwa refers to it, and the main differences being gearing ratios, bearings, and spool size.

In this review of the Daiwa Tatula 100, Daiwa Tatula Type-R and Tatula Type-HD, I will show you the differences between these models and why you will want to choose one over the other based on your particular style of fishing.

Here is the short answer to which model makes the most sense for you.

Tatula   100

The standard Tatual is the entry level to the Tatula series and is a very durable reel with great features including the T-Wing levelwind.  If you are doing more freshwater than saltwater fishing and are looking to save a few dollars then this is probably the reel for you.

Tatula Type-R

The Type-R is going to give you these additional features:

• 8 bearing system includes 2 corrosion resistant bearings (2CRBB + 5BB + 1RB)
• Super lightweight aluminum spool
• Zaion drag star
• 10 grams lighter
• Available in super fast 8.1:1 gear ratio

For the angler that is going to be fishing inshore and or has a need for a super fast retrieve option then this is the model you will want to go with.

Tatula Type-HD

The Type-HD is going to give you the same features of the Tatula and then the following:

• Extra long 100mm handle for more leverage
• 30% more line capacity

Saltwater anglers that are targeting larger species up to say 10 lbs will want to choose the Type-HD for its extra cranking power, larger handle, and extra line capacity.

T-Wing System (TWS) – Daiwa’s T-Wing System is unique and solves one of the common problems with baitcasting reels which is the friction that is usually caused by the level wind system.  With the unique design of TWS, the line is free to flow through the wide part of the top section when casting.

Once you start to retrieve the line, it slips into the lower groove and is then evenly distributed onto the reel.

Rugged, lightweight aluminum frame and side plate (gear side) – The Tatula has a very clean and precisely designed frame and sideplates that are both made of lightweight aluminum which leads to the overall reel weights of between 7.6 oz and 8.1 oz depending on the model.

Air Rotor – The air rotor not only weighs about 15% less than a traditional rotor but its design to also evenly distribute the stress across the Zaion carbonite composite material and thus accomplishes two goals, one is strength and the other is reduced weight.

Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag UTD –  All three of the Tatula models use what Daiwa refers to as the Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag system.  The UTD is comprised of oversized carbon fiber drag washers that are placed on either side of the spool and allow for even distribution of the force on the spool.

This design results in a smooth drag and during our testing, we did not have any experience with the drag catching or binding.

Magforce-Z cast control – Magforce-Z is what makes the castability of the Daiwa Tatula series of reels so great.  Daiwa’s unique magnetic braking system allows the spool to spin freely early on in the cast and then at just the right time it applies the magnets to start slowing the rotation of the spool to prevent back spoiling.

Backspooling is a common issue for many anglers, especially when just starting to use a baitcaster.  There is a dial adjustment on the sideplate that allows the user to dial in just the right amount of pressure depending on his or her personal preference, lure weight and experience.

8 Bearing System – The Tatula reels use what are called CRBB or Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings, these are specially treated stainless ball bearings that are designed to provide up to 12 times the normal life expectancy of steel ball bearings under harsh saltwater conditions. (Not on the Tatula Standard.)

Swept Power Handle – The Large, 90mm swept power handle with cutouts for reduced weight places the paddles closer to the center of the reel and rod which means that more energy from each crank of the handle is transferred directly to the reel and is not wasted unnecessarily, this results in more power when you retrieve.

The Tatula Type-HD offers a 100mm handle for even more cranking power.

Features at a Glance

• T-Wing System (TWS)
• Rugged, lightweight aluminum frame
• Air Rotation
• Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag UTD
• Magforce-Z cast control
• 5.4:1, 6.3:1, 7.3:1 & 8.1:1 gear ratios
• 8 Bearing System
• Infinite Anti-reverse
• Corrosion resistant clutch mechanism
• Large, 90mm swept power handle
• I-Shape handle knob

At the heart of the Tatula series of reels is the T-Wing or TWS system as Daiwa refers to it, so just what is this T-Wing System?  With most baitcasting reels there is a common problem which is how do you get your line back onto the spool evenly.

Different manufacturers have come up with different solutions with the most common one being what is referred to as the level wind system.

Most level wind systems incorporate a winding mechanism that moves horizontally back and forth across the spool to distribute the line evenly.  The line typically passed through a small guide hole and this can cause friction on the line when you cast the reel.

Daiwa has come up with a very ingenious method called the T-Wing that allows the line to move side to side in the top of the T part of the guide, this allows the line to play off the reel smoothly with almost no friction.

Once the clutch is engaged the line drops down into the lower part of the T guide and is directed back and forth across the spool to wind evenly.  (See Diagram Above)

Specifications

There are three models of the daiwa tatula here are the specifications., daiwa tatula 100 specifications, daiwa tatula type-r specifications, daiwa tatula type-hd specifications.

Ergonomically the reel fits very nicely in the palm of your hand and should deliver a stress-free experience after many hours of fishing.  If you choose the HD model then you will have to take into account that it is going to be slightly heavier than comparable models such as the Abu Garcia Revo SX or the Shimano Curado 70 or Shimano Curado I  but it is going to give you more line capacity for fighting those larger fish.

When it comes to retrieval rates, the Tatula gives you many different choices with gear ratios between 5.4:1 and  8.1:1, so you are covered for many different fishing scenarios.  The oversized 90mm handle on the Tatula and Tatula Type-R and the 100mm handle on the Tatula Type-HD give you extra cranking power to muscle in those larger fish.

Daiwa changed out the knobs on the Tatula to a flatter paddle style that you might be familiar with if you have ever fished Shimano baitcasters, personally, I like the new knobs quite a bit.

• Corrosion resistant
• Magnetic braking

Alternatives

There are two reels that I think you should take a look at.  The first is the Shimano Curado 70 if you are gong to be targeting smaller species such as spotted seatrout. The reel is lightweight and has a slightly greater retrieve rate than the Shimano Curado I. Read the full  Shimano Curado 70 review HERE .

If you are targeting slightly larger species such as Snook and Redfish then the Curado I with the extra drag and spool size might be a better choice for you.  Read the full  Shimano Curado I review HERE .

In Conclusion

With a total of 7 different configurations (not counting left vs right retrieve), the Tatula series of reels for Daiwa can cover a very wide range of angling applications.  These reels are priced and compete in the main segment of the baitcasting market and offer you a good solution for almost any type of fishing situation you might find yourself in.

The reels are very solid when it comes to quality and durability.  In our tests, we were pleased with the performance of the three configurations we took into the field and really had nothing negative to say about them other than they were slightly heavier than we would traditionally expect from Daiwa.

The bottom line is that all three of the models offer something to be desired, which you will have to decipher based on the style of fishing you intend to use the reel for.  We are confident that all will hold up over time which has been our experience with other Daiwa products.

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Daiwa TAT691MLRB TATULA 8-14 lb Test Rod, Black › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

Daiwa TAT691MLRB TATULA 8-14 lb Test Rod, Black

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Performance: The Tatula TAT721 charted out in the lab similar in power to our Creature Feature baseline rod, the G.Loomis MBR844C GLX meaning that even though there's really no industry standard, this stick is basically what we'd expect from a heavy powered rod.

Casting: Matched with a Daiwa Exceler for testing duties, the TAT721 demonstrated very good casting performance. The tip loads very predictably and can comfortably handle baits within its recommended lure rating. It's really fun pitching half ounce jigs with this stick.

Sensitivity: Daiwa's SVF Bias blanks have always performed well overall in my hands, but if there's one area of complaint I've had with the Steez rods in particular, it's that they're not sensitive enough for their price point. I've not felt that way about the Zillion rods.

The Tatula sticks are priced even more attractively than that of the Zillions, but with their unsanded blanks, they remind me of the Steez rods. In fact, other than the balance of the rod and the components with which it is built including the reel seat and handle, I might be hard pressed to distinguish the blank on this Tatula rod from that of a non-Compile-X Steez - especially in the area of sensitivity.

That's either bad news for the Steez rods or great news for the Tatula or both, but I was more than happy with what I could feel dragging a jig along the bottom of Clear Lake with this rod.

Power: Weighing in at a mere four ounces for a stick rated at heavy power, it's easy to take for granted the backbone this rod possesses. The TAT721HFB rated out on our RoD WRACK as a stick similar in power to the MBR844C GLX - another deceivingly powerful stick - and it fishes to this power out on the water as well. There's more than enough backbone in this rod to set the hook and control your catch to the boat through a mix of cover situations.

Features: Daiwa spared little expense filling up the features checklist on their Tatula casting rods. In addition to a split rear grip made of EVA foam, this rod benefits from the following features:

Man Versus Fish

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Daiwa’s Tatula Elite Spinning Rods Review

The result of this is, those who are on a more modest budget can now acquire top quality gear that simply was not available in these price ranges in the not too distant past.

We obtained the new Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning rod to mate with the Tatula LT Spinning Reel. The specific model we’ll be reviewing is the TAEL701MLFS. This rod is the 7’ Med Lt Meyer. It’s lure rating is 1/16-3/8 with a line rating of 4-10. A finesse rod for sure.

It has the same cosmetics as all other Tatula Elite rods whether they are casting or spinning models. The two tone glossy grey finished blanks, thread wraps, split EVA foam grip, rear grip and foregrip and the Fuji reel seat.

This rod uses Daiwa’s SVF (Super-high Volume Fiber) Nano-Plus technology with X45 carbon fiber materials, Fuji Alconite ring guides fitted with Alconite inserts and comes with a Limited 5-year warranty.

Designed by experts

This particular rod was designed with input from Cody Meyer who is well known for his ability with finesse presentations such as drop-shotting, shakey head fishing etc. A west coast angler, Cody is well versed with using diminutive lures and light line to catch finicky bass.

We spooled our Tatula LT with #8 line to begin our testing with various small, light weight baits of all kinds. We decided to start with some neko rigged worms to get a feel for how sensitive the rod is with bottom oriented lures.

We have not been disappointed in the least. The Tatula rod transmits vibrations very well so that you can feel when your bait is at rest, makes contact with various objects on the lake floor and most importantly, bites. Subtle, crushing or anything in between, you feel it.

Setting the hook is when you see how strong the blank really is. Even on big fish the set is sure, quick and requires very little effort. The action is a joy to fight a fish with in that the tip is so forgiving while the blank transitions seamlessly into its backbone to supply the angler with plenty of power to handle fish of all sizes.

How strong can it be?

We’ve had to put some serious pressure on big fish in grass to get them out with this rod. It hasn’t been a concern other than the thought that we might just snap the line given how hard we’ve had to pull to get them out of the grass.

We’ve experimented with everything but the kitchen sink in lures both soft and hard. Most within the recommended range but, as usual, some well outside that range to see how far we could push the rod. Here again, our biggest issue became wondering whether or not we were going to snap the line as the rod has handled everything including over 1/2 ounce without issue.

The Tatula Elite Spinning Rod is wonderfully balanced with the Tatula LT. It is a pleasure to fish all day. It doesn’t fatigue you thanks to that balance and its light weight.

The butt section of this rod is another area that we find to be just right. Some sticks of this length have a much longer rear grip. In most cases, we prefer a length that doesn’t quite reach your elbow as this allows more freedom of movement for working things like jerkbaits, small top-water plugs, shakey heads etc.

When you’re using those type of lures, if the rear grip is so long that it makes contact with the inside of your elbow every time you pop the rod tip, it can go from frustrating to down right irritating. The TAEL701MLFS gives you more than enough room to work lures as aggressively as you want while also providing plenty of butt to anchor against your forearm to effeciently fight those big fish.

This particular model has the standard guides which have proven to be very responsive and sensitive but for those who want a more customized version, these rods are also available with AGS guides. While the standard models retail for $179, the models equipped with AGS start at $279.

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with either model. The design, workmanship, actions and aesthetics are quality throughout.

If there is any negative in this rod, the only thing that we don’t particularly care for is the placement of the hook keeper. It is located just ahead of the butt section on the rear grip on the underside of the blank. We would prefer that it be repositioned, as unorthodox as this might sound, just ahead of the foregrip.

It just gets a little uncomfortable when carrying or reaching for the rod to feel the line next to the handle. But that might be nit picking on our part. You be the judge.

In the end, this spinning rod, with all that it offers the angler, is more than fairly priced with actions that are well honed for specific techniques yet offering flexibility at the same time.

See ya’ on the water …

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The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is a high-performance rod that quickly garnered the attention of experienced bass anglers– even if it’s not quite a professional-grade bass rod.

That said, this versatile spinning rod provides more than a refined technique in bass angling with a spinning set-up capable of employing more than one lure action effectively.

With a fantastic blank employing maximum performance design techniques generally found on more expensive rod blanks, the Tatula series rods offers a blank with plenty of backbone.

That said, at a medium price range, this review examines whether or not the awesome, all-around blank and excellent guides are worth the fishing gear investment or if you’re better off opting for a general-purpose bass rod at a bargain price.

• X-45 Concept Blanks
• Fuji Fazelite guide system
• Extremely ergonomic design
• Not a budget-friendly option
• Iffy reel seat
• More for bass fishing

Construction (craftsmanship, make quality)

The real value of the Tatula series rods crops up in their powerful blanks that employ manufacturing techniques often found on more expensive fishing poles .

The Tatula X-45 Blanks use a high-end manufacturing process called Braiding-X Fiber Braiding Technology that sees the graphite fibers wrapped at an alternating 45-degree bias.

This design approach not only eliminates bulky tubes and significantly reduces the amount of graphite needed, but it also helps limit blank twist while still providing a blank with plenty of backbone.

This design results in a stiffer blank, but the wrap of braid with graphite fibers allow you to target larger fish– even through heavy cover– without having to worry about cracking or breaking the stout blank.

Even better, Daiwa employs an SVF, or Super Volume Fiber, manufacturing process that uses nano resin particles to reduce the amount of resin applied and thus reduce the weight, ensuring a sensitive blank.

On top of that, this process also increases the graphite density of the rod blanks, further reinforcing the blank with plenty of backbone and ensuring its use as a durable choice.

Keep in mind that you generally find many of these manufacturing techniques used on expensive options made in Japan.

The fact that you get maximum performance at a relatively affordable price is just icing on the cake.

It also doesn’t hurt that this fishing pole comes with a solid hook keeper

Moving through this versatile spinning rod from the sensitive blank to the solid all-round performance guide quality, the Fuji Fazelite guide system uses a double-foot K-series.

While the Fazelite material is interesting in its own right, the inclusion of high-end performance K-series guides significantly reduces the incidence of line tangles.

The split handle design further boosts the blank quality by allowing you to better feel the slightest vibrations.

This solid choice makes the Tatula a tough competitor in the general-purpose bass rod market.

The Tatula pretty much utilizes exclusively quality materials for the entirety of this pole increasing not only the blank quality but every other high-performance component as well.

For starters, the Super Volume Fibers make another appearance with high-modulus graphite, offering a solid price-to-performance ratio without sacrificing blank quality.

The SVF resin is also worth its own mention given that it allows a tighter wrap of braid with the graphite and is not necessarily a given on a somewhat affordable option like this.

It’s also heavily responsible for providing some of the models with medium-heavy power without having to worry about the blank coming in bulky tubes.

Moving on from the fantastic blank, the Daiwa also spares no expense with its Fuji Fazelite guide system that further expands this pole as a sensitive spinning rod.

While not quite the ceramic Alconite found with other premium components, this modified aluminum-oxide blend performs nearly as well as those inserts.

Unlike older models that came with a split EVA foam handle, this general-purpose bass rod opts for primary handle materials made of premium cork.

The excellent handles of this high-performance rod only cement it as a great spinning set-up for all types of bass anglers.

This general-purpose bass rod doesn’t offer a wide range of actions with only fast and extra-fast available.

This approach introduces something of a trade-off where you lose a bit of potential casting distance but more than make up for that consequence with increased casting control .

On top of that, the quicker actions help boost the touch of this already somewhat sensitive blank.

The ever-popular medium-heavy, fast action blanks make adoption among bass anglers that much easier due to the solid hookset with a variety of lures from light lures to heavy lures.

Even better, the different spec configs contribute to the Tatula being a versatile spinning rod that can use one lure action or another with a broad range of lures.

This is one of the areas where Tatula’s powerful blanks are on full display as the stiffer blank ensures that you don’t have to worry about a strong backbone after engaging the general-duty bass rod’s solid hookset.

This approach allows you to use a wide variety of lures from light lures to heavy lures and all lure weights in between.

Even though this rod tops out with a medium-heavy blank, most fishermen agree that the entire series of rods offers more backbone than you might expect.

As such even if you opt for a lower power rating than the strongest medium-heavy blank, the Tatula will tend to function as a slightly heavier powered model than most of the comparable competition.

And while this lineup carries models with a lighter power than the top medium-heavy power options, none of them even dip into a proper medium-light power rating.

That said, as a general-purpose bass rod, the medium-heavy, fast action blanks serve as excellent bass rods that afford a stout blank with plenty of backbone for your growing bass arsenal.

In terms of quality, the Tatula offers high-grade components that see its guide quality sit well above average– even if it’s not quite “the best.” Still, the Fuji Fazelite quality guides enhance numerous features like improving casting control with a buttery smooth, modified aluminum oxide insert encased in a K-series ring.

Not only does this choice reduce the number of tangles you’ll have to deal with, but it also allows the modestly sensitive blank to reinforce that touch, leading to a surprisingly sensitive spinning rod.

However, one of the best qualities of this approach involves the guide system’s ability to cast even the strongest braids without worrying about it slicing through the rings or popping out the inserts.

Handle (material, shape, etc)

Whereas earlier models opted for a split EVA foam handle, the modern version still comes with excellent handles, but the primary handle materials now favor cork.

The natural cork handle uses a split handle design that tends to work the best with virtually any spinning set-up by balancing control over your spinning reel with sensitivity.

Uses (Who is this good for)

Billed as excellent bass rods from the beginning, Daiwa saw rapid adoption among bass anglers for these dedicated bass rods as part of a standard spinning set-up.

Of course, experienced bass anglers waited to see if the pitching technique in bass angling performed as well with a variety of lures and lure weights before jumping on the bandwagon.

Of course, with the ability to handle the strongest braids and afford some of the best hookset certainty with a strong backbone, it wasn’t long before real competitors recognized a solid choice with top-tier blank quality.

Fast-forward a few years and this spinning set-up is almost expected to be one of the dedicated bass rods in any serious bass arsenal.

It’s worth remembering that because this top-quality rod doesn’t come in at a bargain price, it might not be the best option for beginners– especially if they haven’t yet been bitten by the bug.

However, once a fisherman moves from the beginner to the intermediate level, this series of rods offers top-notch performance at a reasonably affordable price.

Reel and Real Seat Compatibility

In terms of quality, not everyone loves the FUJI PTS reel seat that comes with the Tatula, even if it is a durable choice.

The main issue seems to be the reel seat’s bulk which often loses out when compared to a tough competitor with a sleeker profile.

That said, you should have no issue with slop or wiggle with pretty much any spinning reel.

Still, real competitors may pine a bit for the reel seats included with the Tatula Elite Spinning Rod, though these designs can see a bit of variation with the hook keeper.

Conclusion (Wrap Up)

The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod offers a large collection of bass rods that hit the sweet spot between top-notch performance and an affordable price– though it’s by no means a budget-friendly option.

That said it’s still an affordable option with a medium price range, though is not really part of a professional collection like the Tatula Elite Spinning Rod or other expensive options.

Still, the Tatula spinning set-up is a quality rod with high-end performance thanks to high-quality materials and a great all-around blank with top-quality guides.

So, if you need solid all-around performance, able to use a variety of lures for an impressive general-duty bass rod, the Tatula Spinning Rod hits all the right notes in the price-to-performance ratio.

Related Posts:

Daiwa Tatula LT Review

The Lew's KVD is a new spinning reel that ticks all the boxes for fishing enthusiasts. Designed with Kevin VanDam himself, this reel is built with class and experience, and also comes at a very reasonable price.

• Available in 2000, 3000, and 4000 sizes
• Available ratio: 6.2:1
• 10 ball bearings
• Aluminum housing

Summarized feedback from Bass Anglers

Reasons to buy.

• The Tatula LT is Daiwa's finest release for bass-specific angling
• Crafted with a Zaion body - a high-density carbon resin that provides immense strength while remaining incredibly light
• Very smooth operation with casting ability that matches any serious competitors
• Large spool with immense line capacity, for all line types
• Automatic Tournament Drag reduces initial drag start-up speed, leading to a smoother drag for the hook up
• Organized line lay with minimal tangling
• Machine cut handle is thinner and lighter than ever, without comprising on strength
• Compared with the likes of the Stradic FL

Reasons not to buy

• Users have said there is a 'plastic' feeling about this reel with certain components, such as the drag dial
• Anglers have had issues with adjusting the drag to their liking
• A more expensive spinning reel option

Reviews from our Readers

Rate this product on the key parameters below to add your feedback to its total rating pool.

Bottom Line

The Tatula LT has become a successful spinning reel for Daiwa and has racked plenty of positive reviews. This is a more expensive option, which provides impressive all round performance. It is extremely lightweight and very smooth making this a delight to fish with for hours.

About the brand

Daiwa played a key role in the development of new materials in fishing gear. Daiwa was the first manufacturer in the world to incorporate graphite to both reel bodies and rotors. They also began using densely packed carbon fibers for fishing rods, which created a whole new outlook on rod development.

Daiwa's innovative personality has changed the whole ideology of fishing gear development, and has led to them becoming arguably the biggest name in all fishing. Daiwa also became extremely big in the bass industry, and have some of the most premier reels and rods in their collection.

Some professionals who work with Daiwa:

• Brandon Palaniuk
• Brent Ehrler
• Jared Lintner

Other Spinning Reels you may like:

Other spinning reels from daiwa:, daiwa regal lt.

Daiwa Exceler LT

Daiwa Ballistic LT

Daiwa Crossfire LT

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Daiwa Tatula 100 Baitcaster Review

Jason sealock.

• Sep 29, 2019

The new Daiwa Tatula 100 Baitcasters offer a smaller frame, lighter weight and improved performance in the improved versions of the original Tatula line. I’ve been fishing with these reels for a bit and have found that they offer anglers a solid reel at the mid-tier price point. Here are some additional details on this new line-up of baitcasters from Daiwa.

You can find the Daiwa Tatula 100 at the following retailers:

• Discount Tackle
• Walmart.com
• Tackle Warehouse
• Bass Pro Shops

Awesome Aesthetics

Daiwa has always made a great looking baitcaster, but the frame and finish on the Tatula 100 series for 2019 really shows off their attention to detail and gives anglers a reel to be proud to own and fish. The sleek detailing and lines really accent how light and tight this reel feels and fishes. Every edge and part exudes quality.

Lighter weight

The aluminum frame gives this reel a solid foundation and the bodyweight is greatly reduced from handle to spool. The reel only weighs an impressive 6.9 ounces considering it has a full aluminum frame. It feels very solid and tight on the cast and retrieve. 

The T-Wing system gives this reel its long distance casting and smooth line management that anglers have come to love in the Tatula series of reels. 

New tension adjustments

The new tension knob is very snug and allows for precision adjustments that won’t slip or change as you fish. I found that it can be a little tricky to get it fine tuned the first time if you have big hands like me, but that’s because it is so tight and compact on the frame. 

Once you get the weight of the lure dialed on the tension knob, you can let it rip without worry of anything changing or worrying with caps coming off if you’re someone that likes to just back the tension off and use your thumb like me. 

Better thumbar control

The thumb bar system is upgrade and seems a lot more smooth and tight. I like that because I think a tight thumb bar keeps a reel quieter over the life of the reel. It’s very smooth to operate on the cast and engages quietly on the retrieve. 

I think small details like this are a lot of what makes this an improved experience with this version of the Tatula baitcasters. 

Smaller, easier to palm

These Daiwa Tatula 100 reels are a smaller form factor and fit so nicely in the palm of your hand. That leads to longer fishing with less fatigue over the life of fishing with this reel. It also has a lot to do with casting accuracy that most anglers don’t realize. You can roll cast a lot tighter with more precision if your wrist and hand aren’t flexing as much because they are opened wider on a bigger reel. 

Great braking

The braking on this new Daiwa Tatula seems improved as well. It may not have much change in terms of engineering but it seems to handle small baits very well. I have been fishing 1/4 ounce swimbaits on it this summer on 12-pound line and catching a lot of fish on windy days around docks where I have to put a small lure in a tight spot without having an overrun stop me from immediately winding the lure. 

Great with a variety of lures

I’ve cranked and thrown swimbaits with the 6.3:1 Daiwa Tatula 100. I’ve flipped and pitched with the 8:1 Tatula and cast chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, worms and jigs on the 7:1 Tatula. I know this has become the staple reel for most of the Daiwa pros on tour this year and I see why now. It does really well with light lures and all of the conventional bass fishing techniques.

If you liked the original Daiwa Tatula line, you’ll find these smaller, tighter, lighter Tatula 100s more appealing. I really like it on the 7-foot, 3-inch MH Daiwa Tatula Rod. It’s been a great all-purpose setup for so many bass fishing applications. I take it on trips and it’s always on the deck now.

COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. Now he sets the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

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Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod Review. Walker Smith; Oct 17, 2019; It can be pretty tough to find a high-end spinning rod in the $150 price range. I always consider that particular price point to be the "sweet spot" for rod and reel manufacturers, but some of the budget-friendly finesse rods I've tested have felt like a pool cue; heavy ...

Join the ranks of happy customers and elevate your fishing game with the Tatula Spinning Rod. Key Takeaways: The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod offers exceptional sensitivity, allowing you to detect even the subtlest bites. With its Portuguese natural cork handle, this rod provides all-day comfort without compromising on performance. Equipped with ...

The Daiwa Tatula baitcasting fishing pole is a fairly lightweight model, which is what you might expect when you consider the materials used- as well as its price tag. The carbon fiber graphite blank is about as light as you can get with further reduction coming from the low-resin process and lack of varnish.

The Daiwa Tatula spinning rod is a serious performer that has racked up only positive reviews. Part of the legendary Tatula family - and everyone seems to love it! ... Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod Review. 80. Overall. By Feature. Rated 80 /100 overall based on feedback from 1 users. Get it at Tackle Direct. Leave a Review. Rod Sensitivity. 8.

Expert Review: Daiwa Tatula Series Casting Rod Published on 10/19/2022 · 4 min read This review is my honest opinion of the fishing rod, ... The Daiwa Tatula Series Casting Rod is a sleek-looking flipping rod that every serious power fisherman should have in their arsenal. This rod is gear towards someone who wants a dedicated flipping rod.

Tatula Type-HD. The Type-HD is going to give you the same features of the Tatula and then the following: 8 bearing system includes 2 corrosion resistant bearings (2CRBB + 5BB + 1RB) Super lightweight aluminum spool. Zaion drag star. Extra long 100mm handle for more leverage. 30% more line capacity.

Final impressions of the Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod. This is an outstanding rod and the $99 price point is just a bonus, in my opinion. It can be tough to find 'em in stock and that's a good thing; it means people like them and are buying a bunch of them. Whether you like to pitch and flip or cast reaction lures, you're going to become ...

The Daiwa Tatula Elite spinning rod is another successful member of the Tatula rod series and provides all the necessities for catching fish of all sizes. A versatile rod that can be used for all techniques. ... Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning Rod Review. 83. Overall. By Feature. Rated 82.5 /100 overall based on feedback from 1 users. Get it at ...

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Daiwa TAT691MLRB TATULA 8-14 lb Test Rod, Black at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. ... Its a nice looking rod and together with the daiwa tatula 100H baitcaster makes a nice weight balanced combo. Unfortunately mine broke on only the second fish caught on it.

I found the Daiwa Tatula rods to be very comfortable to fish with all day. They have a comfortable custom Daiwa reel seat and EVA grips that are easy on your hands. The rods are light thanks to a Zero G blank construction they use. Paired with a Daiwa Tatula or Daiwa Tatula Type R reel, they combos were balanced, sensitive and extremely ...

Fishing techniques and lures are even more specialized, requiring the perfect balance of rod and reel for all the elements to work in harmony. You get all of that with the new Tatula Elite AGS lineup of rods. Take your pick from what best suits your angling style, and you'll be taking your game to the highest level.

19. 9.47. Our TAT721HFB has a clear, glossy finish over an unsanded blank. The finish is very thin as you can still feel the ridges resulting from the cellophane wrap over the blank material used to hold the graphite together while it bakes in the oven. Introducing Daiwa's 7'2" heavy powered Tatula casting rod.

The Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS rods come in nine different casting models and six spinning models. The casting models feature everything from a 6-foot, 10-inch medium for jerkbaits all the way up to a 7-foot, 9-inch heavy for froggin' as well as anything you could need for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jigs, crankbaits, worms, pitching baits, etc.

The specific model we'll be reviewing is the TAEL701MLFS. This rod is the 7' Med Lt Meyer. It's lure rating is 1/16-3/8 with a line rating of 4-10. A finesse rod for sure. It has the same cosmetics as all other Tatula Elite rods whether they are casting or spinning models. The two tone glossy grey finished blanks, thread wraps, split EVA ...

June 22, 2022 by Ray Scott. The Daiwa Tatula Spinning Rod is a high-performance rod that quickly garnered the attention of experienced bass anglers- even if it's not quite a professional-grade bass rod. That said, this versatile spinning rod provides more than a refined technique in bass angling with a spinning set-up capable of employing ...

The Tatula LT is Daiwa's finest release for bass-specific angling. Crafted with a Zaion body - a high-density carbon resin that provides immense strength while remaining incredibly light. Very smooth operation with casting ability that matches any serious competitors. Large spool with immense line capacity, for all line types.

The Team Daiwa product line of the 1990s was one the most iconic collection of not only fishing pros but the rods and reels designed for them. Fast forward to 2017, and there is a whole new lineup of professional anglers and the new line of Daiwa Tatula Elite Signature Series rods that are actually designed individually and specifically by each ...

This reel is narrowed down to the specific flipping technique for bass. Drag System: Very smooth 12.1ibs of drag. Feel: Very light-weight (6.9oz) reel. One of the lightest flipping reels on the market. Build: Carbon frame with a very compact size while keeping heavy-duty gears.

Apelsin Hotel, Elektrostal: See 43 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Apelsin Hotel, ranked #1 of 4 hotels in Elektrostal and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

Elektrostal Hotel, Elektrostal: See 25 traveler reviews, 44 candid photos, and great deals for Elektrostal Hotel, ranked #1 of 2 B&Bs / inns in Elektrostal and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

Pekin. Unclaimed. Review. Save. Share. 17 reviews #12 of 28 Restaurants in Elektrostal $$ - $$$ Asian. Lenina Ave., 40/8, Elektrostal 144005 Russia +7 495 120-35-45 Website + Add hours Improve this listing. See all (5) Enhance this page - Upload photos!

The new Daiwa Tatula 100 Baitcasters offer a smaller frame, lighter weight and improved performance in the improved versions of the original Tatula line. ... FishUSA Flagship Bass Casting Rods Review Jason Sealock Mar 18, 2024 . Dustin Connell's Tournament-Winning Guide to Spotted Bass Ryan DeChaine Mar 18, 2024 . 20% Off Lew's Custom Lite ...

Central PPK operates a train from Ploschad Tryokh Vokzalov to Fryazevo 4 times a day. Tickets cost RUB 120 - RUB 170 and the journey takes 44 min. Train operators. Central PPK. Other operators. BlaBlaCar. Taxi from Moscow Central Bus Station to Elektrostal.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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