In this article, we have answered how to choose the right surf fishing rod and reel for beginners and mapped out the features a buyer of surf fishing gear must consider before investing in it. Surf fishing is a complex type of inshore fishing, mainly for newbies, unlike boat fishing or freshwater fishing.
Normally, fishing at a lake or pond can be started with little knowledge and a few attempts to get acquainted with the fishing gear and the atmosphere, but surf fishing takes a bit of hard work to adopt. Suppose you have decided to hit those crashing waves of the sea and accept the most challenging fishing environment.
In that case, you need to select the right surf fishing rod and reel and do a lot of practice to become a professional angler from being a beginner. Let’s break down the special features without which surf fishing seems impossible.
Table of contents
- Choosing the right surf rod and reel combo?
- Lure or bait for surf fishing
- Rod’s warranty
- Other factors to consider
- FAQs
- Verdict
How Do You Choose the Right Surf Fishing Rod and Reel?
Length of the rod
The first and foremost property one must look for is the length of the rod. Surf fishing generates a great opportunity to catch large fish compared to freshwater fishing. You can expect striped bass, surfperch, and even larger predators like sharks to get hooked. After reading the beach for surf fishing, you might have to cast in a distance longer than expected to reach the required waves.
In this matter, if you are a beginner, choose a length between 9 to 12 feet. Whereas, if you are an experienced angler, you can handle 10 to 15 feet long rods effectively and have the best outcomes. The longer the rod is, the more leverage you can have over the hooked fish and the more controlled the operation you may conduct.
Similarly, the power of the rod is also associated with the length you choose. Longer rods are capable of handling large fish and contain fast action that matches the weight of the lure/bait and the catch. It also helps to target the species that are living above the shore and deeper into the sea.
In this way, medium to high power and moderate to fast action rods are better for surf fishing, apart from the length you select as a beginner or as an intermediate to being an expert.
Material of the rod
Be very careful when it comes to buying a fishing rod for saltwater. Saltwater is destructive in nature to metals, you need to choose a rod that is made up of corrosive-resistant materials. To avoid getting rusty after a few fishing trips, it’s better to choose a rod constructed with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or composite blends, often made proprietary by many popular fishing rod brands.
Furthermore, the parts of the rod should be sealed, and the guides too made of rust-free material so that your rod lasts longer and remains intact for years. Although buying a corrosion-resistant rod would not be enough, you also have to take good care of the rod by cleaning it nicely and storing it responsively for your next fishing trip.
Ideal surf fishing reel
1. Type of reel
You need to be very vigilant regarding the reel of the rod for surf fishing. In this type of saltwater fishing, anglers are often seen adapting overhead casting techniques because of casting in the distant areas; far from the shore. In this matter, an anti-backlash reel comes into consideration, moreover, spinning reels are extremely helpful in getting you a variety of fish if you are not looking for any specific one.
2. Size of the reel
Inshore fishing means you are ready to hunt medium to large fish, namely, King Mecherel, Halibut, Sharks, Snook, Tarpon, Striped Bass, and more. These species are aggressive and run away with so much speed that the triggered strength sometimes causes a great pull on the line which often makes it difficult for the angler to resist. That is why you need to buy a rod with a large size reel; for instance, 6000 to 10000 size reels are some popular choices of surf anglers.
3. Line capacity of the reel
Spinning reels of large size do accommodate larger line capacity, but sometimes overlooking this aspect can cause you distress if it comes out with little capacity. Double check the spool and its capability of holding the line including the type of line as well.
Get at least 200 yards of line paired with a large size spinning reel. There are two main types of lines, monofilament and braided. Manufacturers frequently offer the prior one, but it is suitable for freshwater or small to medium size species. For best performance at the coast, we recommend you buy braided line separately, as they are more capable of handling large fish with great power.
Lure or bait for surf fishing
Picking the right surf fishing bait is primitive for successful beach fishing. Use bait/lure that looks exactly like a meal; fish look for something to eat.
Lures are artificial baits, and baits are alive or cut pieces of any live insect (or fish). Experienced anglers use a combination of both, depending on the targeted fish and the environment they are casting in. Picking any of them is a personal preference. For a neat and instant retrieval, lures are considered over baits. Whereas, live baits are an ideal option to attract large fish and a variety of them but are a little messy compared to plastic made lures.
Other conditions that may affect your performance are strong currents and wave size hitting the shore. When the waves rise too much and accelerate the tides to an extent where bait or lure is reversed back to the bay, opt for heavy lure or bait instead of using light lures. You can also attach a weighted sinker to keep your bait in its place.
Warranty of the rod
Whether we talk about skilled anglers or beginners, brands like Ugly Stick, Zebco, Abu Garcia, and St. Croix are prioritized, not just because they offer a wide variety of options on a budget but also due to their warranty and prompt service.
In case of any mishap in the shipment or on any side, you can claim it and get your refund/replacement within a few days. You can also get connected with customer service agents to seek help.
Other factors to consider
Being a professional angler, I have jotted down every little detail in answering how to choose the best surf fishing rod for beginners. The above mentioned properties are crucial to start learning how to fish, however, the decision to buy surf fishing gear may be affected by other elements like weather conditions, high or low tide, strong currents, locating the right fishing spot, and the targeted species.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know my surf rod and reel are balanced?
Checking whether your rod and reel are balanced or not is quite easy. You need to hold your fishing rod (reel should be attached) horizontally and observe the inclination of the weight. If the weight is felt on either side of the rod, the reel and rod are not compatible or balanced. But if you feel the weight centrally or in other words, if your rod is easy to handle in a horizontal position, it means it is balanced.
2. Can I use a portable or a telescopic fishing rod for surf casting?
Surf casting is a bit aggressive type of fishing, dealing with harsh nature and big sea species. Speaking of telescopic rods, they are delicate and short, unable to cast in distance the way it is required in surf casting. Neither the components of the rod is strong enough to handle heavy wind blows. Subsequently, telescopic fishing rods are not a good choice for surf fishing.
3. How can I prevent my reel from getting damaged in saltwater fishing?
When you are done with your fishing day and are back at home, wash your fishing reel with freshwater and lubricate its moving parts with a few drops of oil. Brush that oil nicely to the gears and store it in a dry place. Practice this even if you are using a corrosion-resistant reel as well, it will increase the lifespan of the gear.
Verdict
For surf fishing, you need to spend on a saltwater fishing rod. We recommend investing in a spinning fishing rod and reel combo of medium to heavy power with moderate to fast action, constructed with corrosion-free material.
Hopefully, we have educated you enough about the right surf fishing tackle. Considering these elements, you may select a surf rod within your budget. If you have any queries, leave us a comment below, and we will be there to help you out.