Surf Fishing Rods Buying Guide
Choosing the right surf casting rod can be challenging without the proper information. Anglers interested in purchasing the best surf fishing rod for their needs should consider a few very important variables to help determine which rod is best for them.
Rod Length
Surf fishing rods are typically between 9 and 14 feet long. Length is an important factor when deciding which surf rod to purchase. First and foremost, it's imperative to consider the angler's physical ability. Anglers who are shorter in stature, or who may possess physical limitations, should consider rods on the shorter end of the spectrum out of pure convenience and comfort while fishing in the surf.
Surf casting rod length is one of the most important elements contributing to casting distance. Casting distance is important when surf fishing because the goal is often to present the bait or lure to fish that are located beyond the breaking waves. Additionally, the larger the species of fish anglers are targeting, the longer the rod should be, as it affords more leverage.
Take home point: Choose the longest rod suitable for you. Most anglers will be well suited with a rod between 10-12 feet in length.
Rod Power
The second most important variable when selecting a surf casting rod is the power of the rod. Rod power is basically the strength of the rod, or its lifting power, and ranges from light to heavy. For most anglers, the best and most commonly used option is right in the middle of the spectrum at medium-heavy. Medium-heavy rods present the most versatile option for many surf fishing anglers. When choosing rod power, make sure you also choose an appropriate strength fishing line. The heavier the power of the rod, the better it will perform with heavy line. If you choose too light of line, you risk breaking fish off more frequently, or having the line snap during a cast.
Take home point: Determine what techniques you plan to use, and the fish you plan to target. Most anglers will find medium-heavy to be the most suitable and versatile rod power.
Rod Action
Next, consider the action of the surf fishing rod. Action is defined as the bend or taper the rod will display under pressure. A rod with a fast action bends more near the tip, while a rod with a slow action bends from the center. The rod action is most relevant when discussing casting distance. A fast action rod will provide the most casting distance and is often preferred when fishing lures in the surf. A fast action rod is best for rigs that have a single hook. The slower action - usually medium action for surf casting rods - is best for treble hooks as they don't need quite the setting power of single hooks, and the slower bend in the rod will not pull treble hooks out of the fish’s mouth during the fight.
Take home point: Rod action affects casting distance and hook setting power. Fast action bends at the tip, slower action bends from the center of the rod. Fast action is best for lures with single hooks, a rod with a more medium action may be better for treble hooks.
Reel Seats and Handles
Surf rod reel seats and handles are some elements that are often overlooked when comparing rods. The reel seat should be built with a non-corrosive material such as graphite. While metal alloy reel seats aren't bad, they may experience some corrosion over time. Higher end surf rods will use graphite reel seats in most cases. The surf rod handles are traditionally quite long, which is required for two-hand casting used to catapult a bait with some distance over the breaking waves. Handle materials have traditionally been made from cork or foam. Foam handles may last longer than cork. Handle material is truly a matter of preference for the angler when choosing a surf rod.
Take home point: Reel seats can be subject to corrosion, therefore choose a surf rod with a high-quality graphite reel seat. Surf rod handles are long, and the material of the handle is usually angler preference.
Surf Casting Rods for Live Bait
When choosing a surf fishing rod for live bait fishing its best to choose a surf rod with a medium-fast action and a stiff tip. These features are most desirable due to the heavy sinkers and large baits traditionally used for live bait fishing in the surf. It is best to avoid rods with soft tips as they bend too much, reducing casting distance and hook setting power.
Surf Casting Rods for Lures
When choosing a surf rod for the intended use of casting lures, you will find it most effective to use a rod with a medium-fast to fast action, as it delivers the tip speed to whip lures longer distances. Click here to check out our selection of surf fishing lures.