11 Best Spinning Rods For Surf Fishing [2023]

There are lots of things to consider when choosing the best fishing rod for surf fishing. But let me break it down for you. I’ll look at the best rods for beach fishing, and more specifically, surf fishing.

Most fishermen look for surf fishing spinning rods 9 to 13 feet long, made out of graphite composite or carbon fiber, and are medium to heavy power. They prefer lightweight models to keep you comfortable if you’re out on the water for long periods of time.

If you’re interested in finding rods with high ratings from both critics and real-life customers, you’re in luck because this article is here to help. Below are some of the best-made and highly rated rods for surf fishing on the market today. Let’s round up the best surf fishing rods on the market today and dive deep into their specific features.

1. OKUMA Fishing Tackle Graphite Saltwater Spinning Rod

Sensitive and High Performing

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Length: 9′, 10′, 10′ 6″
• Material: Graphite
• Power: Heavy rated for 20-50 lbs
• Action: Medium
• Guides: Stainless Steel

Pros

• 30-ton carbon blank construction
• Competition sensor tip

Cons

• Prefer a cork handle

Conclusion

This rod is made out of 30-ton graphite blank and has double-footed stainless-steel guide frames so that increasing your distance is a piece of cake.

The handle is made out of non-slip rubber and has a tapered rear grip, and the rods are so well-made that the company making them offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of their products.

They are built to enhance all anglers’ skills, from the most inexperienced to the most experienced, and the handle set is both comfortable and super strong. This rod is also corrosion-resistant and lasts for a very long time.

2. Fiblink Surf Spinning & Casting Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Travel Fishing Rod

Convenient And Compact

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 10′, 12′, 15′
• Sections: 2, 3, or 4-Piece
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Power: Medium-Heavy rated for 15-30 lbs, Heavy rated for 20-40 lbs
• Action: Moderate Fast
• Guides: Stainless Steel / Ceramic

Pros

• Carbon fiber construction
• Travel rod that comes in 2, 3, or 4 pieces

Cons

• Has been known to break prematurely

Conclusion

Fiblink makes a nice set of travel fishing rods. You can choose rods that range from 10-foot to 15-foot models and that include 2, 3, and 4 section pieces. The solid carbon fiber design makes it easier to get precisely tuned action for boat fishing.

The stainless-steel/ceramic guide minimizes friction, enhances sensitivity, and allows for extra-long casts. With precisely aligned guides and a non-slip rubber shrink tube handle, it offers maximum strength and durability, and it is so reasonably priced that anyone can afford one.

Fiblink even offers a one-year warranty on the product, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.

3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod

Heavy, Responsive, and Strong

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 7′, 7′ 6″
• Sections: 1-Piece
• Material: Graphite / Fiberglass
• Power: Medium rated for 8-17 lbs
• Action: Moderate Fast
• Guides: Stainless Steel

Pros

• Consistently performs above many rods that cost 2 to 3 times more
• Inexpensive

Cons

• TigerStiks are more durable than the standard model

CONCLUSION

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik has been a popular rod for years. It is made out of a combination of fiberglass and graphite, and it is specifically made for the challenges associated with big water fishing.

The clear tip design allows for added responsiveness and strength. And at 1.5 pounds, it is a heavy-duty rod that is not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable to use.

This rod has lightweight EVA grips for extra comfort during those long fishing trips, as well as one-piece stainless-steel ugly tuff guides that eliminate insert pop-outs.

It is 7 feet long and is great for plug and jetty fishing rods designed for versatile fishing from coast to coast.

4. Berrypro Surf Spinning Rod IM8 Carbon Surf Fishing Rod

Great for the Budget-Conscious

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 9′-13.3′
• Sections: 2, 3-Piece
• Material: IM8 X-Carbon Blank
• Power: Medium-Heavy rated for 12-25 lbs to Heavy rated for 17-35 lbs
• Action: Fast
• Guides: K-Frame Stainless Steel Guide with Ceramic Ring

PROS

• Light weight blank is strong and balanced
• Great handle

CONS

• Fragile tips
• Not as durable as fiberglass or composite

CONCLUSION

This fishing rod has everything the big boys do but has a selling price of around $50. Some of its best features include high-density EVA grips, rubber butt cap, enhanced stainless-steel fishing guide with a ceramic ring to make it smooth.

Berrypro developed its patented IM8 X-carbon technology blanks, so the rod is both sensitive and very powerful. These are two-piece rods that come in sizes ranging from 9 feet up to 13 feet, 3 inches.

When a long cast is made with this rod, the sensitivity is transferred from the line to the rod to your hand perfectly, making it super easy to maneuver regardless of the type of fish you’re trying to catch.

5. Shimano Tiralejo 2-Piece Surf Spinning Fishing Rod, 10’6″ ft

Perfect for Long Castoffs

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 9′ 6″, 10′ 6″, 12′
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Material: Graphite
• Power: Medium rated for 40-65 lbs, 30-50 lbs
• Action: Moderate Fast, Fast
• Guides: Fuji Stainless Steel with Alconite Inserts

PROS

• Great for long casts
• Light weight yet powerful

CONS

• Can be too sensitive, especially with heavy surf

CONCLUSION

The name of this rod is Spanish for “to throw,” which is what it does best. In fact, if you’re looking for a rod that gives you the ability to cast off both easily and very far, this is the rod for you.Thanks to the materials used to make the rod and the length of the rod, you can cast further and get the bait to longer distances, which is perfect for surf casters. It also weighs just under one pound, which makes it perfect for a long day on the water. It gives you moderate-fast action and medium-heavy power, and it is very durable and strong.

6. St. Croix Rods Triumph Surf Spinning Rod, TSF

High-Performance Yet Affordable

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 7′, 9′
• Sections: 2-Piece, 4-Piece
• Material: Carbon
• Power: Moderate-Heavy rated for 8-20 lbs
• Action: Moderate-Fast
• Guides: Hard aluminum oxide

PROS

• Long and accurate casts
• Light and strong

CONS

• Can be stiff for some anglers

CONCLUSION

Lightweight and durable, this fishing rod is slim enough to accommodate most hand sizes and equipped with aluminum guides, which reduce the amount of heat produced by friction and rubbing. This, in turn, protects your line from breaking and fraying, regardless of the fish you’re trying to catch.

One of the things that make this rod so amazing is its sensitivity, which makes it easy to feel the nibble of a 1-pound fish, a 15-pound fish, or anything in between. You can even fight those large fish without worrying about the rod breaking, thanks to the rigidness and overall construction of the rod.

7. Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

Versatile and Sturdy

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 8′, 9′, 10′ 6″, 11′
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Material: TC3 Graphite
• Power: Medium 6-17 lbs,
• Medium-Heavy rated for 10-25 lbs, Heavy rated for 14-40 lbs
• Action: Fast
• Guides: Fuji Hardloy Ring Guides with Alconite Inserts

PROS

• Great action
• Good for casting 4 oz. lures or bottom fishing

CONS

• Can feel a little twist in the cast at times
• Short butt handle

CONCLUSION

With weights that range from medium to heavy and sizes that range from 7 feet to 12 feet, Tica rods truly offer something for everyone.

This one is made out of high-quality TC3 graphite material that makes it extra-sturdy, and you also get a non-slip cork handle, custom diamond wraps, and a specially designed sliding foldable hook keeper. You even get a FUJI Alconite tip guide and FUJI Hardloy ring guides, not to mention a rod that is both durable and gorgeous.

If you want a surf-spinning fishing rod that won’t cause you to get nervous when you’re catching those extra-heavy fish, this is the rod you need.

8. Penn Battalion II Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

Great for Both Beginners and Experienced Users

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 12′
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Material: Graphite Composite
• Power: Heavy: 20-40 lbs
• Action: Moderate-Fast
• Guides: Fuji Alconite Guides

PROS

• High value
• Light weight
• Strength

CONS

• Tough to find anything I don’t like

CONCLUSION

Graphite and fiberglass materials make for great durability, reliability, and added pulling power. With graphite, you even get the sensitivity you need to ensure you can quickly catch the fish every time.

Because there are no inserts that can pop out, you have one less thing to worry about while fishing, and they can accommodate both mono and braided fishing lines. You get moderate-fast rod action and comfortable grips for those extra-long days out on the water.

It also allows you to handle a variety of line tests and lure weights, meaning you can fish for many different types of fish and have the variety you enjoy.

9. Dr. Fish Saltwater Surf Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Kit

Convenient Kit That Lets You Get Started Right Away

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 12′
• Sections: 4-Piece
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Power: Heavy rated for 20-50 lbs
• Action: Fast
• Guides: Stainless Steel brackets with Ceramic Inserts

PROS

• Great price and value
• Everything you need to get started

CONS

• Quality issues
• Handle with care for longer use

CONCLUSION

This 12-foot heavy-duty rod is part of a kit that also includes reel, hooks, and bait, giving you everything you need to get out on the water as soon as you like.

With high-density carbon fiber blanks and the ability to cast long, this fishing rod is one you won’t regret buying. It allows you to cast past the surf and comes complete with a 50-pound braided fishing line, 30 pieces of 10/0 octopus hooks, an 8-inch saltwater GT popper, and two pieces of 2-ounce bucktail jigs, among other things.

It’s also perfect for beginners because it has everything you need to start right away without having to worry about forgetting something.

10. Tsunami Airwave 11′ Surf Rod Heavy Action

Lightweight and Super Sensitive

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 11′
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Power: Heavy rated for 20-40 lbs
• Action: Fast
• Guides: Stainless Steel brackets with Ceramic Inserts

PROS

• Super light weight for heavy action rod
• Sturdy with good balance and feel

CONS

• This rod is known to break for a few fishermen

CONCLUSION

This rod is 11 feet long and is a 2-piece set. It delivers high-fiber powerful density blanks with no excess weight, as well as a lightweight design that is perfect for anglers who love to be out on the water all day long but who still want to remain comfortable.

You get extreme sensitivity and the resilience to transmit more power to each and every cast, and this means more distance and better accuracy with a lot less effort on your part. It is perfect for inshore or surf fishing and has grips made out of either textured vinyl grips or cork grips, depending on which model you choose.

It also has great balance and overall “feel,” making the rod super easy to use regardless of what type of fish you’re hoping to catch.

11. Okuma Rockaway Light Weight Carbon Saltwater Surf Rods

Known for its Commitment to People Who Love Surf Fishing

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reel Type: Spinning
• Length: 10′, 12′
• Sections: 2-Piece
• Material: Carbon
• Power: Medium Heavy rated for 12-25 lbs
• Action: Medium
• Guides: Stainless Steel Frames with Fuji Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts

PROS

• Strong backbone for larger fish
• Great cork base handle

CONS

• Handle is heavy weight compared to lower models making day-long casting a challenge

CONCLUSION

These rods are some of the highest-rated surf fishing rods on the market today, and there is little wonder why. With IM6 graphite materials for extra durability and a tough yet lightweight design, this rod is perfect for catching all types of fish in any weather condition.

The non-slip cork wrap on the handles makes it easier to maneuver, and its sensitivity is yet another asset for those looking for a great surf fishing rod. It even has aluminum oxide inserts that keep heat from building up when the line is rubbing up against them, and this always means less fraying and breaking.

Conclusion

Finding the highest-quality surf fishing rods isn’t difficult if you know what to look for, and in addition to the ones mentioned above, there are lots more out there that offer the sensitivity, durability, and power you need to improve your technique just a little more every time you get out on the water. 

Even better, most of them are reasonably priced as well, meaning you won’t have to break the bank just to get one you love.